Iryna Krupenya
PhD in Political Science, Associate Professor of the Department of World History, International Relations and Methods of Teaching Historical Disciplines, Sumy State Pedagogical University named after A.S. Makarenko
DOI:
Abstract. The article analyses the main directions of Malaysia’s foreign policy. It is stated that the main foreign policy priorities of the tenth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, are focused on three areas: multilateral regional cooperation in the ASEAN format, stimulating economic relations with the countries of the Middle East, and pragmatic relations with major powers, in particular with China and the US. The fundamental aspects of Malaysia’s foreign policy are also neutrality and non-alignment, regional security and peace, economic prosperity, international aid, and humanitarian initiatives. The study highlights that an important component of foreign policy at the present stage is the Malaysia Madani concept. It further explains the historically neutral foreign policy course of Malaysia.
It is emphasised that Malaysia’s position on the russian-Ukrainian war turned out to be restrained. A general ‘concern about the situation in Ukraine’ and a call to all parties to peace negotiations were expressed. The author states that Malaysia’s position on the war in Ukraine corresponds to the policy of the ‘toothless tiger’ and depends not so much on the imperative of international law as on the pragmatic interests of the state.
The results of the study have practical significance and can be used in teaching such disciplines as foreign policy of Asian countries, history, political systems and foreign policy of Asian countries, current problems of Asia, regional studies, international relations and world politics, history of world diplomacy, etc. In addition, the results of the study may be useful for employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine responsible for the Southeast Asia subregion.
Keywords: ASEAN, APEC, foreign policy, Malaysia Madani concept, Malaysia, neutrality, Southeast Asia (SEA), russian-Ukrainian war.
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