5XÉçÇø

The contemporary global system is characterised by the fracturing of traditional multilateral institutions, the rise of contested multipolarity, and the emergence of alternative architectures of global governance. One of the actors at the centre of this transformation is Russia. Amidst its ongoing confrontation with the West, it is adjusting its approach to international norms and regimes, while leveraging old and new partnerships with non-Western powers. Concepts such as ‘autocratic alignment’ and the ‘axis of upheaval’ are increasingly invoked to describe how revisionist and authoritarian states coordinate to bypass Western-led institutions, challenge liberal internationalism, and foster alternative economic, security, and diplomatic platforms.
In line with the 5XÉçÇøCongress theme, this open panel examines Russia’s evolving role through the lens of a multiplex world order -- an international system in which no single power or model of order predominates and multiple, overlapping architectures of governance coexist. The panel aims to discuss how Russia, with other revisionist powers, is reshaping the rules, norms, and institutions of contemporary global governance, away from a liberal-inspired model. We invite empirical, theoretical, and comparative paper contributions that explore the multifaceted dimensions of Russia’s evolving role in global politics and the pressures it exerts on the resilience of democracy.
The panel seeks to accommodate a wide variety of contributions addressing Russia-relevant topics. Potential themes and paper topics include, but are not limited to: (1) the evolution of Russia-China, Russia-North Korea, and Russia-Iran relations, including deepening strategic coordination, economic interdependencies, and joint challenges to Western hegemony; (2) trajectories of Russia-US and Russia-Europe relations, with a focus on the breakdown of the European security architecture and deterrence dynamics; (3) continuity and change in Russia’s engagement with its ‘Near Abroad,’ with an emphasis on regional approaches and integration projects; (4) Russia’s diplomatic, economic, and security strategies across the Global South, including engagement within formats like BRICS and alternative trade and financial corridors; (5) conceptual reflections on addressing the drivers and mechanisms of authoritarian cooperation, sanctions evasion, normative diffusion, and the institutionalisation of alternative global governance platforms.