Military-technical cooperation between Russia and Cambodia in the context of geopolitical competition in Southeast Asia

This study is dedicated to the analysis of military-technical cooperation (MTC) between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Cambodia in the context of the overall strategic partnership between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In the context of growing geopolitical competition in Southeast Asia, where tensions between the US and China are increasing, ASEAN countries are striving to maintain neutrality and diversify their foreign policy ties. In this context, Russia is attempting to position itself as a neutral and stable partner through participation in multilateral formats (ADMM+, EAS) and the development of bilateral relations, including cooperation with Cambodia. The study reveals a contradiction between the formally proclaimed status of strategic partnership and the actual limitations of interaction with Cambodia, especially in the area of MTC. The focus is on assessing existing forms of cooperation, the reasons for their low intensity, and the prospects for deepening ties considering geopolitical, economic, and institutional constraints. The study employs methods of comparative analysis, an institutional approach, and geopolitical contextual analysis to identify structural and political factors that restrict MTC between Russia and Cambodia. The scientific novelty of the article lies in a systematic assessment of Cambodia's role as a potential partner for Russia in the field of MTC within the broader context of interaction with ASEAN. The work demonstrates that despite symbolic steps, such as Cambodia's participation in joint exercises and visits by Russian military ships, actual military-technical cooperation remains fragmented and is not backed by substantive initiatives. One reason for this is the lack of mutual strategic priorities: Cambodia primarily orients itself towards China and Vietnam, while Russia is focused on relations with Vietnam and Myanmar. In addition, Russia's foreign policy isolation and Western sanctions limit opportunities for arms supplies and project implementation. It is concluded that without changing the current geopolitical situation and enhancing Russian involvement in regional institutions, cooperation with Cambodia will remain marginal. Nevertheless, with political will and institutional support, multilateral interaction formats (ADMM+, EAS) could serve as a basis for building trust and expanding dialogue, including in areas of MTC.