Russia and Eurasia

Explaining the history of democracy in Ukraine, the current state of its democracy while at war, and future prospects.

Explaining the risks of Russia’s decision to suspend the New START nuclear treaty with the US, and the wider implications for international relations.

Mathieu Boulegue explains the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the Arctic governance, and what must be done to address growing polar insecurity.

James Nixey, director of the Russia and Eurasia programme at Chatham House, explores whether sanctions have been effective in deterring Russia.

Russia’s policies for the polar regions overlap and are increasingly becoming militarized, as the perception of threats to Russian national interests grows.

Exploring key questions around Putin issuing what was interpreted as a threat to use nuclear weapons against NATO countries if they interfere in Ukraine.

James Nixey outlines the likelihood or not of a victory for Russia in its war on Ukraine.

Over time it has become clear Russia is unwilling to settle its borders with Ukraine and acknowledge its territorial integrity as an independent state.

James Nixey addresses whether there are political divisions in Ukraine or if the country is united in its fight for independence.

Explaining the history, purpose, and political background to the Eurasian Economic Union.

Exploring the definition of kleptocracy, the motivations behind it, why it flourishes in certain societies, and its global impact.

Aanu Adeoye outlines how the invasion of Ukraine is affecting perceptions of Russia across the Africa region.

Professor Andrew Dorman explores the reasons why Turkey might want to block Finland and Sweden from joining NATO.

Professor Andrew Dorman explores the impact of Finland and Sweden potentially joining the military alliance.

Explaining the likely reasons behind India’s abstention from various procedural votes relating to the Ukraine conflict.

Explaining what war crimes are and how, in the circumstances of Ukraine, could war crimes be prosecuted.

Exploring key questions about chemical and biological weapons as, although large-scale use in Ukraine appears unlikely, concerns remain about targeted attacks.

Marianne Schneider-Petsinger explains how Russia may try to use cryptocurrencies and its ‘digital rouble’ to evade international sanctions.

Experts explain how key sectors in Georgia can work together to counter disinformation tactics.

Dr Patricia Lewis, director of the International Security programme at Chatham House, explores the question of both biological and chemical weapons in Ukraine.

As Russia is using Belarus in its invasion of Ukraine, experts analyze the role of Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s regime, and its impact on Belarusian sovereignty.

Policymakers and analysts clinging to the mantra of ‘Minsk implementation’ must learn hard lessons about why this agreement is no diplomatic silver bullet.

Kazakhstan is reeling from the aftershock of the largest and bloodiest unrest it has seen since independence. Without fundamental reform, protests will return.

Examining the key questions around Russia’s strategy and military movements, and the likely developments in the next few weeks.

Explaining the two countries’ intertwined histories, the armed conflicts in Crimea and the Donbas region, and disputes over gas supplies.

Keir Giles offers key principles and recommendations for effective deterrence against Russia’s actions.

Authors of a new research paper offer an overview of Russia’s modern military capabilities and advanced technologies in key sectors.

John Lough outlines how Ukraine’s crony capitalism – described as ‘systema’ – is an enduring relationship between big business and the country’s political class.

James Sherr, Keir Giles and Duncan Allan explain how misconceptions about Russia and its leadership negatively impact policy.

James Nixey and Annette Bohr explain why the belief that the Western countries should normalize their relations with Russia in order to counter the rise of China is wrong.

The grass-roots movement poses a real challenge in the run-up to Russia’s March 2024 presidential election.

Aliaksandr Lukashenka has capitalized on the conflict, but his regime’s dependence on Russia is eroding Belarusian sovereignty.

Vladimir Putin’s victory is certain, but the ‘menu of manipulation’ to ensure it will reveal much about the state of his regime, write Ben Noble and Nikolai Petrov.

A solid bloc of Eurosceptic parties in power is cause for concern.

Russia is playing for time, hoping that support for Ukraine will weaken.

Explaining the history of democracy in Ukraine, the current state of its democracy while at war, and future prospects.

The war serves Russia’s interests by weakening US support for Ukraine. But Moscow’s need for closer relations with the Global South has badly damaged relations with Israel.

The move shows that Alexey Navalny continues to worry the Kremlin, even from behind bars.

The new Polish government should now build a lasting security partnership with Ukraine.

As NATO defence ministers meet in Brussels, Zelenskyy makes a surprise visit to ensure focus remains on Ukraine.

The Russian president is shoring up his position by installing a new cohort of less powerful manager figures in key sectors. The policy might become a liability in the long-term.

Russia’s paradigm shift in Karabakh illustrates a process of managed decline.

The war is making the challenges of climate change harder to overcome, both in Ukraine and worldwide.

Episode 37 of our weekly podcast discusses the status of Ukraine’s military efforts and the political outlook in the weeks ahead.

More than 500 days after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there are signs that some of Ukraine’s supporters in the West want to prepare the ground for negotiations. Such a shift in policy would be catastrophic.

The assassination of Wagner’s leader removes a domestic threat. But it does not repair the damage done to Putin’s international position by the June mutiny.

African leaders who went to St Petersburg expecting tangible results from Putin’s promised new programme of support for Africa will undoubtedly have concluded that Russia is unable to offer what they need.

Episode 36 of our weekly podcast examines ties between China and Russia and how both countries view the EU, NATO, and the transatlantic alliance.

Delegates from a Chatham House conference discuss vital questions about investment, international assistance, participation and other elements of reconstruction in Ukraine.

Those undertaking reconstruction efforts reflect on the many challenges they face in repairing the damage done by the war.

Episode 34 of our weekly podcast discusses the fallout from the NATO summit in Vilnius.

The Vilnius gathering failed to advance a convincing pathway to membership, but Ukraine is determined to bring relations with NATO to the next level.

The feeling in Kyiv may not be entirely positive, but the NATO alliance has been strengthened by the summit.

As dust storms in the Middle East become increasingly frequent and intense, adversaries must cooperate to address the causes.

Attention will now turn to scrutinizing how Ukraine deploys the US weapons.

Episode 33 of our weekly podcast explores the Russian president’s weakening grip on power, two weeks on from the Wagner Group mutiny.

Episode 32 of our weekly podcast was recorded live at our conference, held on 29 June 2023.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy receives the prize in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to international relations.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) undertook a ‘symbolic’ military intervention in Kazakhstan, mere months before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Wagner leader’s actions have dramatically weakened Vladimir Putin’s personal authority and his grip on power.