Malaysia and the Notion of Orientalism in the Context of the Russia-Ukraine War and the Weakening of Europe

Introduction 

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has significantly influenced not only Europe but also the global landscape, altering perceptions of international power relations.

In this regard, Malaysia, strategically positioned in Southeast Asia, provides a distinctive viewpoint on these events.

Edward Said's concept of Orientalism serves as a valuable framework for examining how Western nations, particularly those in Europe, have historically depicted the "Orient" or Eastern societies as inferior, primitive, and exotic.

This essay aims to investigate Malaysia's response to the European war and its consequences for the diminishing influence of European power, employing Said’s theory of Orientalism as a critical analytical tool.

The Foundations of Orientalism: The West’s Constructed Narrative

Edward Said's notion of Orientalism is fundamentally based on the premise that Western powers have historically fabricated a prevailing narrative about the East, which has been employed to rationalize colonization, economic exploitation, and claims of cultural superiority.

In his influential work, Orientalism (1978), Said contends that the West has constructed a portrayal of the East as enigmatic, primitive, irrational, and uncivilized, utilizing this representation to validate imperialistic endeavours.

This stereotype of the "Orient" has functioned to delineate Western identity in contrast, depicting Europe as modern, rational, and progressive, while simultaneously characterizing Eastern societies as stagnant and in dire need of Western intervention or governance.

The discourse surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly within European and Western contexts, subtly mirrors this historical legacy of Orientalism.

The conflict is frequently framed as a confrontation between democratic European values and the autocratic, regressive regime of Russia under President Vladimir Putin.

This narrative draws upon a long-standing tradition in Western political thought that categorizes Russia, and by extension, other Eastern nations, as "the Other."

Consequently, the war transcends mere military engagement, evolving into an ideological struggle that embodies deeply rooted perceptions of Eastern authoritarianism in contrast to Western democracy.

Malaysia and Its Relationship with the West

Malaysia, situated in Southeast Asia, is characterized by its diverse ethnic and religious composition, which contributes to its intricate historical relationship with Western powers, particularly stemming from its colonial experience under British governance.

The legacy of colonialism has left enduring impacts on the nation, influencing its perspective on international relations.

Consequently, Malaysia tends to approach Western narratives with a degree of wariness and scepticism, especially regarding foreign interventions and ideological conflicts that are often framed by Western discourse.

The nation's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict exemplifies the interplay between its colonial legacy and its current role in the global landscape.

As a semi-peripheral state, Malaysia lacks the geopolitical clout of core Western nations, yet it does not occupy a position on the periphery either.

Thus, while Malaysia's foreign policy is predominantly characterized by neutrality and non-alignment, it is also informed by the intricate relationships between core and peripheral states.

In the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Malaysia's response reflects both its historical context and its strategic interests in fostering balanced relations with significant global powers, including the United States, China, and Russia.

Malaysia’s Neutrality and the Challenge to Western Dominance

One of the fundamental tenets of Malaysia's international relations strategy is its commitment to neutrality and non-alignment.

This position embodies a broader aspiration to steer clear of the ideological conflicts that have historically polarized the West and the East, often depicted as a struggle between progress and regression, democracy and authoritarianism, as well as civilization and barbarism.

Malaysia's foreign policy prioritizes dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes without taking sides, contrasting sharply with the Western narrative that frequently categorizes the world into “us” versus “them.”

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has further highlighted the vulnerabilities of European power, particularly as the European Union (EU) grapples with significant internal discord.

The ramifications of the war, including an energy crisis, economic downturn, and political fragmentation, have diminished Europe’s global influence.

Subsequently, the capacity of Europe to assert power and sustain its preeminent position within the international system is increasingly under scrutiny.

From Malaysia's viewpoint, this decline in European strength presents an opportunity to contest the Western-centric global framework that has historically portrayed the East as inferior.

Hence, the current European predicament can be interpreted as a reversal of the conventional Western narrative, wherein Europe, once regarded as the epitome of "civilization," now faces challenges in preserving its significance amid a resurgent Russia and the rising prominence of China.

Orientalism and the Russia-Ukraine War: The Globalization of the "East-West" Binary

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has exacerbated the dichotomy of "East versus West" within global discussions.

Western media and political figures have often portrayed Russia as a representation of Eastern authoritarianism, drawing upon longstanding historical stereotypes that depict the East as erratic and perilous.

This narrative reinforces the Western view of Europe as a symbol of democracy, liberty, and stability. Concurrently, the characterization of Russia as the aggressor in this conflict enhances the perception of Western superiority, positioning the West as the legitimate guardian of international norms.

In contrast, Malaysia's stance on the conflict does not conform to the Western narrative. The country has advocated for a peaceful resolution and has refrained from taking a clear position in support of either Russia or Ukraine.

This neutrality challenges the oversimplified East-West binary that Western media and political leaders often employ to rationalize their interventions and to frame global affairs as a struggle between good and evil.

By maintaining a neutral position, Malaysia counters the Western-led portrayal of the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a stark battle between democracy and tyranny.

This approach is consistent with Malaysia's broader foreign policy, which promotes a more nuanced understanding of international conflicts, free from the historical constraints of Orientalism.

Malaysia’s Post-Colonial Identity and the Weakening of Europe

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to a notable decline in Europe's influence, which in turn provides Malaysia with a unique opportunity to reaffirm its post-colonial identity on the global stage.

The European Union and Western nations, once perceived as the preeminent forces in international relations, are now grappling with considerable internal difficulties.

The resultant energy crisis, economic volatility, and political disunity stemming from the war signify a reduction in Europe’s hegemonic power.

From Malaysia's viewpoint, this decline presents a chance to reshape global power dynamics and highlight the significance of the Global South, a region that has frequently been overlooked in the Western-centric global order.

Moreover, Malaysia's colonial past under British rule shapes its opposition to the notion of Western exceptionalism.

The conflict in Ukraine, often portrayed as a confrontation between Western democratic values and the Eastern "Other," challenges Malaysia's enduring belief that global politics should transcend simplistic ideological dichotomies.

Instead, Malaysia advocates for a more inclusive and equitable world order, one that moves beyond the racialized and Orientalist narratives historically employed to rationalize imperialism.

Conclusion

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, along with the resulting destabilization in Europe, presents Malaysia with a unique opportunity to interrogate and contest the historical narratives established by Western powers.

Utilizing Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism, Malaysia's approach to the situation underscores the necessity of moving beyond reductive East-West dichotomies, advocating instead for a more sophisticated and inclusive perspective on global geopolitics.

By adopting a stance of neutrality and prioritizing dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, Malaysia actively counters the Orientalist inclination to categorize the world in terms of hierarchical superiority and inferiority.

This stance, informed by Malaysia’s post-colonial identity and its commitment to steering clear of ideological entanglements, serves as a significant counter-narrative to Western perspectives and highlights the critical need for a balanced, non-aligned foreign policy in an increasingly intricate global landscape.

24.02.2025

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