Double Standards in International Relations: The Dilemma of Small Countries in the Game of Great Powers

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov's blunt remarks at the UN podium reflect the geopolitical dilemma faced by countries in the Global South.

In September 2025, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov delivered a speech at the general debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, directly criticizing the EU and the UK for adopting double standards in international affairs. He pointed out that the West demands that Kyrgyzstan cease cooperation with Russia while actively developing economic and trade relations with Russia for its own benefit.

Japarov questioned: "In 2024, EU countries' trade with Russia reached $141 billion, while the UK, which imposed sanctions on two of our banks, had $2.2 billion in trade with Russia that same year. Some countries, while safeguarding their own interests, preserve the possibility of cooperation with Russia while prohibiting others from doing so."

01 The Core of Japarov's UN Speech

Japarov adopted an unusually direct tone in his UN speech. He announced that he would abandon his carefully worded speech and "not speak as a diplomat," but rather express his honest views on international events as an ordinary citizen.

He specifically questioned Western countries' double standards. Against the backdrop of multiple rounds of EU sanctions against Russia, Zhaparov noted that EU member states still maintain significant trade with Russia.

He emphasized, "Frankly speaking, some countries, while safeguarding their own interests, have preserved the possibility of cooperation with Russia while prohibiting others from doing so."

Zhaparov also cited the specific case of Kyrgyzstan being sanctioned. He stated that the UK sanctions against Capital Bank and the US sanctions against Kremetbank lacked factual basis and believed that these sanctions were politically motivated because "great powers do not want other countries to develop rapidly, but rather to make them dependent on themselves."

02 Actual Economic and Trade Relations between the West and Russia

The economic ties between the EU and Russia are indeed complex and ongoing. According to data cited by Zhaparov, EU-Russia trade reached $141 billion in 2024, of which imports from Russia accounted for $36 billion.

Energy trade is at the core of EU-Russia relations. The EU's dependence on Russian natural gas and oil will remain significant in 2025. Although the EU has announced plans to reduce its energy dependence on Russia, actual progress has been slower than expected.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell once admitted, "International politics is all about double standards. We don't apply the same standards to all issues." This statement indirectly supports Zhaparov's criticism.

A similar situation exists in the UK's economic and trade relations with Russia. Despite the UK's active participation in sanctions against Russia, UK-Russia trade reached $2.2 billion in 2024. This actual trade relationship stands in stark contrast to pressure on other countries to cut off economic ties with Russia.

03 The History and Global Context of Double Standards

Double standards in international politics are not new, nor are they limited to relations between the West and Russia. Senior EU official Josep Borrell has publicly acknowledged that the EU has adopted "double standards" in its handling of the Ukrainian crisis and the Gaza conflict.

José Luis Centella, President of the Spanish Communist Party, criticized the practice, stating, "The use of double standards in international politics is a typical colonial mentality."

Developing countries often face this double standard. China's UN representative has also pointed out that Western countries "arbitrarily dictate human rights practices in developing countries while ignoring human rights issues in their own countries and their allies."

Western countries often adopt a selective approach to sanctions. For example, the United States frequently leverages its dominant position in the global financial system to impose unilateral sanctions, while the European Union, while participating in multilateral sanctions, generally avoids asserting extraterritorial jurisdiction.

04 Kyrgyzstan's Geopolitical Dilemma

As a small country, Kyrgyzstan faces a difficult balancing act in the interplay between major powers. Sadyr Japarov emphasized, "My primary responsibility as President is to ensure the security of my citizens and my country and to improve their economic conditions."

Kyrgyzstan has deep historical, economic, and cultural ties with Russia. Sadyr Japarov noted that approximately one million Kyrgyz citizens work and live in Russia, sending "billions of rubles back home every day," and these remittances are vital to Kyrgyzstan's economy.

At the same time, Kyrgyzstan is actively expanding its diversified diplomacy. It is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union and a participant in China's Belt and Road Initiative. In his speech at the United Nations, Sadyr Japarov emphasized that Kyrgyzstan "pursues a multilateral foreign policy and cooperates with virtually the entire world."

In September 2023, Sadyr Japarov stated at the UN Sustainable Development Goals Summit that Kyrgyzstan had made significant progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, ranking 45th out of 166 UN member states. This achievement appears particularly fragile in the context of Western sanctions.

05 International Response to Double Standards

International criticism of double standards is not limited to Kyrgyzstan. Many countries in the Global South have experienced similar situations and are expressing their views through multilateral platforms.

At the UN General Assembly, Sadyr Japarov announced that Kyrgyzstan has nominated itself for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, aiming to "draw the attention of the United Nations and the world to the issues of small states."

Inequality in the global governance system is a prominent issue. Japarov noted that "over 60 member states, including Kyrgyzstan, have never been elected to the Security Council, while some have been elected five or six times."

This inequality has prompted more countries to call for UN reform. Japarov expressed support for the Secretary-General's "UN-80" reform efforts for the UN system, emphasizing that reforms should be "based on the principles of universality, broad geographical representation, and broad support from UN membership."

06 Economic and Development Impact

The economic impact of Western sanctions on Kyrgyzstan cannot be ignored. Japarov stated that these sanctions have had a "negative impact on this country that has just gained its footing."

Kyrgyzstan has performed well in recent years. Japarov noted that Kyrgyzstan's GDP grew by 11.7%, "leading the Commonwealth of Independent States." However, sanctions could jeopardize this growth momentum.

Small economies are particularly vulnerable to external pressures. Kyrgyzstan's economy is small and highly dependent on external economic ties. Sanctions could isolate its financial system from international markets, impacting remittances and foreign investment.

Zhaparov emphasized that Kyrgyzstan is "developing its economy through its own strength," but will not allow "the interests of its citizens and the country's economic and trade development to be sacrificed." This statement demonstrates the resolve of a small country to safeguard its own interests amidst the competition among major powers.

07 Towards a Fairer Global Governance

Zhaparov's remarks reflect the international community's desire for a fairer global governance system. He called for "let us redirect the over $3 trillion spent globally on arms each year to improve people's lives, eliminate hunger, protect the environment, and clean the air."

Multilateralism is seen as a solution to the current predicament. In his speech at the United Nations, Zhaparov emphasized, "Today, maintaining and developing the multilateral system is more important than ever—it is a shield against anarchy and unilateral actions."

Kyrgyzstan's experience in resolving regional issues may offer some lessons. Zhaparov noted that Kyrgyzstan has peacefully resolved border issues with its neighbors, making them "boundaries of friendship, trade, and cooperation."

This approach, based on respect and dialogue, also applies at the international level. Japarov stated, "We firmly believe that all border and material issues should be resolved at the negotiating table." This principle may also apply to addressing double standards in international relations.

After the UN General Assembly, Japarov left New York with his criticisms, but they still reverberate in the UN halls. The future of the international order will depend on whether countries large and small can truly engage in dialogue on equal terms.

Double standards in international relations will not disappear overnight, but more countries like Kyrgyzstan are speaking out, demanding a fairer global governance system.