Endgame Draws Near in Syria

After a relative lull, a recent flurry of news suggests that the endgame in Syria is approaching.

Kerry Breaks the Ice in Moscow; Russia Sticks to 'Principle' on Syria

With respect to Russian-American relations, the positive atmosphere is due to the fact that the agenda has become very narrow.

Russia, The US and Syria After the Boston Bombing

Russia’s differences with Western countries and the US on the Syrian question, for example, are conceptual in nature.

What to expect after Iran’s presidential election

The presidential campaign in Iran got underway on April 21. No matter how events unfold in the Middle East, one thing is certain: Iran will remain at the center.

Diversity of Power and Balance

What is the power of states today? What determines their might? Money, weapons, or the ability to manage information? Or is it something else?

The Dangers of the Korean Crisis

The world is once again looking toward the Korean Peninsula with apprehension, though at this point it should be used to Pyongyang’s routine threats to wipe its enemies off the map.

What holds the BRICS together?

BRICS is held together and pushed forward not so much by the requirements of its member-countries as by the general situation in the world.

A Framework for a New Europe

The Cypriot crisis has highlighted two elements of relations in Europe: the very strong, mutual dependence of Russia and the EU, and also the lack of mechanisms for their normal interaction.

What Russia Learned From the Iraq War

From Russian leadership's point of view, the Iraq War now looks like the beginning of the accelerated destruction of regional and global stability, undermining the last principles of sustainable world order.

Hugo Chavez, a Man of His Time

Like almost any other outstanding leader, Hugo Chavez polarized society, and assessments of his political legacy will differ dramatically.

Russian Diplomats Move in to the Real World

Russia’s much-anticipated Foreign Policy Concept has finally been released. And while the latest version does not contain anything revolutionary, it does provide insight into how Russia’s leadership sees the world.

Georgia as Russia’s Future Asset

Normalizing relations with Georgia is simple for Russia, which only has to ease entry and import restrictions and to show that it is open to cooperation.

Why Russia’s Soft Power Is Too Soft

Russia’s understanding of soft power differs radically from that of the West.

Don't Expect Reset 2.0 During Obama's 2nd Term

U.S. President Barack Obama's re-election in November generated hope for progress in U.S.-Russian relations. Only two months later, not a trace of that hope remains.

Russia's Israel Policies

The only issue that seriously divides Russia and Israel is Iran and its nuclear program.

Anniversary Lessons

Since the events of 1933 and 1963, Europe has travelled a long road, filled with tragedy and hope.

Objective Similarities and Subjective Differences

Barack Obama will soon embark on his second term. Liberated from thoughts of re-election, second-term presidents’ thoughts often turn to their legacy.

Russia Still Key to Political Transition in Syria

Addressing the nation for the first time in over six months, Syrian President Bashar Assad thanked Russia for its efforts to help find a political solution to Syria's conflict.

Sergei Lavrov – Russian Politics’ Person of the Year

It is a tradition, as each year draws to a close, to nominate a person of the year: someone who stands out by dint of influence, achievement, or ability to reflect important trends.

Our First Decade

Putin outlines his moral vision for modern Russia

President Vladimir Putin’s first address to the Federal Assembly since his return to the presidency outlined his vision for the future of Russia.

To Govern, Not to Act

Political power was the focus of 2012. Three of the world’s most powerful countries underwent a change in government.

Russia Will Not Change Its Position on Syria

The world is tired of the never-ending Syrian deadlock, so any news promising change becomes a sensation.

A Bastion of Morality in a Sea of Uncertainty

Putin introduced the new notion of “geopolitical demand for Russia,” which “should be multiplied rather than simply preserved.”

Putin’s Health and the Future of Russian Power

The gossip about Putin’s health provided new hope for frustrated opponents of the regime both in Russia and abroad.

Separatism – The Idea That Won’t Die

Separatism rears its head again. Secession petitions began circulating in many US states after President Barack Obama won reelection.

Russia’s Nostalgia for Party Congresses

China’s new ruling elite, known as the fifth generation, will have to act in a world in which their country can no longer hide in the bushes.

Reproducing Dogmas and Stereotypes

Twenty years ago, on November 6, 1992, newly-elected US President Bill Clinton phoned his Russian counterpart Boris Yeltsin.

Ukraine’s Internal Sources of Development

Ukraine’s economic position has long left much to be desired, but the prospects of receiving much needed economic assistance are vague.