Forum Participants Assert Irreversibility of Global Power Shift
MOSCOW — Experts gathered at the 12th International Forum "Primakov Readings" declared that the global transition toward a multipolar world order is irreversible. The forum, held in Moscow on June 26, 2026, brought together policymakers, diplomats, and strategic experts from various nations to deliberate on the future of global governance.
The event was organized to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the E.M. Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO) of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Participants addressed the forum's theme, "A World Without Rules: A Power Game?" asserting that cooperation among nations is the key mechanism for addressing shared global challenges.
Sergey Kislitsyn, speaking at the event, reinforced the necessity of international collaboration for national prosperity. According to reports from TV BRICS, Kislitsyn stated, "No country can prosper in isolation in today's interconnected world." The consensus among attendees was that the current geopolitical landscape requires unified action rather than isolated efforts.
Russian Leadership Rejects Externally Imposed Rules
During the proceedings, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a message to the participants regarding the changing dynamics of international relations. Putin stated that the forum’s theme accurately reflects these shifts. He explicitly rejected what he described as externally imposed "rules," arguing instead for a framework centered on United Nations (UN) international law.
Putin reiterated Russia's support for this UN-centered approach, positioning it against alternative systems of governance that he characterized as imposed by external powers. His remarks aligned with the broader declaration made by experts at the forum that the move toward multipolarity cannot be halted.
Emphasis on Sovereign Equality Through Regional Blocs
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted specific multilateral platforms as models for this new order. Lavrov pointed to BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as key structures that facilitate sovereign equality among member states. These organizations were presented by Russian officials as viable alternatives to traditional Western-led alliances, offering a framework where nations interact on equal footing.
International Scholars Call for Cooperation Over Rivalry
Scholars from China and India participated in the discussions, emphasizing the need for cooperation over rivalry. Their contributions focused particularly on the fields of technology and development, areas they identified as critical for future global stability.
The international perspective presented at the forum suggested that technological advancement and developmental goals are best achieved through collaborative efforts rather than competitive ones. This view supported the overarching theme of the Primakov Readings, which sought to define a path forward in a world where traditional rules are being questioned.
Focus on Interconnected Challenges
The dialogue at the forum underscored that shared challenges require shared solutions. Experts noted that the interconnected nature of the modern world makes isolationism ineffective for any nation seeking prosperity. The declarations made during the June 26 event reflected a strategic pivot toward viewing multipolarity not just as a political reality, but as an economic and developmental necessity.
The forum concluded with a unified message from its diverse participants: the shift to a multipolar world is complete in its trajectory, and the focus must now turn to establishing cooperative frameworks that respect sovereignty while addressing global issues.