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Putin Stymies Protesters With Subversion Strategies
Vladimir Putin's reaction to Moscow protesters perfectly illustrates how he masterfully leverages classic subversion strategies to undermine the opposition and even ridicule the concept of democracy
Russia Emerges as Syria's Most Valuable Ally
As the Arab League agreed to go to the United Nations Security Council with a resolution calling for Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to step down, Russia was reportedly doing a major arms deal with the beleaguered regime
Russians United against United Russia
Russians are coming out onto the streets to transform their country once again
After a decade in the doldrums, during which the Kremlin co-opted or marginalised all competition, Russia's political scene has come alive
ABM Defense Shield in the Black Sea Region
The anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system under construction by the US and NATO in the Black Sea Region poses no threat to US-Russian nuclear strategic parity. On the contrary, it holds cooperative potential for the two leading nuclear powers. It could also stabilize the broader Eurasian security situation in the light of Iran’s policy of nuclear blackmail
NJ Nets Owner to Challenge Putin in March Presidential Polls
Russian billionaire and owner of the New Jersey Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov, will challenge Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in the March presidential elections as an independent candidate
Stage Set For 2012 Euro Cup Finals
The stage is set for the 2012 Euro Cup following Friday's draw that saw host Poland and Ukraine getting the top draws while Spain placed in a tougher group. Poland was drawn in Group A along with Greece, Russia, and Czech Republic
Is Moscow Heading Toward the Time of Troubles?
Dmitry Medvedev's and Vladimir Putin's apparently amicable decision to swap jobs is being touted by the Kremlin as a way to ensure Russia's stability. Yet if Russia's historical tradition is any guide, changing places is a move fraught with uncertainty
Russia Grapples with a Security Dilemma
When it comes to dealing with the United States and NATO on security issues in Central Asia, Russia is acting tough while operating from a position of increasing weakness
Turkey - Russia Relations and Missile Defense
Ankara's new independent image in Moscow could be threatened by the radar decision
The Black Sea: A Forgotten Geo-strategic Realm
The expectations of the last ten years that the states surrounding the Black Sea would follow the example of the Balkan region and shape themselves into a security community have not been realized. Perceptions of stagnation have replaced the hopes of a working and stable geo-strategic framework, based on a balance of cooperation and conflicts
Russia Eyes Privatization Bid to Raise $40.4 Billion By 2014
The Russian government will embark on an ambitious privatization plan in 2012 by selling its stakes in state companies such as OAO Rosneft, the country's biggest oil producer, and VTB Group, its second-biggest lender
Kim Jong Il's Visit to Russia: Just More Mixed Messages?
North Korea and Russia may be chummy, but South Korea and Japan remain suspicious of North Korea's motives.
For Russia New Middle East will be Tough Arms Market
For the first time ever, Russia is selling weapons to Bahrain, whose government has been given the cold shoulder by the West for a violent crackdown on anti-government protests, as part of an effort by Moscow to capitalize on the Arab Spring to increase arms sales in the lucrative Middle East market
North Korea's Rare Pledge to Abandon Nuclear Activities
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has won a rare pledge from North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il. While on a state visit, Kim said North Korea was ready to abandon nuclear testing and allow a gas pipeline through its territory
Russia Has Syrian Blood on Its Hands
A great deal is at stake in the Syrian uprising, arguably more than in any other Middle East revolt to date. That makes Russia's and China's adamant opposition to critical Security Council resolutions especially shameful. What's worse, Russia is selling arms to the Syrian government
The No. 1 Base of Global Internet Attacks
Russia currently holds the dubious distinction of being the world's top source of Internet attack traffic. Russian-based IP accounts drive 10 percent of attacks, most of which target port 445.
