Yevgeny Primakov and the Multipolar World Concept

On the Occasion of Diplomat’s Day

Diplomat’s Day is not only a professional holiday, but also an occasion to reflect on the figures of Russia’s foreign policy tradition whose ideas and practical decisions continue to shape international processes. One such figure is Yevgeny Maximovich Primakov (1929-2015), whose work in diplomacy and state service coincided with a period of profound transformation in the international system following the end of the Cold War.

Primakov not only adapted to these changes, but also articulated a coherent vision of the evolving global order, elements of which later became a crucial feature of Russia’s foreign policy thinking. His appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1996 marked a transition from analytical reflection to practical diplomacy. As noted by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov,

“his arrival at Smolenskaya Square became a watershed moment in the country’s foreign policy and laid the groundwork for restoring Russia’s standing in international affairs.”

This vision was embodied in the concept of a multipolar world, which became a central element of Primakov’s foreign policy legacy. It was grounded in his extensive academic and practical experience. As early as the 1980s, Primakov pointed out in his analytical works the limitations of the bipolar model and warned that attempts to replace it with a unipolar system would inevitably lead to instability. In his view, a sustainable international order could not exist if the diversity of interests, civilizations, and development models was ignored. Primakov consistently emphasized that a multipolar world does not imply rejection of cooperation, but rather a system in which several centers of power share responsibility for global stability.

Asia occupied an important place in Primakov’s analytical and diplomatic work. Primakov’s analytical writings and diplomatic practice reflected sustained attention to the changing role of non-Western states in international relations, including the growing political and economic significance of Asian states. In this context, he supported the development of Russia’s relations with Asian countries and emphasized the importance of dialogue and multilateral interaction.

Primakov drew attention to the potential role of closer Russia–China–India interaction in the context of emerging multipolar trends. This approach reflected his aspiration to build stable relations among key Eurasian centers on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

A symbolic episode vividly illustrating his principled stance was the so-called “turn over the Atlantic” in March 1999. This decision represented not merely a political gesture, but a rejection of unilateralism in favor of consultations and collective responsibility. Both in theory and in practice, Primakov attached particular importance to dialogue and collective approaches in international affairs.

In his works, including “A World Without Russia?”, Primakov addressed multipolarity as an emerging structural trend and emphasized the growing importance of dialogue and balance of interests in ensuring international stability.

Today, the ideas of a multipolar world articulated by Primakov in the late twentieth century not only retain their relevance, but are increasingly reflected in the evolution of international relations. The global system is undergoing a transformation characterized by the emergence of multiple centers of economic and political influence, the growing role of regional mechanisms.

In this context, Russia advocates the concept of the Greater Eurasian Partnership as a framework to broader regional cooperation, bringing together existing integration frameworks on the continent, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and ASEAN. These principles are consistent with those emphasized by Primakov in his analytical and practical work on international relations.

Characterizing transformation of the global order, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, speaking at the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club in October 2025, stated:

“Multipolarity and polycentrism are not just concepts; they are a reality that is here to stay”.

These views on the principles of a polycentric and multipolar system of international relations found their official expression in the 2023 Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation. Taken together, these assessments reflect an approach to international relations that traces its intellectual lineage to Primakov’s legacy.

Thus, Russia’s contemporary foreign policy in many respects continues and develops the intellectual and diplomatic heritage of Yevgeny Primakov. On #DiplomatsDay, reflecting on Primakov’s legacy serves as a reminder that ideas grounded in professional experience, analytical depth, and a commitment to dialogue are capable of shaping foreign policy for decades to come.