Letter From the Editors
Drawing Lines in the Sand: Why Geopolitics is Hardly a Walk on the Beach
FEATURED NEWS STORIES
Kadyrov Affirms His Remarks About Opposition
THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Politics
2016: The System’s Stress Test
Petrov: Russia’s Increasingly Nebulous Political System Entering Uncertain Election Cycle
The Economy
Sergei Aleksashenko: Political Reforms Necessary to Save the Economy
Aleksashenko: Dismantled Political Institutions, Lack of Growth Drivers Hindering National Economy
Military Affairs
Moscow Fears Black Sea Conflict
Russia Enhancing Military Presence in Caspian Sea, Caucasus Regions to Counter NATO Presence
OTHER POST-SOVIET STATES
Central Asia
Central Asia Hits Turbulence
Knyazev: Central Asian Capitals Drifting Away From Moscow
Moldova
Governor – Oligarch Imposed on Moldova
Thousands Protest Secret Formation of New Cabinet of Ministers
Ukraine
There Is Room to Maneuver
Talks Between US, Russian Officials on Donetsk Basin Offer Hope of Progress
Ukraine Headed for More Tough Times
Zhiltsov: Sizable Political, Economic Challenges Cast Doubt on Ukraine’s Development Prospects
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Military Alliances
Base Principle
NG: Former USSR Republics Leveraging ‘Russia Threat’ to Secure Increased US Military Presence
Iran
Could Iran Be the Next Economic Tiger
Korovkin: Russia Must Not Miss Historic Opportunity to Develop Strong Economic Ties With Iran
Great Britain
Russian Foreign Ministry Calls Litvinenko Case Decision a Farce
Findings of British Inquiry Into 2006 Death of Litvinenko Trigger Backlash From Russia
Europe
Running Out of Patience: Why East European Countries Are Abandoning Liberalism
Karpov: East European Countries Disillusioned With EU Are Turning Toward Illiberal Democracy