Podium Pressure and the 2014 Winter Olympics
In 2014, Russia will host the Winter Olympic Games in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi. Potentially an opportunity to project a strong image of the country and develop international partnerships, the Games also run the risk of drawing attention to a number of issues Russia might prefer stayed hidden
Alarmed By Russia - Georgia WTO Compromise
The de facto authorities in the breakaway Georgian republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia have expressed concern and outrage over the implications of the Swiss-mediated compromise between Georgia and Russia that paves the way for Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Whether they could thwart the signing and implementation of that agreement was doubtful, however
It has been two decades since the collapse of the Soviet Union, but for those who witnessed the drama of 1991, memories remain vivid
Examining the Causes and Effects of the Soviet Collapse
One sign of the how highly Lawrence Sheets is esteemed as an analyst of Central Asia and the Caucasus was the large turnout of his fellow journalists for his presentation of his new book, 8 Pieces of Empire: A 20-Year Journey Through the Soviet Collapse
America Now More Pro-Civil Service Than Russia
Why is Medvedev bothering to symbolically make this distinction in denouncing the federal bureaucracy? The answer to this question is highly instructive to those of us in the Western world, particularly as we implode economically under the weight of public-sector costs, among other things
Russia Signs Trade Agreements with 7 Ex-Soviet Nations
In an attempt to boost economic ties with Community of Independent States (CIS) nations, Russia inked free-trade agreements with Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and Tajikistan
Putin's Comeback: Fast Forward to the Past
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev's decision to swap jobs may put an end to the diarchy in Russia but is unlikely to lead to any tectonic policy shifts. Instead, it will further cement the system of 'managed democracy', which in time will become so inflexible that it may fail to cope with a protracted crisis
Russia's Arctic Embrace: Cold War Reloaded
Welcome, world, to 'Cold War Reloaded: The Arctic Frontier.' Time to pull the pin out of the top of that dusty globe you have on your desk and have a look at the battle line of the future -- rife with oil and high-value raw minerals
Putin Calls For Eurasian Union In Former Soviet Space
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has outlined a grand vision for integrating ex-Soviet states in his first major policy initiative since he announced his intention to return to the Kremlin
Russia has entered election season, with parliamentary elections in December and presidential elections in March 2012. Typically, this is not an issue of concern, as most Russian elections have been designed to usher a chosen candidate and political party into office since 2000. Interesting shifts are under way this election season, however
The United States - Russia Missile Defense Impasse
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and U.S. President Obama met privately before the G8 meeting in Deauville, France, and discussed the longstanding dispute between the two countries over missile defense, says CFR Russia expert Stephen Sestanovich
The Kaspersky Kidnapping - Lessons Learned
On April 24, officers from the anti-kidnapping unit of Moscow's Criminal Investigation Department and the Russian Federal Security Service rescued 20-year-old Ivan Kaspersky from a dacha in Sergiev Posad, a small town northeast of Moscow. Kaspersky, the son of Russian computer software services billionaire Eugene Kaspersky, was kidnapped April 19
Russia Stocks Soar on Rising Oil Prices
Of the rapidly growing BRIC countries Russia has always been a sort of odd man out. While the others have registered double-digit or near double-digit growth for years, the Russian economy has grown at a much more moderate pace. But lately, Russia's economy has been benefiting from what many other nations, including the United States, are struggling with
For the first time in memory, millions of oppressed people worldwide, living under the heavy boot of venal leaders, are standing up, fists raised high. For the first time in memory, vicious dictators all over the world are visibly afraid. Though significant risks still lie ahead, freedom fever is spreading around the world
Reading through these dispatches last year, I was struck by the slightly desperate but nevertheless creative way American analysts tried to make sense of impenetrable Kremlin politics
Bangladesh and Russia Ink Nuclear Power Deal
Energy-starved Bangladesh signed a landmark deal with Russia to finalize arrangements for installing two nuclear power plants in the north of the country
The Dying Bear: Russia's Demographic Disaster
Perhaps of all the painful developments in Russian society since the Soviet collapse, the most surprising -- and dismaying -- is the country's demographic decline. Over the past two decades, Russia has been caught in the grip of a devastating and highly anomalous peacetime population crisis
Counterrevolution in Kiev: Hope Fades for Ukraine
Ukraine, no stranger to crisis, is again in turmoil. President Viktor Yanukovych has failed to deliver on any of his campaign promises -- economic reform, increased prosperity, and an end to corruption -- and instead has rolled back democracy and the rule of law, deepening political, regional, and linguistic divisions in the country
NATO and Russia: Missile Defense Sticking Point?
