The zoo In St. Petersburg was crowded with curious visitors. Six huge elephants, whose footsteps shook the ground, were gifted to Russia. They traveled thousands of kilometers in a well-equipped cargo plane  with state protocol. These elephants are not just animals, they are now a symbol of diplomacy.  This ‘elephant diplomacy’ between Myanmar and Russia has started a new chapter.

Why did Myanmar give these giant animals to Russia?  Is it just a gesture of friendship, or is there a far-reaching diplomatic strategy?  Historically, the practice of strengthening relationships through animal gifts is nothing new.  China has built international alliances over the ages through its ‘panda diplomacy’.  But is Myanmar’s ‘elephant diplomacy’ the same, or is it something else?

Role of animals in history

The elephant is not only a symbol of strength and intelligence; it has long been a part of politics in various civilizations.  In ancient India, elephants were used by kings as weapons of war, the Romans made elephants a strategic military weapon, and in Southeast Asia elephants were symbols of royal power.

The role of the elephant in various civilizations has been observed throughout the ages. In Hindu mythology, the elephant is known as Gajaraj or Maharaja, which is regarded as the vehicle of the gods.  Also in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand and Myanmar, the elephant was a dynastic symbol.  A unique existence of the elephant, which includes majesty, reverence, and deep love for nature, the practice of diplomacy with it is not only historically but also culturally important.

In modern diplomacy the use of animals is seen as part of a soft power exercise.  There is an effort to deepen the relationship between the two countries by gifting animals, exchanging, establishing cultural connections and practicing creativity.  The elephant is particularly important in this regard, as it is a symbol of strength, stability and respect and on the other hand it can be a new technique of inter-ethnic communication.

Myanmar-Russia ties: closeness or obligation?

Relations between Myanmar and Russia are decades old.  While Myanmar’s military junta has been subjected to Western sanctions, Russia has been one of its main political allies and arms suppliers.  The relationship has grown closer in recent years, especially since the 2021 military coup.

Myanmar has been repeatedly criticized in the international arena for terrorism, ethnic conflict, and authoritarian rule.  As relations with Western countries deteriorated, they began to look for alternatives.  Russia then emerged as a powerful diplomatic option.  Moscow, which was looking for new allies to strengthen its diplomatic position in the post-Soviet era, took Myanmar as a key strategic partner.

A special aspect of this relationship is the arms trade.  Russia supplies Myanmar with sophisticated weapons, and Myanmar also relies on Russia for its security concerns.  Therefore, the Russia-Myanmar relationship is mainly known as power diplomacy, where the two countries support each other to meet mutual interests.

In such a situation, Myanmar wants to strengthen the relationship by gifting elephants to Russia, but this can also be a political strategy.  With this gift, they are not only sending a message of friendship, but they can expect more privileges from Russia, especially for gaining support on the international stage.

Animal diplomacy: Influence and friendship?

Animal diplomacy has been used in world politics for many years, and is characterized as “soft power”.  When states give an animal as a gift, it is usually used as a strategy to build long-term relationships.  Through this, cultural and economic ties are deepened.

China has created an example with its panda diplomacy, where it has created a friendly relationship between certain countries by gifting them pandas.  Panda diplomacy is not only an example of China’s soft power, but also ushers in a new era in international relations.  By gifting pandas, China didn't just gift an animal, but built a cultural and political friendship.

If Myanmar follows the same strategy, it will not only strengthen its relations with Russia, but also strengthen its position in the international arena.  In addition, elephants contain special elements that can become more meaningful when used in state relations.  Elephants are not only a symbol of strength, but can also be an indication of a long-lasting relationship.

History of animal gifts in global politics

Gifting animals has an ancient history.  Ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Romans often sent animals as gifts to rulers around the world.  Among the pyramids of Egypt, elephants had their resting place in the tombs of ancient kings.  These animals often included elephants, lions, and other large animals.

Animal gifts had a special purpose in world politics—they were not only a sign of friendship, but also a way for rulers to demonstrate their power.  In modern times, especially since the 19th century, rulers of various countries have introduced the practice of gifting special animals as part of diplomatic relations.

In the 1980s, China and India gifted two giraffes to each other to deepen their relationship, which became a new paradigm of diplomacy.  At that time, both China and India were looking to improve their political relations, and this gift was a strong symbol of their friendship.

Elephant soft power or diplomatic moves?

The elephant is not just an animal, it is a symbol of power, royalty, and diplomacy in the pages of history.  Myanmar’s gift of six elephants to Russia is not just a simple gift, but an important strategic move in regional and global politics.

Will these elephants bring the two countries closer as ambassadors of nature, or is it just a game of geopolitics?  Time will answer the question.  But one thing is certain—‘elephant diplomacy’ has added a new dimension to the stage of international politics which may become more important in the future.

(The author is an undergraduate student of the Department of International Relations at the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Views expressed are personal. She can be reached at atiaibnat01403@gmail.com )