Famous Russian philosopher Maslin discusses China's contribution: China is coordinating the relationship between different civilizations in the world as a country | Russia | Contribution

Global Times Comprehensive Report: Maslin, a renowned Russian philosopher and distinguished professor at Moscow University, specializes in research on Russian national ideological security, Russian ideology, and intellectual history. He is also the earliest scholar in Russia to study the Chinese Dream. Since 2014, he has published multiple related articles and regarded the Chinese Dream as a theoretical tool for understanding the development of China. Recently, the author had in-depth exchanges with Maslin, who came to China to participate in academic activities, on topics such as China's contribution to the world. In the view of the 76 year old Russian scholar, since China proposed and promoted the implementation of the "the Belt and Road" initiative 10 years ago, it has made great contributions to the development of dialogue and cooperation among civilizations, and also brought hope to global economic development. The following is an excerpt from the conversation.

Maslin, Professor of Merit at Moscow University

Liu Zuoyuan: After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, you first raised the issue of the return of national ideology to traditional culture and the "Russian concept". What is your opinion on the future direction of the world situation and order?

Maslin: I believe that the future development of the world situation and order will be determined by the enhancement of national sovereignty and the degree of globalization. Organizations between certain forms of countries will play a decisive role. These international and regional organizations will be established on the basis of economic, financial, and cultural cooperation. For example, the BRICS countries and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will continue to expand.

Liu Zuoyuan: I agree with your statement. Just as the global development initiative, global security initiative, and global civilization initiative proposed by Chinese leaders are all important contributions of China to the world. As a philosopher, what do you think of the global civilization initiative proposed by the Chinese side? What's your understanding of Chinese path to modernization?

Maslin: The global civilization initiative proposed by Chinese leaders is of great significance. Undoubtedly, it attempts to coordinate the relationship between different civilizations in the world. But some Western countries, as well as NATO and the trilateral alliance formed by the United States, Britain, and Australia called "Okus", are unwilling to abide by the initiative of peace and civilization.

The Chinese path to modernization that China is talking about today, which seeks to coordinate material and spirit, is rooted in the excellent traditional Chinese culture, and is the modernization of the ancient civilization.

Liu Zuoyuan: This year is also the 10th anniversary of the proposal to jointly build the "the Belt and Road". How do you see the promotion and implementation of this initiative?

Maslin: Different countries have different civilizations and national interests. When the world faces various difficulties, China proposes and promotes the implementation of the "the Belt and Road" initiative, which contributes greatly to the development of dialogue and cooperation among civilizations, and also brings hope to global economic development.

Liu Zuoyuan: Chinese readers are very concerned about the younger generation in Russia now. How do they view China?

Maslin: The attitude of the younger generation in Russia towards China can be said to be very interesting. The activities of Confucius Institutes in Russian universities are very important and have influenced many young people. They are becoming more active in learning Chinese and Chinese culture, and some of my students are also studying in China. Most of the applicants for visas to China now are young people, which undoubtedly proves their interest in China.

Liu Zuoyuan: What is the state of the younger generation in Russia?

Maslin: On the one hand, compared with the previous generations who still retain the historical memory of the Soviet Union, today's young Russians are more influenced by the West through the Internet, popular culture and overseas travel. On the other hand, facing the suppression of the United States and NATO, their patriotic sentiment is increasingly rising.

Liu Zuoyuan: In your opinion, what are the ideological risks that Russia still faces since the disintegration of the Soviet Union?

Maslin: In Russia, the biggest ideological risk seems to stem from increasingly severe social stratification, property inequality, unfair distribution of wealth, and persistent poverty among some people. There is a large group of people we call "power brokers" who own property abroad and live a parasitic lifestyle. In addition, the uncontrolled growth of foreign workers, the criminal phenomenon caused by illegal immigration, and conflicts between certain ethnic groups also pose hidden dangers to Russian society. I also want to emphasize that at present, military confrontations characterized by psychological warfare have a stronger impact on the Russian people than ideological confrontations.

Liu Zuoyuan: In recent years, there have been constant rumors about whether the United States is stirring up a new Cold War. Do people like you who have experienced the Cold War agree with this statement?

Maslin: I believe that the question of whether the United States has allowed the world to "slide towards a new Cold War" has become a "past tense" because war has entered a "hot stage". The Ukrainian crisis has confirmed this. However, it is impossible for the United States to defeat a world power like Russia.However, the United States, which is losing its world hegemony, is unable to wage war on two fronts.