NATO, Russia and Missile Defense mark a triangle which contains political promises but also the danger of failure and friction
Russia Strives to Clarify Vision for Central Asian Alliance
Russian officials think the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a bloc of friendly ex-Soviet republics, can develop into a security grouping on par with NATO. But recent CSTO military exercises show that Moscow lacks a clear vision for how to utilize the alliance
In Post-Soviet Central Asia Russian Takes Back Seat
In the 20 years since the Central Asian republics of the Soviet Union became independent, the influence of the Russian language has been declining in these countries
Britain - Russia: Beyond Politics
David Cameron's Moscow reset resolved few of the fundamental issues afflicting UK-Russian relations. Yet by moving the relationship beyond politics, the visit proved to be a rather useful one
BP and the Russian state controlled company Rosneft have announced a strategic global alliance that involves the first major equity-linked partnership between a national and international oil company. While the potential rewards are high, so are the risks. Is this really an 'alliance fit for the 21st Century'?
Russian policymakers have often viewed the historical narrative of their country in ways contrary to actors in the west. Debate and free speech are the lifeblood of a democracy; that includes debates about history. Russia has often had a difficult time with its history
Russia's international behavior during the last decade has puzzled many U.S. observers. As seen from Washington, the greatest challenges of the moment -- terrorism, nuclear proliferation, climate change -- are global ones that threaten all states. The United States has been trying to organize multilateral responses. Yet the Kremlin has proved singularly unhelpful
As New START Debate Rages, Quiet Nuclear Progress With Russia
While the Senate and White House wrestle over New START ratification, another U.S.-Russia nuclear agreement is coming into force with little debate or fanfare. Instead of cutting nuclear arms, the civil nuclear cooperation deal, dubbed '123,' opens the door to new peaceful nuclear engagement between U.S. and Russian companies
Belarus is a land between, now neither part of Russia nor a real European nation. Its president, intent on rallying the voters in this month's election, has cast Moscow as a threat to its very survival. The reality, as he is re-elected, is likely to be another balancing act between Russia and the west.
Is Russia Charting a New Foreign Policy?
The last year has seen considerable change in the U.S.-Russian relationship -- or at least the desire and promise for change. But the prospects for Russian relations and Russia's foreign policy cannot be discussed in isolation from wider questions: In what direction is Russia moving? What will Russia be like ten or 20 years from now?
Religion's Growing Influence in International Politics
Around the world religion is on the rise. It is growing in countries with a wide variety of religious traditions and levels of economic development, suggesting that neither poverty nor social exclusion is solely responsible. The religious resurgence is not simply defined by the growth of fundamentalism but is occurring through a variety of renewed rituals and practices, both public and private
Can NATO Nudge Russia Westward?
'Europe Looks East' Hints at the Future
New Russia Takes Root in Saint Petersburg and Moscow
U.S. and Russia Should Share Anti-Iran Missile Defense
Pivot to Foreign Policy: American-Russian Cooperation
Nuclear Roulette: The Obama Doctrine
Why Neither Ronald Reagan Nor United States Won the Cold War
The Power of Being Multilingual
A New Plan For Nuclear Postures
Russian-American Obstacles Overshadow Obama-Medvedev Meeting
Despite Obama's Concessions, Russia Remains Unhelpful on Iran
Can United States Truly Press 'Reset' Button With Russia
Russia - History Made to Order
Obama's Missile Defense Concession Holds Opportunity for European Security
Putin doesn't scare easy but takes economic steps
Author: New Europe Even though Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is still more popular than any other politician in Russia, his authority may be diminished. Putin, who is expected to win the presidential elections scheduled for 4 March despite widespread protests, acknowledged for the first time on 1 February that he might face a runoff but warned that it might result in the destabilisation of the country.
