Putin's geopolitical horror show: St. Petersburg forum degraded from 'Window to the West' to 'Davos of the Outcasts'

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), established nearly 30 years ago, was once regarded as a premier event for the Russian market, often called the "Davos of the East." It served as a platform where international investors engaged with Russia, and Western leaders publicly met with President Vladimir Putin, fostering an image of Russia as a modern and reliable partner.

However, since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has transformed SPIEF into a showcase for its "turn to the East." This year's forum prominently features delegations from China, India, various African nations, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran. Saudi Arabia is the guest of honor, attending with a large delegation of ministers and top executives. The event's theme is "Pragmatic Dialogue – The Path to a Stable Future."

The Kremlin has skillfully maintained an illusion of economic, political, and social normalcy. This effort is aided by certain figures from the West who attend SPIEF and portray Russia as a peaceful nation, aligning with the regime's narrative. Among the attendees are figures like Andrew and Tristan Tate, known for their association with the "Manosphere" and aggressive masculinity ideology.

Videos shared by the British-American brothers show them participating in a reception in St. Petersburg, complete with traditional Russian hospitality elements. Their presence, alongside other Western influencers and politicians, contributes to the staged atmosphere of welcome and international engagement, despite Russia's ongoing isolation from many Western countries.