Russia
The economy’s two main tracks are moving in different directions.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has reshaped European security and exposed the ambitions of an authoritarian state willing to use force, energy, and subversion to advance its aims. Understanding the Kremlin means looking beyond the battlefield to the Russian economy under sanctions, the endurance of Vladimir Putin’s system, and Moscow’s deepening ties with China, Iran, and North Korea. This hub follows the pressures reshaping Russia: the effect of Western sanctions, the health of its wartime economy, elite politics, and the tools of hybrid warfare it deploys across Europe. Fellows and analysts assess how sanctions are biting, why the economy has settled for stagnation, and how Moscow projects power through proxies, disinformation, and nuclear signaling. Explore analysis and commentary on Russia’s economy, foreign policy, and the long contest between the Kremlin and the West.
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June 4, 2026
Putin’s Deepening Problems Are Europe’s Opportunity
The Russian despot’s choices are narrowing as his war results in stalemate and impoverishment. Europe should make the most of it.
June 4, 2026
The China-Russia Meta-Threat: The Architecture of Authoritarian Power
Beijing and Moscow are steadily developing a growing partnership, despite obvious friction and structural asymmetries.
June 3, 2026
The Renaissance of US Interest in the South Caucasus
The US supports Armenia’s government ahead of key elections, fearing Pashinyan's defeat by pro-Russian forces would upend peace efforts.
June 3, 2026
Russia’s Threadbare Air Defenses
For a country that has built its foreign policy on the notion of encirclement, Russia is surprisingly bad at defending itself.
June 1, 2026
Russia’s Influence Game: Church, State, and Espionage
The Kremlin’s efforts to show it’s an accepted member of the global community require enormous work by every arm of the regime.
May 29, 2026
Letter to London: New PM Must Fix Shadow Defenses
The UK is likely to have a new leader later this year. Here’s some day one advice from former British government official, Andy Pryce.
May 22, 2026
Russian Influence Drains Away in the South Caucasus
Armenia is building closer relations with the EU, underlining Russia’s diminishing influence in the South Caucasus.
May 22, 2026
The British and US Sanctions That Quietly Aren’t
US and UK sanctions relief aimed at easing domestic consumer pressures also transfer billions into Putin’s war chest, at Ukraine’s expense.
May 21, 2026
What If Putin Can’t End the War?
The Kremlin maintains the threat of escalation to perpetuate the myth of Western aggression and justify its repression of the Russian people.