Tag "Russia"
Chinese energy investments drive Moscow’s interests in Central Asia
With Russia’s economy in crisis and Central Asia coming in focus of Chinese energy strategy, the region is experiencing a long-term geopolitical shift. Central Asian (CA) states, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan,
Arctic nations continue militarizing the Arctic
Arctic nations have in recent years unveiled plans to upgrade military capabilities, allowing for operations in the harsh Arctic region. Yet while these developments affirm the increased strategic value of
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
Energy sector strongly affected by Ukraine crisis
With events rapidly unfolding, energy comes to the forefront in the East-West conflict over Ukraine. The past weeks in Ukraine have once again shown a close correlation between extreme political
Crimea referendum shows shift in Western-Russian relations
Crimeans vote on whether they want to stay part of Ukraine or join the Russian Federation this weekend. Regardless of the outcome, which Western leaders have already decried as illegitimate,
Arctic extraction sees huge potential, high risks
Massive petroleum and mineral reserves in the Arctic region are gradually becoming accessible due to climate change. However, companies face high risks as a result of large investment and operational
Ukraine caught in East-West tug-of-war
Ukraine could be on the brink of a wide-scale conflict that threatens to destabilize the region and worsen relations between Russia and the West. Ukraine is going through the worst
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
Corruption remains key to Russia’s economic stagnation
Corruption is widespread throughout the executive, legislative and judicial branches at all levels of the Russian government. The Russian authorities recognise that corruption is a major problem and have implemented a