A delegation from the National Defense College of the Philippines visited St Petersburg University. During the meeting the parties discussed the problems of regional and international security.  

Opening the meeting, Sergey Andryushin, SPbU Deputy Rector for Foreign Affairs, addressed the guests with a welcome speech and told them about the history and present-day life of St Petersburg University. The guests watched a presentation of SPbU educational programmes. It was also noted that the University is currently implementing a number of unique research in the field of studying instability problems in the Eurasian security system.

Vladimir Kolotov, head of "The Eurasian Arc of Instability and Problems of Regional Security" project launched at the University in 2013 and aimed at analysing and preventing local conflicts in Eurasia, noted that Eurasia as a whole, including Russia and the Middle East, is an economic giant, which in political terms weighs much less if compared to its economic power. That means Eurasia does not play a leading role in the global regional policy, primarily in the area of ​​its own security. The SPbU Professor commented: "So a question arises: why do economic giants occupy a subordinate position? We are speaking here about a mechanism for ensuring regional security. The fact is that there is no formal security mechanism in Eurasia, yet there is an informal mechanism called the Eurasian Arc of Instability. It determines the geopolitical climate parameters in the region. The principle of its operation is to ensure the security of some regions through the oppression of others. This initiates a shortage of confidence and an arms race. And it explains why, despite a high aggregate GDP, the countries of Asia as a whole have no adequate political influence at the regional and global levels. Using such an analytical tool as the arc of instability allows us to understand where and why destabilisation occurs and who profits from it. The arc of instability is the most correct and accurate indicator of the existing balance of powers, where a big game is taking place between the main geopolitical players."

At the moment, destabilisation encompasses the territory from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the Arctic to the Indian Oceans. Vladimir Kolotov highlighted that Russia's position in the world conflict of political interests includes equal and indivisible security for all countries, without dividing them by importance. In modern conditions, when the strongest players of the political race provide technological, financial, information and even direct military support to forces involved into destabilisation, the position of the Russian Federation is of particular importance.

The guests of SPbU listened to the report with interest and asked questions. One of the questions was about collective security. Vladimir Kolotov shared his opinion: "Collective security is about the sovereign right of all countries to express their will. If they pursue a coherent policy in the field of economy and security, the countries of Southeast Asia will become a very influential economic and political player. This is a solvent market consisting of 650 million consumers. Southeast Asia can protect its interests only if its countries are unified. The Russian Federation will help them."

At the end of the meeting, the head of the Philippine delegation, Professor Charithie B Joaquin, head of the Research Department of the National Defense College of the Philippines, thanked the representatives of the University for such a warm welcome that allowed them to learn more about Russia and take a liking to the Russian people.

 

Reference

The idea of ​​founding the National Defense College of the Philippines was first put forward in 1957 on the initiative of the military advisors of the SEATO military-political bloc (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization). On 12 August 1963, Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal signed a decree establishing the college under the administration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Leading experts from the academic environment and senior officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines participate in the college's educational process.