Prokhorov gets approval to run against Putin
Author: New Europe On 25 January, Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov was officially registered by the Central Election Commission as a presidential candidate.
Putin slams Washington over 'external interference'
Author: New Europe As the Russian presidential campaign gets under way, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin took a another swing at the US, criticising Washington of seeking vassals rather than allies.
Moscow warns against attack on Iran
Author: New Europe On 18 January, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that an attack on Iran by Western powers could cause an unpredictable chain reaction throughout the region.
Fitch revises outlook on Russian cities
Author: New Europe On 18 January, International rating agency Fitch said has revised down its outlook on Russian cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg to stable from positive.
Gazprom revises gas tariffs with EU companies
Author: New Europe Russia’s Gazprom Export, a subsidiary of gas monopoly Gazprom, has revised tariffs with Germany’s Wingas, France’s GDF Suez, Austria’s EconGas, Slovakia’s SPP and Sinergie Italiane.
Putin turns to voters’ ideas to formulate programme
Author: New Europe Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is preparing his presidential election programme based on sociological research gathered by his United Russia party, Izvestia daily quoted his spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, as saying on 10 January. 
Gazprom close to finalising gas deal in Bangladesh
Author: New Europe A delegation from Russian gas monopoly Gazprom was due to arrive in Dhaka on 9 January to finalise a draft of the deal to drill 10 onshore gas wells in the country.
Russia
New US Ambassador to Russia starts with lies
The diplomatic career of the former Special Assistant to the President of the United States National Security Affairs Michael McFaul did not have a particularly successful start. First, he provoked a tremendous domestic political scandal by inviting representatives of opposition parties and movements to a closed meeting
Russia can be in trouble because of Finland's new president
Finland elected a new president. While he does not deliver Anti-Russian speeches, Russia still needs to be alarmed. He is a politician who is not opposed to Finland's NATO membership. In Russia, these words can be interpreted as support for Euro-Atlantic integration of the neighboring country with which it has 1,300 kilometers of common border
Putin positive but cautious about Russia's political future
On February 6, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin published his fourth program article, in which he continued to describe his views about the further development of the country. Also on Monday, Putin had a meeting with leading political scientists of the country to discuss the course of the election campaign
Syria: Russia and China chain the dogs of war
US/westerm global domination objectives were masked in a draft resolution expressing the support of the Security Council on a proposal from the Arab League in which the Syrian president would transfer the government as a first step to elections and other actions.
Europe and USA want Yavlinsky
The European Union wants to see Grigory Yavlinsky as a presidential candidate in Russia. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton stated during her speech at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels that the Russian authorities should urgently revise the decision not to register Yavlinsky as a presidential candidate
Russia loses $4 billion in Libya because of Gaddafi
Russia has lost $4 bln due to the loss of arms contracts with Libya as a result of the UN's arms shipments embargo. Anatoly Isaikin, the Director of Russia's defense export giant, said that Russia had concluded arms contracts worth $2 billion with the previous administration of Libya. "We could conclude more contracts for the same amount," he said
What else can crash in Russia after Phobos Ground?
It appears that the investigation about the reasons of the crash of Russia's Phobos Ground spacecraft is drawing to its end. As a matter of fact, the reasons, which made the interplanetary station stay in Earth's orbit instead of flying to Mars, were clear from the very beginning. The engines of the satellite did not start. Is that all, though?
