Executive Summary: Since Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv has been working to counter Russian influence in Africa and expand its own by doubling its embassies on the continent and increasing aid. Most African countries remain neutral because Ukraine is a major grain supplier.... MORE

Executive Summary: Two American researchers claim they discovered the future launch site for the Russian nuclear-powered intercontinental-range cruise missile “Burevestnik.” This is unlikely, as it does not appear to be possible to build such a missile due to technological and physical restrictions. Since 2018, Russia... MORE

Executive Summary: As the new school year begins in Russia, the Kremlin is restructuring the curriculum to be more patriotic, teaching school children about “what is important,” including the “Fundamentals of Religious Culture” and military training. Due in part to limited access to technology and... MORE

Executive Summary: The Eastern Economic Forum, held in Vladivostok from September 3 to 6, demonstrated Moscow’s shortcomings in its commitment to pivoting its economic policy toward the Asia-Pacific, especially China. Stagnation rather than expansion is the trend in Russia-China economic interactions, as Chinese companies are... MORE

Executive Summary:  The Arctic Express route was launched in July as part of the joint Russian-Chinese development of the “Ice Silk Road,” which aims to develop the shortest route from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic via the Arctic. China increasingly sees strategic benefit in... MORE

Executive Summary: Baku is currently turning away from the West toward Russia and Iran, angry at Western countries for their support of Armenia and criticism of human rights issues in Azerbaijan, and hopeful that Moscow and Tehran will help achieve its geo-economic and geopolitical goals.... MORE

Executive Summary: In August, Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka announced that Ukrainian attack drones en route to Russia had entered Belarusian airspace, provoking a harsh response from Minsk. Official Minsk’s decision to withdraw troops from the border had demonstrated a willingness to act in ways that... MORE

Executive Summary: Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk has caused Putin’s ratings to fall to their lowest point since the war began. The majority of Russians, nevertheless, still say they are “satisfied” with their lives. To prevent the growth of societal discontent, the Kremlin will seek to... MORE

Executive Summary: The Kremlin has established the Maritime Collegium of the Russian Federation, which will focus on the preservation of Russia’s naval power, specifically in the Arctic and along the Northern Sea Route. International cooperation in the Arctic and China’s central role are significant components... MORE

Executive Summary: A division of Russia’s Communications Authority, the General Radio Frequency Center (GRFC), has been playing a significant role in creating Russia’s sovereign Internet by establishing numerous restrictions and cracking down on users. The GRFC is a Kremlin censorship tool which uses machine learning... MORE