Latest Articles about Foreign Policy

To Counter Russian Invasion, Kyiv Seeking to Expand Influence in Africa
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

Putin Cannot Escape War in Ukraine Amid Travels to Far East
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

One Partnership at a Time: Beijing Steadily Creates a New Type of International Relations
Executive Summary: The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has established a framework of authority and values that fosters voluntary compliance from subordinate states, as exemplified by the Solomon Islands’ recent diplomatic alignment with Beijing, abandoning recognition of Taiwan in favor of the PRC. The PRC... MORE

China and Russia Expand Cooperation on Arctic Transit Infrastructure
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

Baku Turning Away From West Toward Moscow and Tehran, at Least for Now
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

Developments on Belarus-Ukraine Border Prompt Roller Coaster of Reactions in Minsk
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

As Domestic Discontent Simmers, Russia Again Tries to Draw Belarus Into War
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

Russia’s New Maritime Collegium Inaugurated in Renewed Focus on Arctic Policy
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

Putin Puts Forth Resolute Indifference to Kursk Debacle
Executive Summary: Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown little initiative in combating Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk oblast, instead defining Russia’s defense as a counter-terrorist operation. Ukraine has succeeded in altering the narrative of Russia’s dominance in the war, sending a shockwave into Russian society,... MORE

Armenia Ends Russian Oversight at Yerevan Airport as Security Concerns Persist
Executive Summary: On July 31, the Russian border guards deployed to Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport formally ceased operations. The following day, the airport became the sole responsibility of units from the Armenian Border Guard. This withdrawal only applies to the airport. Russian border guards will... MORE