Posts From Luke Rodeheffer

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Politics South and Central Asia

Afghanistan’s unresolved election hurts economy

Afghanistan’s disputed presidential election results have once again provoked fears about the future of the country following NATO’s withdrawal. Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ashraf Gani Akhmadzai,

Economics South and Central Asia

Russia’s growing middle class favours status quo

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s soaring popularity amidst his support for separatists in eastern Ukraine has highlighted the importance of the relationship between his government and Russia’s growing middle class. The

Economics International

Sino-Russian gas deal: Alliance or partnership?

Does the recent gas deal between Russia and China signal a broader geopolitical alliance between the two countries, or is it simply an economic partnership? The recent announcement of a

Europe South and Central Asia

Putin wins with Eurasian Economic Union

Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus recently agreed to establish the Eurasian Economic Union. Like the Custom Union before it, Russia looks to benefit the most. On May 29, Russian President Vladimir Putin,

Economics South and Central Asia

Russia faces expanding regional debt crisis

Recent data released by Russia’s Court of Accounts indicates that the country’s regional governments are facing crisis situations with regional debts. In the past year, the level of total regional

Economics South and Central Asia

Kazakhstan to increase privatization of state-owned companies

Privatization could stimulate foreign investment and aid in the growth of the Kazakh economy, but not without major challenges. Kazakhstan has announced a wave of privatization to bolster foreign investment

Economics South and Central Asia

Taking Crimea may throw Russia into recession

Russian leaders may celebrate annexing Crimea, but it will cost the Russian economy. Already weak, this latest move threatens to send the country into recession. Following the successful referendum on Crimean independence and

International Politics

Book Review: Great Games, Local Rules

In his recently published book Great Games, Local Rules: The New Great Power Contest in Central Asia, Alexander Cooley offers a penetrating analysis of the geopolitical maneuvering and strategies pursued

Economics Europe

Russia’s single-industry cities pose risk to economy

The issue of failing monogoroda, or single-industry cities, is rapidly becoming one of the most pressing economic issues and sources of political risk within the Russian Federation. The Russian government

Politics South and Central Asia

Tension builds over Kumtor gold mine in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is once again absorbed in a debate over ownership of the Kumtor Mine, highlighting the government’s fragility and the importance of the mine for the country’s economy. Following a