Latest Articles about Russia
Russians Open Record Number of Businesses in Georgia Amid War in Ukraine
Executive Summary: Russia has significantly increased its influence in Georgian business, particularly after the beginning of the war against Ukraine. More Russian businesses have opened in Georgia since the start of the war in Ukraine than in the past 30 years combined. Russian business penetration... MORE
Cossacks Plan for February Meeting
Executive Summary: The upcoming “Big Circle” (Bol’shoi Krug) meeting of Russia’s Cossack movement highlights their growing significance in Kremlin planning and national affairs, akin to the involvement of similar groups in Soviet-era politics. The meeting aims to unify the Cossacks around President Putin and discuss... MORE
Russian Rhetoric Toward Central Asia Grows Increasingly Hostile
Executive Summary: Russia’s rhetoric toward Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, has become increasingly hostile since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The rhetoric from Russia includes threats of invasion and annexation, reminiscent of the language used toward Ukraine before... MORE
Baltics and Ukraine Move to Reduce Russian Orthodoxy to Smaller National Church
Executive Summary: The Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is gradually losing its position at home–and more rapidly in some post-Soviet states–due to its slavish support of Putin’s war in Ukraine. While Kyiv is about to ban its branch, Tallinn is demolishing a compromise... MORE
Russia is Breeding for War Through Youth (Para-)Militarization
Executive Summary: Russia is investing significantly in militarizing children and youth, allocating substantial funds for patriotic education programs, youth movements, and competitions. Military service is glorified across all levels of education in changes to the national curriculum emphasizing the defense of the homeland and preparing... MORE
Russia Seeks to Strengthen Political Ties with Latin America in Struggle for Influence in Global South (Part Two)
(Part One) Executive Summary: Russia has launched efforts to gain support for its actions in Ukraine and confrontations with the West among Latin American countries, showing interest in Guatemala despite the country’s previous anti-Russian stance. Guatemala had strained relations with Russia, marked by condemnations against... MORE
Russia Seeks to Strengthen Political Ties with Latin America in Struggle for Influence in Global South (Part One)
Executive Summary: The Kremlin is trying to strengthen ties with Latin American countries amidst political-economic isolation after the invasion of Ukraine. Russia hosted an inter-parliamentary conference with Latin American delegates to confront Western sanctions and strengthen the Global South. Proposed collaboration areas included legislative exchange,... MORE
Russian Economy Feels Bite of Attrition
Executive Summary: Russia’s economy benefited from increased military expenditures, but industrial production is stagnating as growth limits. Heavy prioritization of the defense industry is causing contractions in other sectors like consumer goods production. The Russian energy sector suffers from declining revenues, delayed projects, and challenges... MORE
Putin’s ‘Active Measures’ and Hidden Discussion Between the Kremlin and Military
Executive Summary: Discrepancies between Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claims and reality regarding the size and productivity of the Russian military-industrial complex are becoming more apparent as the war in Ukraine continues. Official analysis contradicts public statements on the size and success of the Russian military-industrial... MORE
Cossacks Plan More Military Aggrandizement
Executive Summary: A resurgence of Cossack militarism is occurring in Russia, evidenced through proposed legislation to the State Duma to establish a reserve army. Cossack leaders announce plans for new volunteer battalions and professional special forces units, leveraging experienced fighters from the ongoing conflict and... MORE