Russia

Our research covers Russia's domestic trials and tribulations, as well as its idiosyncratic foreign policy.

Whatever one's attitude to contemporary Russian politics, few deny the world's largest country (possessing 47% of the world's total nuclear arsenal) merits expert attention.

The Chatham House Russia and Eurasia Programme conducts research and analysis with a granularity and objectivity from which broader trends can be discerned - both in Russia's internal governance and in its quest for greater influence on the world stage.

A train on the Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia. Dea Picture Library/Getty Images

Why Russia’s Infrastructure is Holding Back its Pivot to Asia

A woman passes in front of the Slaviansk sign, which is covered in bullet holes from clashes between the Ukrainian government and rebel groups, 3 April 2019. Photo by Cristopher Rogel Blanquet/Getty Images

Safeguarding Society from Russian Aggression

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin attend a press conference after a summit on Ukraine at the Élysée Palace in Paris, 9 December 2019. Photo: Charles Platiau/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Explainers

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Russia’s military posture in the Arctic is informed by the changing geopolitical environment, and can no longer be considered in isolation from the country’s growing tensions with the West.

Keir Giles introduces his new book Moscow Rules: What Drives Russia to Confront the West.

Kim Jong-un meeting with Vladimir Putin on TV

Chatham House experts analyse the April 2019 summit meeting between President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and examine wider contexts for international security.

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$A mass rally in Grodno, Belarus where factory workers went on strike in protest against the election results and actions of law enforcement officers. Photo by Viktor Drachev\TASS via Getty Images.$

In a bid to reassert control in Belarus, Aliaksandr Lukashenka is trying to stir the worst fears of his supporters by playing the war card. But overplaying his hand could prove disastrous if it leads to confrontation with either Russia or NATO.

Russian president Vladimir Putin and Belarus president Aliaksandr Lukashenka skiing in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia. Photo by SERGEI CHIRIKOV/AFP via Getty Images.

Protesters in Belarus face a dilemma, as being too successful in confronting the Belarusian regime could mean they end up having to reckon with Russian forces as well.

A 1920 session of the League of Nations in Geneva

Member content

Vassilis Ntousas on why action, not just words, is needed to save the multilateral system

Upcoming events

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Speakers will provide an overview of the current state of Japan-Russia relations, including the prospect of resolving the territorial dispute during Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s tenure.