FM Sergey Lavrov publishes an article in Global Times that can be seen as a manifesto of Russia’s foreign policy. Lavrov directly states that "all that the main players on the international stage are still those who stand up for their own interests.”/1 https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1189830.shtml

Lavrov indicates that Russia’s preferred international order is that of a concert of great powers which he poetically calls “a global concert of diplomatic symphonies.” This concert should basically represent a collective directorate of the UNSC permanent members. /2

“We hope that the current crisis will help people realize that the UN-centered world order, formed after the WWII, has stood the test of time and is highly resilient to pressure.” /3

In a nod to India and other non-UNSC members, Lavrov says that “like any living body, the UN needs to...better adapt itself to the realities of a multipolar world. Of course, the potential of global governance mechanisms such as the G20 and WTO should continue to be maximized.”/4

Lavrov calls on Europe to become “an independent center of international influence in a multipolar world” and secure “their rightful place in a more equitable and democratic… world order.” Europe can achieve this by turning away from Atlanticism and shifting to Eurasianism. /5

“It is time for Europeans to stop breaking away from their own continent, to stop peeping into the world's survival landmarks and to invite external military presence. This military presence is depriving EU of the possibility of becoming an independent center of influence.” /6

Lavrov characterizes Russia as “an important international center, exporter and guarantor of security.” It seems the Kremlin has given up on Russia to be a major economic power and aims to be a key provider of military-political security and maybe a geopolitical balancer. 7/7