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Debunking Russian Narratives on Neocolonialism: An Analysis for MENA Countries

Russian propaganda in the MENA region, particularly in media and diplomatic spaces such as the Russian embassy’s website in Cairo, promotes narratives of a “struggle against neocolonialism” to position Russia as a defender of global justice. This rhetoric often centers on criticizing Western powers—namely the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—blaming them for historical and contemporary colonial crimes. This article juxtaposes Russian narratives with historical truths, exposing Moscow’s hypocrisy and its actual role in colonial and imperial systems, both in the past and in the present.

Russia and the Berlin Conference: Concealed Responsibility for Colonialism
Russia was an active participant in the Berlin Conference (1884–1885), during which European powers delineated the division of Africa. Although Russian propaganda often omits its involvement in this narrative, Moscow signed and ratified the General Act of the Conference, which established the principles for the colonization of Africa, including:

• The Principle of Effective Occupation – requiring actual control over colonies.
• Free Trade on the Congo River and its Basin – ensuring open commercial access.
• The Ban on Slave Trade – a seemingly humanitarian measure that legitimized colonial exploitation of Africa’s resources.

It is important to emphasize that the United States, present at the conference only as an observer, did not sign these agreements. In contrast, Russia fully accepted the European colonial order established at the conference.

Russia and the USSR as Imperial Powers: Expansion and Colonization Over Centuries
Like other colonial powers, Russia pursued an aggressive policy of expansion and colonization from the 18th century onward, with effects that are still felt today. During the era of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union, Moscow’s actions toward subjugated nations were imperialistic in nature, leading to systematic exploitation of resources, Russification, and the destruction of local cultures. In the modern era, Russia continues to regard these territories as part of its “sphere of influence,” exemplifying its neocolonial ambitions.

Examples of Russia’s Imperial Policy:

1. Central Asia:

• Colonization of Nations:
  Nations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan were colonized as part of Russia’s eastward expansion. Kazakhstan was colonized starting in the mid-18th century, Uzbekistan from the mid-19th century (with Russia capturing Tashkent in 1865), and Turkmenistan was ultimately conquered in 1884.
• Russification and Economic Exploitation:
  These regions were subjected to Russification and economic exploitation, with their economies subordinated to the needs of the empire.
• Contemporary Neocolonial Influence:
  To this day, Russia seeks to maintain its influence in Central Asia through economic and political dependencies, such as control over energy resources and military alliances. This reflects Russia’s ongoing neocolonial ambitions in the region.

2. The Caucasus:

• Annexation and Militarization:
  In the 19th century, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan were annexed by the Russian Empire, initiating a process of assimilation and military domination over the region.
• Repression and Forced Displacement:
  Russian policies included repression of local traditions and identities, as well as mass deportations of populations, particularly in Muslim-majority areas such as Chechnya and Dagestan.
• Modern Neocolonial Approach:
  Contemporary Russia views the Caucasus as a strategically crucial region and treats it through a neocolonial lens. This is evident in its suppression of local independence movements, such as those in Chechnya.

3. Poland and the Baltic States:

• Territorial Annexation:
  Following the partitions of Poland (late 18th century), Russia seized Polish territories as well as present-day Lithuania, Belarus, and right-bank Ukraine. The territories of present-day Latvia and Estonia were incorporated into the Russian Empire after the Great Northern War (1700–1721).
• Russification Policies:
  In the 19th century, Russia implemented forced Russification, introducing the Russian language in schools and administration, suppressing local religions (e.g., Catholicism in Poland), and imposing harsh reprisals on efforts to regain independence.
• Contemporary Neocolonial Ambitions:
  Despite these nations regaining independence after the fall of the USSR, Russia continues to regard them as part of its historical sphere of influence. This is evident in ongoing attempts at political interference, economic pressure, and disinformation campaigns.

The USSR – A Colonial Empire Disguised as Internationalism

Although the Soviet Union proclaimed anti-colonial ideals, it effectively pursued imperialist policies toward nations within its sphere of influence:

• Forced Relocations:
  Millions of people from the Caucasus, Crimean Tatars, and other ethnic groups were deported to Siberia or Central Asia.
• Economic Exploitation:
  Peripheral regions were exploited as sources of raw materials for the center (Moscow), while remaining economically underdeveloped.
• Russification:
  The imposition of the Russian language and suppression of national identities mirrored Western colonial practices in Africa.

