Russia and South Africa: Strategic Friendship or Geopolitical Gamble?
The Valdai Discussion Club, in partnership with the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), will hold the 3rd Russian-African conference titled “Realpolitik in...
Russia’s Nuclear Strategy Post-Ukraine and Future of European Warfare
Russia has transformed its nuclear strategy following the 2022 Ukraine invasion, which integrates nuclear signaling into conventional conflict through calculated ambiguity and graduated escalation....
From Periphery to Frontline: Ethnic Minority Rights in Wartime Russia
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reshaped not only international borders but also deepened domestic patterns of repression. Under the guise of patriotic unity, the...
The Failure of Russia’s “Shadow War” Strategy: The Collapse of the Assad Regime in Syria
In December 2024, history recorded the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria when Russian support should have been at its peak. Over...
The Illusion of Resilience: How the War is Hollowing out Putin’s Feudal Economy
At first glance, after three years of the war and economic sanctions, Russia’s economy appears remarkably stable. Output is rising, unemployment is at a...
The West Should End Russia’s Great Power Delusions
Three years ago, Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As the war goes on and the situation on the battlefield changes regularly, explanations...
Power at the Brink: Looming Leadership Crises in China and Russia
In recent decades, both Russia and China have increasingly concentrated power in the hands of their respective leaders — Vladimir Putin in Russia and...
Russia and Cuba Bristling at Growing Bilateral Ties
The State Duma, Russia's lower chamber of legislators, bristled in late March 2025 at the strengthening multifaceted ties with Cuba during the first-class interaction...
Why Putin Decided to Invade Ukraine: A War for Ego, Not Russian Interests
As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, discussions about a potential armistice, and even cautious hopes for peace, have begun, fueled by...
Is Russia really isolated? The increasing importance of East and South diplomacy
When Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, many predicted that Moscow would face deep international isolation. However, rather...