Russia and Myanmar – Friends in Need?

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The presentation explores the ties between the two countries which at first glance not seem to have much in common, but are intensifying their cooperation in recent years. Not only the historical development and the dimensions of the relationship, but also its current chances and obstacles are examined. Ensuing questions are intended to serve as a guide for the analysis of encounter between the Russian Federation and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar – at first glance two rather different countries, which are more than six thousand miles away from each other: Which interests does Russia pursue in the Southeast Asian region and especially in Myanmar? Which abilities does it have, which strategies and instruments does it apply to achieve its aims? Where can success be observed so far, and which factors handicap the targeted implementation? How are these efforts regarded by Myanmar, which is recently at the centre of the international interests?