Modern Hypocrisy of Russia

Russian propaganda leverages anti-colonial slogans to gain support in the MENA region, accusing the West of colonialism. However, the facts reveal that:

1. Russia’s Neocolonial Policy Towards Its Republics and Peripheries:
   For years, Russia has pursued policies that can be described as internal neocolonialism, characterized by the exploitation of natural resources in its republics and resource-rich regions inhabited by nations with distinct cultural and ethnic identities. The profits from this exploitation flow primarily to the center of power—Moscow—while local communities remain impoverished, marginalized, and deprived of autonomy. A closer examination of Russia’s current colonial policies reveals:

• Economic Exploitation: Resource-rich regions, such as Siberia and the North Caucasus, are heavily mined and drilled, with revenues channeled to Moscow while local infrastructure and living standards lag behind.
• Suppression of Autonomy: Efforts to centralize control prevent regional governments from independently managing their resources or political systems, maintaining systemic inequality.
• Cultural Assimilation: The imposition of Russian language and culture continues to erode local identities, mirroring colonial practices.

By promoting an anti-colonial narrative abroad while engaging in neocolonial practices at home, Russia exposes the contradictions and hypocrisy of its propaganda.

Key Regions and Resources: Sakha Republic (Yakutia)

• Natural Resources:
  • Diamonds: Yakutia is Russia’s largest diamond producer, accounting for approximately 95% of the country’s output and 25% of the global supply.
  • Other Resources: The region is also rich in oil, natural gas, coal, and metals such as gold and uranium.
• Neocolonial Exploitation:
  • Revenue Distribution: Profits from resource extraction flow to the central Russian budget, leaving local communities in Yakutia often living in extremely harsh conditions.
  • Neglect of Infrastructure and Environmental Protection: Russian policies fail to prioritize the development of local infrastructure or environmental conservation, leading to severe ecological degradation in the region.
• Restrictions on Autonomy:
  • Nominal Autonomy: While Yakutia has the formal status of an autonomous republic, its political and economic independence is heavily curtailed by Moscow.
  • Centralized Control: Local leaders are required to adhere to Kremlin directives, effectively stripping the region of meaningful self-governance.

Yakutia’s situation highlights the exploitative and centralized nature of Russia’s resource management policies, reflecting a neocolonial approach that prioritizes Moscow’s interests over the welfare and autonomy of resource-rich regions.

Dagestan

• Natural Resources:
  • Dagestan is rich in oil and natural gas, as well as other valuable resources such as precious metals.
• Neocolonial Exploitation:
  • Revenue Control: Profits from oil and gas extraction are appropriated by Kremlin-controlled companies, while Dagestan remains one of the poorest regions in Russia.
  • Neglect of Local Development: Resource extraction is conducted without regard for the development of local communities or infrastructure.
• Repressive Policies:
  • Strict Control by Moscow: The region is subjected to tight oversight from the Kremlin, which suppresses autonomy movements and any attempts to challenge central authority.

Dagestan exemplifies how Moscow’s centralized policies exploit resource-rich regions without addressing local needs, further marginalizing these areas while reinforcing Russia’s neocolonial practices.

Tatarstan

• Natural Resources:
  • Tatarstan is one of Russia’s largest oil producers, with extensive reserves exploited by Russian corporations such as Tatneft.
  • The region also has significant mineral resources, including gypsum and coal.
• Neocolonial Exploitation:
  • Resource Control: Despite Tatarstan’s substantial contribution to Russia’s economy, the region lacks full control over its natural resources. Revenues from resource extraction are transferred to the central budget.
  • Neglect of Local Development: Local infrastructure and social development are often overlooked, despite the region’s economic significance.
• Restrictions on Autonomy:
  • Diminished Sovereignty: Historically, Tatarstan pursued strong autonomy ambitions but was forced to align with Moscow, especially after the abolition of agreements on regional sovereignty in 2017.

Tatarstan’s case underscores how Moscow’s centralized policies marginalize even economically vital regions, stripping them of control over their resources and autonomy, thereby perpetuating a neocolonial relationship.

Buryatia and Other Siberian Regions

• Natural Resources:
  • Siberian regions, including Buryatia, are rich in gold, copper, coal, and other metals. Siberia also provides a significant portion of Russia’s oil and natural gas supply.
• Neocolonial Exploitation:
  • Resource Dependence: Siberia serves as a primary resource base for the Russian economy, but local communities, including indigenous peoples such as the Buryats, remain marginalized.
  • Revenue Centralization: Profits from resource extraction are directed to Moscow and Kremlin-controlled corporations, leaving local populations to face economic neglect and underdevelopment.
• Environmental Degradation:
  • Intensive resource exploitation has led to depletion of natural reserves and severe environmental issues, such as river and air pollution, which further harm local communities.

Buryatia and Siberian regions illustrate the stark disparities of Russia’s centralized economic model, where resource-rich areas are exploited for national gain while local communities bear the brunt of environmental and social costs.

