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RE-ENERGIZING THE RUSSIA-ASEAN RELATIONSHIP: THE EURASIAN OPPORTUNITY
While Russia’s policy in Southeast Asia encounters serious deficiencies, in 2016 plans to raise Russia-ASEAN relationship to the level of strategic partnership were announced at the top level. The puzzle, therefore, is why cooperation between Russia and ASEAN in Eurasia will lay the foundation for Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership. The article gives insights in Russia’s policy in Southeast Asia through the prism of ASEAN prospective plans, traces the increase in bilateral cooperation in Eurasia, assesses the potential of the format ASEAN-SCO-EAEU and its implications for Russia’s policy in Southeast Asia. The authors argue that Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership will be premised upon their cooperation in the Greater Eurasia, which will give a strong impetus to Russia’s policy in Southeast Asia. The findings include the identification of reasons behind premising the planned Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership, the obstacles the parties will have to overcome, and the impact of this cooperation upon Russia-ASEAN connectivity.