Moscow seeks new alliances as security forum targets Western 'Hybrid Warfare'

When Russia hosted its first International Security Forum in Moscow from May 26 to 28, 2026, the event was about more than bringing together security officials and foreign delegations. Analysts say it offered a revealing glimpse into Moscow's evolving worldview—one that increasingly portrays the West not as a geopolitical rival, but as a source of global instability.

The forum brought together a broad spectrum of Russian institutions, ranging from intelligence agencies to Rossotrudnichestvo, the state-backed cultural organization responsible for promoting Russian culture abroad. While security conferences are traditionally associated with defence cooperation and arms sales, the themes highlighted in Moscow pointed to a broader ideological contest over global influence.

One session described "Disinformation and Manipulation" as instruments of "the West's Hybrid War against the Global Majority," while another focused on "Countering Neocolonialism" as a security priority for countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The repeated use of the term "Global Majority" reflects Moscow's effort to build political and ideological partnerships beyond Europe and North America. In contrast to Western narratives that emphasize democratic governance, civil society and counter-disinformation initiatives, Russia presents itself as a defender of national sovereignty against what it characterizes as external interference.

"This forum demonstrates that Russia is no longer simply challenging Western policies; it is actively promoting an alternative vision of global governance built around sovereignty, non-interference and strategic partnerships across the Global South," said an international relations analyst familiar with Russia-Africa engagement.

The analyst noted that Moscow's messaging appears carefully crafted to resonate with countries seeking greater autonomy in international affairs.

"The repeated references to the 'Global Majority' show Moscow's determination to position itself as a champion of Africa, Asia and Latin America in an increasingly multipolar world," the analyst added.

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the forum was a session titled "NGOs as a Tool for Undermining National Security." Critics argue that such framing places humanitarian organizations, development agencies and independent civil society groups within the same security discourse as terrorism and hybrid warfare.

"What is particularly striking is the portrayal of NGOs and civil society organizations as security threats. That represents a significant departure from the way these actors are traditionally viewed in international development and diplomacy," the analyst observed.

According to the International Partnership Against Corruption and Threats (INPACT), Russian influence operations have increasingly targeted non-governmental organizations operating in parts of Africa. The organization says it has documented instances in which humanitarian actors have faced hostile campaigns and intimidation in countries such as the Central African Republic.

INPACT also claims to have investigated efforts by organizations allegedly linked to Russian intelligence interests to advocate for foreign-agent legislation in some African countries. Critics argue that such measures could restrict media freedom and limit the activities of civil society organizations.

The war in Ukraine also occupied a central place in the forum's agenda. Discussions on what organizers described as the "terrorist methods of the Kyiv regime" and the "spread of neo-Nazism" were presented as established positions rather than subjects for debate, underscoring Russia's determination to promote its interpretation of the conflict to international partners.

Several African representatives were reported to have attended the forum, including Ghana's Deputy Defence Minister, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, and National Security Adviser, Prosper Douglas Bani. Nigeria was represented by its Ambassador to Russia, Garba Satomi Gana Grema.

Their participation highlights Africa's growing importance in contemporary geopolitical competition. It also raises questions about how African governments view issues discussed at the forum, including foreign influence, civil society regulation, information warfare and reports of deceptive or exploitative recruitment practices linked to conflict zones.

As global power dynamics continue to shift, forums such as Moscow's International Security Forum are increasingly becoming platforms where competing visions of international order are debated, promoted and contested. For many observers, the gathering was less about security cooperation and more about shaping the political narratives that may define future alliances across the Global South.