WHY A NEW FOREIGN POLICY CONCEPT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IS IMPORTANT FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS?

Abstract

The Pacific Islands are a diverse and unique region consisting of thousands of islands scattered across the vast ocean. Although they differ in terms of geography, culture and economic weight, they all have a common question: what is their role in the geopolitics of the 21st century and in building a new world order. For a long time, the Pacific Islands were perceived by long-established major actors in the region only in terms of geostrategic benefits. However, times are changing, and there is a growing demand for a more sovereign foreign policy among the Pacific Island Countries (PICs). It's especially important to consider their specific needs and support the pursuit of economic, industrial and technological development. The potential PICs' inclusion in new international platforms, for example, in BRICS+, is seen as relevant here. Many of the countries in the association are already known to them. Common points of foreign policy and development vision can also be traced in the new Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. The document not only defines the vector of the country's future interaction with the Asia-Pacific, but also emphasizes the importance of independent foreign policy and fair access to economic development for all countries. The article examines tectonic shifts in the international arena, Russia's role in the Asia-Pacific, the specifics of the Pacific Islands' vision, and their importance for a multipolar world. Special attention is paid to assessing their possible involvement in BRICS+ affairs. Among other things, the article considers the advantages of cooperation (building of a broad integration contour; ensuring free access of countries to the benefits of the global economy; and reducing vulnerability to unfriendly external influences).