Tag "Russia"
Estonia-Russia border deal brings needed clarity
Estonia and Russia have signed an agreement clarifying their shared border. The two countries could see improved trade relations. On February 18th, Estonia and Russia signed a historic agreement outlining
Russia is eyeing China to expand energy ties with Asia
As Europe aims to diversify its energy sources, Russia is looking to the East to develop links with the more energy-prospective Asian markets. In June 2013, Russia’s oil giant Rosneft
Dreams of tourist-friendly North Caucasus hard to realize
North Caucasus hopes to use the Sochi Winter Olympics to attract investment through improvement in tourism. Yet, insecurity, corruption and broken infrastructure make such dreams difficult to realize. The President
The battle for Ukraine’s future continues
Demonstrations that began in November 2013 in Ukraine turned into violent clashes claiming the lives of at least two people. With talks between the government and the opposition not yet
Will Sochi Winter Games thaw Russia’s rigid economy?
A mega event, such as the Olympics, does not necessarily bring short-term economic gains to the host country. But hosting may lead to a freer market economy down the line.
Tough times ahead for Tajikistan
Tajikistan’s year ahead is fraught with political and economic risk, even as the nation hopes to join the Eurasian Union, which launches in 2015. Border disputes with the neighboring post-Soviet
Russia invests in Far East to prevent Chinese influence
Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to celebrate the New Year in the Russian Far East. Fear of Chinese influence has prompted another sign of the “Pivot Eastward” that Putin has pledged
Uzbekistan’s business community torn by elite turf war
Uzbek businesses find themselves caught in the crossfire of an ongoing feud among the Central Asian republic’s ruling elite. Intrigue has rapidly developed as the health of Islam Karimov, the
Sochi Winter Olympics are the costliest Games ever
The Sochi Olympics, due to be held next February, will be the biggest international event hosted by Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union. While the event aims to
Ruble to spread in global market
Russia is facing many economic problems and has seen its currency, the ruble, drop to record-low levels. Nevertheless, policy makers in Russia and abroad may help to strengthen the Ruble’s
