In 2012 there were some important developments: APEC summit in Vladivostok symbolized Russian turn to Asia, Magnitsky Act in US and Russian reaction demonstrated who deep foreign policy was interconnected with domestic agenda.

       Valdaiclub.com interview with Fyodor Lukyanov, Editor–in–Chief of Russia in Global Affairs magazine (since 2002). Member of the Valdai Discussion Club.

       What are the 3 most important developments in the Russian foreign policy?

       Number one: Russian consistent position on Syria, which didn’t change despite pressure from all sides – political and psychological. This is a rather rare example when Russia sticks to principle and not just seeks commercial gains or pursues geopolitical interests.

       Number two: APEC summit in Vladivostok, which symbolized Russian turn to Asia. Meeting per se was not beyond expectations, but the very fact matters.

       Number three: Magnitsky Act in US and Russian reaction, both of which demonstrated who deep foreign policy is now interconnected with domestic agenda.

       What are the 3 most important events in the international scene? Why do you choose them?

       Number one: Syrian civil war which manifested how confusing combination of different driving forces can be. Political conflict – quest for democracy against dictatorship, sectarian war between Sunni and Shia, geopolitical struggle between regional power (Iran, Saudi Arabia), conceptual stand-off between Russia and the West on model how local crisis’ should be settled – with or without foreign intervention. This is really quintessence of international politics today.

       Number two: Elections in the US and succession in China. New leaderships of both countries will need to cope with escalating rivalry between two major powers in the world.

       Number three: Mohammed Mursi as president of Egypt. Very important experiment on whether Islamic political forces can successfully govern and guarantee development for those countries.

       Who are the three persons who influenced global agenda on Russia in 2012?

       Pussy Riot punk-band, trial manifested growing difference in perception of values between Russia and the West. There is a fundamental process which will define direction of future development of Russia.

       What are the three current trends that will have the biggest impact on Russia in 2013?

       Number one: increasing inability to develop strategies in contemporary chaotic environment.

       Number two: re-ideologization of international affairs, including growing role of religions.

       Number three: global shift to Asia

       Views expressed are of individual Members and Contributors, rather than the Club's, unless explicitly stated otherwise.