After Putin’s unsurprising victory in the Russian presidential election on 18 March, focus has shifted to expectations for Putin’s fourth, and officially last, term in office. With few catalysts for change present in the Russian political landscape, inertia in the domestic sphere and uncertainty in foreign policy is likely to characterise Putin’s fourth…
The outcome of the 2016 US presidential elections next week will define the West's relationship with Russia for years to come. Many observers have speculated that Hillary Clinton's hardline stance on Russia could worsen relations with the Kremlin, while the election of Trump – who has publicly praised President Putin – would lead to rapprochement. However,…
It is premature to assume that the bromance between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will result in sustained, positive relations between the US and Russia, writes Saif Islam.
The recent abduction of Afgan Mukhtarli not only puts Georgia's democratic credentials under scrutiny, but also highlights the variety of threats faced by independent journalists in many parts of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including wrongful detention, writes Saif Islam.
The death last September of long-time Uzbek dictator Islam Karimov, who ruled the Central Asian state from its independence in 1991, was an opportunity for the isolated country to open up to the world and liberalise its oppressive regime, writes Filip Rambousek. The Uzbek government appears to be seizing its chance.
Three major anti-government demonstrations since early 2017 have taken the Kremlin by surprise, but they are highly unlikely to challenge regime stability, writes Tim Geschwindt.
Reform and regime consolidation in Uzbekistan share much of the same path, what comes next is key, writes Tim Geschwindt.
Although there are some indications of potential changes to foreign and economic policy, there is little doubt that the new Uzbek leader will continue the tradition of his predecessor and preserve the authoritarian political system, writes Saif Islam.
Lack of political will on both sides of the negotiating table continues to undermine efforts to resolve the war in eastern Ukraine. Unless Ukraine, Russia and pro-Russian separatists can reach a compromise, rebel-held territories look set to become another “frozen conflict” zone in the former Soviet Union, writes Saif Islam. This article was originally published in the Daily Maverick: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2016-10-26-s-rm-new-talks-on-ukraine-bring-little-hope-for-peace/#.WFvnaFN96Uk…
Saif Islam discusses the prevalence of corruption and extortion in Russiaand Ukraine amid the regional economic contraction, which had a negativeimpact on investor confidence in 2015.
The economic slowdown hasresulted in protests in Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, which are likelyto increase the risk of wrongful detention in 2016 as authorities try to clampdown on dissent, writes Saif Islam.