Tag "Vladimir Putin"
6 reasons 2015 will be defined by market volatility
Markets spent most of 2014 calmly moving up, but 2015 may be a different story. Outside of a brief surge in volatility in October, markets were complacent throughout 2014. Even
Five types of Russian companies targeted by Western sanctions
This reference guide explains which Russian entities have been targeted by Western sanctions and analyzes the intended effects of these measures. The EU, US and a handful of other countries have imposed
Relations with Russia are Cold War in all but name
New EU and US sanctions against vital sectors of Russia’s economy is the most comprehensive Western answer to Russia’s continuous support for separatists in Eastern Ukraine. With the Ukrainian army gaining
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
Transnistria is another fracture in Ukraine crisis
As the European Union and United States negotiate with Russia over the situation in Ukraine, another disputed territory is attracting international attention. With the tension escalating in eastern Ukraine and Moldova
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
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
The Ukraine crisis via the lens of history and EU relations
A primer on how historical context of Kiev’s political evolution and relations with the European Union inform the current situation in Ukraine Violence in Ukraine has greatly escalated in recent
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.