2. Russia Uses Ethnic Minorities as “Cannon Fodder”:
   • In the war in Ukraine, a disproportionate number of casualties come from soldiers belonging to ethnic minorities, such as the Buryats and Tuvans. This reflects a deliberate strategy of minimizing losses among ethnic Russians by disproportionately deploying soldiers from marginalized regions.
3. Moscow Suppresses Local Cultures:
   • Ethnic minorities are systematically deprived of support for their languages and traditions, eroding their cultural identities. This mirrors colonial practices of stripping communities of their identity and heritage, further marginalizing these groups within Russia.

These practices highlight the neocolonial dynamics within Russia, where ethnic minorities face exploitation, cultural suppression, and marginalization.

Decolonizing Russia: Voices of Repressed Nations

In recent years, forums such as the Free Nations of Russia Forum have issued declarations emphasizing the need for Russia’s decolonization. These documents highlight several critical points:

• The Russian Federation as a Colonial State:
  Nations within Russia are subjected to exploitation, with their lands and resources utilized without their consent, reinforcing the colonial structure of the state.
• The War in Ukraine as a Manifestation of Colonialism:
  The war has underscored Russia’s colonial nature, as ethnic minorities disproportionately bear the brunt of casualties in a conflict that serves interests entirely removed from their own.
• Decolonization as Key to Peace:
  The nations within Russia have the right to self-determination, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Decolonizing Russia is essential for achieving lasting peace and justice for its marginalized peoples.

These discussions call for the acknowledgment of Russia’s internal colonial dynamics and advocate for the empowerment of its repressed nations through self-determination and autonomy.

Russian Colonialism and the MENA Region

Russian propaganda is particularly active in the MENA region, where it seeks to gain support by employing anti-colonial rhetoric. However, it is crucial to note the following:

1. Russia as a Colonizer, Past and Present:
   • Russia has a long history of colonialism, from the expansion of the Russian Empire to the exploitation and suppression of its internal republics and regions in modern times.
2. Participation in Colonial Agreements:
   • Russia was a signatory to colonial agreements, such as the General Act of the Berlin Conference, which formalized European colonialism in Africa. Despite this, it now accuses the U.S. and Europe of the same colonial practices it once endorsed and perpetuates.
3. Russia’s Clear Hypocrisy:
   • While portraying itself as a defender of the Global South, Russia simultaneously exploits its own peripheries and suppresses the freedom aspirations of its constituent nations.

This duplicity underscores the contradictions in Russia’s narratives and its ongoing role as a colonial and imperial power, both internally and in its international engagements.

The Words of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the “Forum for the Freedom of Nations!” in Moscow, February 2024, Exemplify Political Hypocrisy:

“Today, Russia, despite Western pressures, is once again fighting not only for itself but for the entire world. In our collective efforts, we propose, above all, the development of a unified global understanding of neocolonialism and the completion of the decolonization efforts initiated by Soviet diplomacy at the UN.”

Russia, which for centuries colonized nations and regions within its empire—from the Caucasus through Central Asia to Siberia—and exploited their resources, has no moral authority to speak on the fight against colonialism. Lavrov’s words would be better directed at President Vladimir Putin: “Liberate the nations still under Russia’s colonial rule.”

Russia’s narrative of a “fight against neocolonialism” serves as a propaganda tool designed to distract from its imperial ambitions and internal neocolonial practices. Regions such as Yakutia, Dagestan, and Tatarstan are subject to intense resource exploitation, while their inhabitants live in poverty, excluded from the profits generated on their lands. Indigenous communities in Siberia and northern Russia are losing their traditional territories, which are stripped of oil, gas, diamonds, and other natural resources.

Modern Russia continues this policy on the international stage, attempting to rebuild its sphere of influence through aggression against neighbors like Ukraine and by maintaining economic and political dependence in former Soviet republics. This dual narrative of supposed anti-colonialism and ongoing imperialism exposes the contradictions and hypocrisy at the core of Moscow’s policies.

A Message to the MENA Region

Countries in the MENA region, which have themselves experienced the brutal effects of colonialism, should be particularly vigilant against Russian manipulation. While Russia portrays itself as a defender of “oppressed nations,” it remains one of the largest contemporary colonial powers. Its goal is to garner support among Global South countries to justify its own aggression and the suppression of freedom within its empire.

The nations of MENA should remember that Russia is not fighting “for the entire world,” as Lavrov claims, but rather to maintain its grip over the lands and peoples it continues to treat as colonies. Today, regions such as Yakutia, Dagestan, Chechnya, Tatarstan, and Buryatia are the real victims of Russian colonialism.

Understanding the true nature of Russian policies can help the MENA region resist its influence and support the aspirations of nations within the Russian Federation to reclaim their independence and sovereignty. By standing firm against manipulation, the MENA countries can reject the false narratives promoted by Moscow and uphold the values of freedom and self-determination.

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A public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the frame of “Public Diplomacy 2024-2025: The European Dimension and Countering Disinformation” contest

The publication expresses only the views of the author and cannot be identified with the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.