The Rising Influence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Russian Politics

This discussion paper suggests that in order to understand the drivers of Russian behaviour in the global arena,...

Rising Anti-Chinese Sentiment in Central Asia: A Harbinger of Regional Unrest?

This paper suggests that understanding China’s broad strategy, the reasons for rising Sinophobia, and Beijing’s capabilities, are of...

Understanding the Proposed Amendments to the Russian Constitution: Power Grab or Institutional Fortification?

The purpose of this info pack is to compile existing research on official Russian statements and aggregate relevant...

Could COVID-19 Spoil Putin’s Constitutional Amendments?

With tens of millions of Russians struggling financially, there is no enthusiasm right now for Putin’s constitutional amendments....

Coronavirus Exposes Central Asian Migrants’ Vulnerability

Distinctive factors shape anti-migrant sentiments in Russia. COVID-19 exacerbates an already difficult situation. As the new coronavirus spreads...

The Coronavirus in Russia: What is the State of Preparedness?

The purpose of this Info Pack is to aggregate existing research on cases and compile relevant data on...

Russia and Turkey in Syria: The Geopolitical Nexus

This paper provides an overview of Russia’s broad strategy; its capabilities within the contours of Russian-Turkish relationship. Over...

The Wagner Group: A Private Military Company That’s Not Exactly ‘Private’

The Wagner Group is Putin’s most potent weapon in advancing Russian policy objectives while maintaining plausible deniability. The...

TurkStream and the Trajectory of Russia-Turkey Relations

The demand for natural gas has been rising much faster than the need for other primary energy sources....

Why Is Anti-Chinese Sentiment on the Rise in Central Asia?

Central Asia could become a spoiler for all of Beijing’s big Belt and Road ambitions. On October 1,...