Behind the Global South’s hesitancy to criticize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

For much of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, commentators in the U.S. and Europe have lamented that only a few countries outside of the West have stood for Kyiv.

“I actually do wish that countries would take a firmer stance on Russia’s invasion and Ukraine because it’s a clear violation of international law,” Lynn Kuok says. “And I think what is important is for countries not to see international law as separate to their realist interests.”

Meanwhile, Russia’s taken direct action to grow its influence in those countries.

Just last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised up to 50…