Latest Articles about Domestic/Social

Moscow Likely to Trigger Outrage If It Forces Protesters to Fight in Ukraine
Executive Summary: Moscow has used various measures short of a new mobilization to fill the ranks of its dwindling army in Ukraine and appears ready to force protesters into the army and send them to fight. In Dagestan, a republic that has often been bellwether... MORE

Arms Manufacturing in Russia in January–September 2024 Demonstrates No Growth
Executive Summary: The Russian industrial output index comparing January–September 2024 to January–September 2023 is 104.4 percent, demonstrating economic growth when considering the data in rubles. The inflation of the ruble makes it seem as if the Russian military-industrial complex is growing. However, when considering these... MORE

The Art of War: PRC Weaponizes Culture to Galvanize the People
Executive Summary: The Party sees culture as a tool to achieve its strategic ambitions both inside and outside the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Speeches, articles, and conferences portray it as central to achieving national rejuvenation. Party discourse on culture is shot through with militaristic... MORE

To Combat Demographic Decline, Moscow Must Focus on Mortality Rather than Fertility
Executive Summary: Russia’s continuing population decline means it will soon not have enough people to run its economy and fight in its wars. Russian President Vladimir Putin is talking ever more about falling fertility rates but doing little to decrease the increasingly high mortality rates.... MORE

Kremlin Backs Revival of Tsarist-Era Anti-Semitic Union of the Russian People
Executive Summary: Far-right Russian nationalist groups are becoming increasingly active, with some already instigating pogroms and intimidating officials. Other organizations like the historically infamous Union of the Russian People have attracted the support of the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church. The Union of the... MORE

Increasing Sign-Up Bonuses for Russian Soldiers Signal Falling Support for Putin’s War
Executive Summary: Russian President Vladimir Putin has adopted various strategies to fill the ranks of his army to avoid the anger and emigration among Russians that mobilization would provoke, including offering substantial signing bonuses. Continuing to increase bonuses highlights the declining support among Russians for... MORE

Beijing’s Latest Data Security Regulations Create Framework for Broad Domestic and Extraterritorial Supervision
Executive Summary: The State Council-approved “Network Data Security Management Regulations” impose stringent compliance requirements on data processors and platform service providers to safeguard personal information, important data, and cross-border data. The “Regulations” signal continued efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to assert control... MORE

Moscow’s Anti-Migrant Campaign Accelerating Formation of Ethnic Ghettos in Russia
Executive Summary: Russia is now facing a problem that did not exist in Soviet times and one that in the years since 1991, Moscow has denied exists now: the appearance in Moscow and other major cities of ethnic ghettos consisting of members of Central Asian... MORE

Western Actors and Georgian Opposition Demand Sanctions Against Informal Leader Ivanishvili
Executive Summary: The European Parliament adopted a resolution requesting sanctions on Georgia and its informal leader, Bidzina Ivanishvili, following the parliamentary elections on October 26 if they are not free and fair. Ivanishvili and his team claim that the West has already informally sanctioned the... MORE

Moscow Forced to Fill Ranks With Older Men
Executive Summary: Moscow is now increasing the age limit for military service to fill the depleted ranks of its forces in Ukraine. This is a reflection of the manpower difficulties Russia faces in its long war. Visitors to the front, officials involved in meeting the... MORE