Russia risks to lose many disputed territories
Japan is not the only country that makes claims to Russia. Estonia is open about its claims, while Germany and Finland express them indirectly. What would the results of the vote be? Is there a risk that Russia loses the Kuriles, a part of Karelia and the Kaliningrad enclave? The ownership of the South Kuril Islands will be decided by a referendum
Russia to sell desolate lands to China?
Vladimir Putin advocates tough measures in the field of migration policy in the country. Meanwhile, officials with the Ministry for Economic Development think of the ways to attract more guest-workers to the country. The officials shared their plans to attract Asian nationals for the development of the agricultural industry of Russia's Far East
Official conclusion of Phobos Ground crash shocks scientists
The committee, which investigates the reasons of the breakdown of Russia's Phobos Ground spacecraft, presented the basic version of the accident. Sources at the space industry told Interfax said that, most likely, the spacecraft did not enter the departure trajectory to Mars due to the influence of plasma formation in the magnetosphere
Russia unveils fifth-generation Kalashnikov assault rifle
Russia's largest firearms manufacturer, JSC Izhmash, unveiled its first model of the fifth-generation Kalashnikov assault rifle. The new rifle is tentatively called AK-12. The AK-12 is being developed for export purposes. The state tests of the rifle may begin at the end of 2012 or in the beginning of 2013
Research indicates Putin has more than fifty percent support
Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, has more than fifty percent of popular support for the presidential elections in March, notes a research center for the Study of Public Opinion (Vtsiom). Putin, who presents himself as a presidential candidate of United Russia party, went from 48 to 52 percent, a sustained increase in the last four weeks...
Russian heavy unmanned helicopters to outshine everything
Russia's leading manufacturer of helicopters develops several types of unmanned aircraft in accordance with the decision of the Defense Ministry. Two years ago, the ministry spent quite a lot on the purpose - $55 million. Now they want the Russian producer to get involved. Does Russia have necessary technologies for it?
Russia marks one year since Domodedovo bombing
January 24th marks a year since one of the largest terrorist acts that occurred in Russia during the recent years. It goes about the explosion at Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport. Magomed Yevloev, a 21-year-old suicide bomber, a resident of the village of Ali-Yurt, Ingushetia, detonated his explosive device on January 24, 2011
Belarus turns its back on Russia for China
China is strengthening its position in Belarus and pushing Russia out. It is no accident that on January 19 in an interview with Chinese media Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said: "We are very grateful that the Chinese government cares about us." Lukashenko is particularly impressed with the ability of China to control the Internet
Putin: Russian Achievements and Challenges for the Future
At the beginning of this year, Prime Minister Putin held a government conference, highlighting the achievements of the Russian administration for 2011, pointing out and discussing plans for the future. The Russian Federation’s economic results in 2011 are among the best in the world. Its GDP ranked third among the global economies...
Britain's spy rock: PR or politics?
Russian TV journalist Arkady Mamontov proved to be right. He was not expecting any apologies from his colleagues. Practically none of them, who had been cracking jokes about the spy rock during the recent six years, even thought to admit that they were wrong. It was not Britain that acknowledged that. It was Powell, Blair's former aide, who said that
Russia to hold US accountable for loss of Phobos Ground space probe
Vladimir Popovkin, the head of Russia's Federal Space Agency, named the main versions, which became the reasons for the failure of the nation's Phobos Ground Mars exploration project. Popovkin still believes that the Russian spacecraft could come out of order because of a US radar, even though US officials stated the opposite
Europe to ease visa regime with Russia in 2012
Europe plans to sign a document about the simplification of the visa regime with Russia. Michael Webb, charge d'affaires of the EU delegation to Russia, said that the agreement to ease visa procedures up to 90 days could be signed in the first half of 2012. The first European country to have opened borders for Russian citizens was Croatia
Putin still out of competition
Rallies against the policy of "United Russia" and Vladimir Putin are held in Moscow, the blogosphere is happy to discuss the failures of the Prime Minister and spam at a campaign website of the presidential candidate, and the election rivals of Putin already see themselves at least in the second round.
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