This book is the result of an agreement between IMEMO and ISEAS to translate into English from Russian a book written by IMEMO scholars about the Russian perspectives on the Asia-Pacific region. ISEAS agreed to publish it in the belief that it would help to inform and clarify what is the Russian scholarly community thinking and writing about the region.

Our region is in a state of flux, with the rise of China and the liberalization of India, as well as the revitalization of Japan. The United States continues to play a pivotal role in regional affairs. But what does Russia think about all these great changes, about the Russian role, and the impact of the changes like the holding of the East Asian Summit?

Russia at the moment seems to be withdrawn and preoccupied with domestic issues. Yet it has great potential to change the regional balance of power by adding its weight to that of another rising power, in particular, through its arms sales and energy supplies. Thus the region cannot and should not discount Russia, whose own rise is inevitable.

For very good reasons therefore, ISEAS had launched its ASEAN-Russia Dialogue, so as to open doors and create pathways of understanding between both sides. IMEMO has kindly agreed to be the partner of ISEAS in this endeavour of mutual discovery. Through a process of annual seminars, intellectual exchanges and book publications/translations, both Institutes hope to build a solid foundation for better relations and understanding. This translated book is a contribution towards the achievement of that goal.

I wish to thank our colleagues Mark Hong, Teo Kah Beng, and ISEAS intern Miss Kostetskaia Stanislava for their editorial assistance with this book.