Russia's BRIC Allies Raise Doubts on Western Intervention in Libya

Russia's decision to abstain on the United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing military action in Libya was likely a compromise between President Dmitry Medvedev and hard-line forces in the foreign and defense ministries, analysts say. Speaking on Monday, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin compared the Western assault on Muammar Qaddafi's forces to a medieval crusade, calling the UN resolution "defective and flawed." Russia is not the only BRIC country to express doubts about the operation. Brazil, China, India, and Germany have all signaled reservations about the Western approach, with some experts suggesting that the BRIC countries may be coordinating their foreign policies to stage a collective pushback against the dominance of the old-line powers.

Key Takeaways:

• Russia abstained on the UN Security Council resolution authorizing military action in Libya, while expressing harsh criticism of the operation.
• Prime Minister Vladimir Putin compared the Western assault on Muammar Qaddafi's forces to a medieval crusade, calling the UN resolution "defective and flawed."
• All the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) have signaled reservations about the Western approach to the Libyan conflict.
• Germany is the odd man out among the BRIC countries, with the others having consulted among themselves on foreign policy positions for about five years.
• Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna regretted the air strikes, citing concerns for innocent civilians, foreign nationals, and diplomatic missions.
• China opposed the use of force in international relations, with a foreign ministry spokesperson stating that "China, as always, does not agree with the use of force in international relations."
• Brazil abstained from voting on the UN resolution, citing opposition to international militarization of the crisis in Libya.
• The Arab League, which first called for imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya, has also been expressing second thoughts about Western intervention.
• Russia's decision not to block the UN resolution was the result of a tough compromise between Medvedev and hard-line forces in the foreign and defense ministries, analysts say.
• The Kremlin views its relations with the West as improving and sees cooperation as key, but hard-line forces within the government are pushing against Western intervention in Libya.

Statistics:

• The BRIC countries account for 60% of the world's population and 40% of its GDP (Source: Vladimir Davidov, Director, Institute of Latin American Studies, Moscow)
• The Libyan conflict has resulted in reported civilian casualties, with the Russian Foreign Ministry calling on the West to "halt the indiscriminate use of force" (Source: RIA-Novosti)
• The operation in Libya has also led to difficulties in achieving a common position among the BRIC countries, with India and China expressing differing views on the issue (Source: Fyodor Lukyanov, Editor, Russia in Global Affairs)

Sources:

• Vladimir Davidov, Director, Institute of Latin American Studies, Moscow
• Alexander Konovalov, President, Institute for Strategic Assessments, Moscow
• Dmitry Babich, Expert, RIA-Novosti agency
• Fyodor Lukyanov, Editor, Russia in Global Affairs
• Amr Moussa, Secretary General, Arab League
• Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna
• Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson
• Brazilian foreign ministry spokesperson
• Russian Foreign Ministry
• Prime Minister Vladimir Putin
• President Dmitry Medvedev
• US Defense Secretary Robert Gates