Western governments, business and institutions have restricted bilateral relations and frozen commercial and cultural links with Russia in recent years. But diminishing area and language expertise poses serious challenges. 

Not only does it hinder our ability to respond effectively to Russia's domestic and foreign policy-making, but it also limits our understanding of Moscow’s relations with the emerging powers. China and India are charting their rise to global leadership; developing nations in Asia, Africa and Latin America are seeking alternatives to the Western-led political and economic order; and the Middle East and parts of Africa are entering a new era of complex and conflictual geopolitical dynamics.

In a rapidly changing global environment, we believe it is essential to address the shortfall in public understanding of Russia and the Global South, challenging conventional assessments and offering sorely-needed expert insights. A lack of knowledge significantly inhibits our ability to formulate trade and security policies and act strategically on the global stage, particularly in the Asia-Pacific Region, Eurasia, the Middle East and Africa – regions which are of great importance to the West, as evidenced by UK Research and Innovation’s forthcoming £5 million research programme.

WBTW research and consultancy services aim to fill these critical gaps and provide public and private organisations with the necessary knowledge and objectivity to navigate the intricate contemporary landscape of international politics, security and trade and improve decision-making.