DC - Russia and Caucasus

Mafia States

Moisés Naím — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:00:09 +0000

An important obstacle to combating the spread of mafia states is a basic lack of awareness among ordinary citizens and policymakers about the extent of the phenomenon.

Russian Strategic Forecasting's New Look

Matthew Rojansky — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:01:23 +0000

The Institute for World Economy and International Relations has released a forecasting project which challenges the Russian leadership to recognize and adapt to measurable global trends, even when those run counter to the Kremlin line.

Keeping NATO Relevant

Jamie Shea — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:15:45 +0000

A slimmed down NATO could do a better job of harmonizing transatlantic positions in crisis situations, be the hub of multinational, high-end military operations, and develop expertise and capabilities to deal with new threats such as cyber attacks.

The Next Phase of U.S.-Russia Relations

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Senator Ben Cardin will discuss the political and human rights situation in Russia and the influence human rights issues have in shaping U.S.-Russia relations.

Advancing the Rule of Law Abroad: Next Generation Reform

Rachel Kleinfeld — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

A growing movement of second-generation reformers view the rule of law not as a collection of institutions and laws that can be built by outsiders, but as a relationship between the state and society that must be shaped by those inside the country.

'Frozen' Transnistria Conflict Begins to Thaw

Matthew Rojansky — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:05:35 +0000

The latest apparent thaw on all sides of the protracted Transnistria conflict is a hopeful sign, but the resolution process will continue to be gradual and deliberate.

Stability Before Profit in Russia's East Asian Strategy

Dmitri Trenin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:41:54 +0000

While developing its Asian strategy, Russia will certainly give a lot of attention to cooperation with China, but it will not ignore its interests and opportunities in other countries in the region.

Diplomatic History: The Turkey-Armenia Protocols

David Phillips, Amb. Michael Lemmon, Thomas de Waal — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Interviews with U.S. and Swiss officials, as well as envoys from Turkey and Armenia, provide an insider’s account of negotiations resulting in the 2009 Protocol establishing diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia.

Looking Beyond the Chicago Summit: Nuclear Weapons in Europe and the Future of NATO

George Perkovich, Malcolm Chalmers, Steven Pifer, Paul Schulte, Jaclyn Tandler — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:15:42 +0000

While NATO can extend the status quo in the short term, it cannot postpone resolving its defense and deterrence dilemmas without undermining Alliance confidence and cohesion.

Energy for Tomorrow

Kevin Tu, Adnan Vatansever — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:39:14 +0000

China and Russia must find a way to balance the competing policy challenges of economic development, energy security, and environmental integrity.