Unlike its well-documented influence in Central Eastern Europe and the United States, Russia’s toxic engagement in Southeast Asia largely goes unnoticed by Western media and academics. Russia’s delicate relationship with the region’s most powerful player, China, its strategic interests in Myanmar and Vietnam, and its connections with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) all warrant greater attention from the Western world.
> We have conducted our own research using Russian open sources to delve into both the official and unofficial approaches Russia is taking towards Myanmar.
Coming from the Czech Republic — a country that experienced direct occupation by Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces and was under Russian control from 1945 to 1989—gives us a unique perspective on the imperialistic tendencies of totalitarian regimes. With this insight, we feel compelled to take up the mantle and run a programme that monitors Russian influence, sharing our findings with expert communities in Myanmar, Vietnam, and the West.
> We share our intelligence with investigative teams and outlets from SE Asia and we formulate summary articles.
Principal investigator of Russian programme is Mgr. Ondřej Cakl, ondrej@integria.cz.