The expansion in the Northern direction offered the nation a variety of unique opportunities, but it also created numerous challenges that other Europeans never confronted
Russia is a distinctly Nordic country. Its Arctic coastline stretches for twenty-four thousand kilometers, and almost two thirds of Russia’s territory is covered by permafrost. Among all Arctic states, Russia has by far the most numerous resident communities in the region in total exceeding two million people (approximately a...
... the most radical supporters have managed to destabilize the system. While some tightening of the existing order under wartime conditions was inevitable, the system has avoided sliding into a totalitarian model with excessive and demotivating control. Society, too, has shown resilience to extreme conditions. Initial confusion quickly gave way to adaptation. The high human cost of military actions and economic challenges, including inflation, have not led to any disintegrative processes. Society remains ...
The current challenge Pakistan faces is dangerous and surrounded by concerns and risks
On the day of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Chief, General Faiz Hameed, was seen sipping coffee at the Serena Hotel in Kabul. A news channel reporter captured this moment on video and asked, “Will you be meeting with the senior leaders of the Taliban?” The then-Director General (DG) of ISI replied: “No, I am not sure,” pointing to then-Pakistan Ambassador to...
... Poroshenko and the 2014 revolutionaries. The inherent vulnerabilities of Ukraine’s political system, present since the country’s independence, may resurface with renewed intensity.
Andrey Kortunov:
A Failed Journey to the West
The state of Ukrainian society adds another layer of complexity. Fatigue from prolonged military action, frustration with losses, and disillusionment with Western partners are taking their toll. Society has yet to grapple with the full impact of post-traumatic stress disorder....
Despite the efforts of Middle Eastern countries to enhance their influence in regional and international affairs, they continue to deal with issues that require external support
Becoming more evident in recent years, the latest events taking place in the Middle East may reinforce an awareness of the changing role of Middle Eastern states in international relations. Episodes such as U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about the Gaza Strip and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria have...
... remarks were delivered by Andrey Kortunov, RIAC Academic Director, and Vitaly Naumkin, IOS RAS President and RIAC Vice-President.
The substantive basis of the conference was the RIAC monography "Conversations about the Arab World: Politics, Power, Society". The book was presented by its authors: Aleksandr Aksenenok, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia, RIAC Vice-President, and Vasily Kuznetsov, Deputy Director for Science of the IOS RAS, RIAC Member.
During the discussion,...
... gradually fading from the Afghanistan-related agenda. The problem of human rights in Afghanistan—strongly emphasized by Western nations, especially regarding women’s rights and education—should be recognized as an internal matter, belonging to Afghan society and its government. Afghanistan was one of the first Muslim states to sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but this only formally obliges the country’s leadership to adhere to its principles. In addition, the crisis of the UN has ...
Independence on paper or in practice? On the prospects of cooperation between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso in security and social development
On July 6, 2024, the military leaders of Mali (Assimi Goïta), Niger (Abdourahamane Tchiani) and Burkina Faso (Ibrahim Traoré) signed a treaty establishing the Confederation of Sahel States, or, more precisely, the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States—retaining the acronym AES (
Alliance des États du Sahel
in French). The document was signed in Niamey...
... with their own blood for the decisions of the political and military elite leading to a major regional war. In any case, the victory of the only “reformist” candidate, Masoud Pezeshkian, in the recent presidential election is a clear signal from society to the leadership of the Islamic Republic that people want peace, stability and economic development, rather than new military exploits or social and political upheavals that invariably accompany them.
Even Israel—for all the outward determination ...
Results of Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea: Review of the documents adopted and their impact on the security situation in Northeast Asia
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea, or the DPRK, was an important milestone not only in terms of bilateral relations, but it was also the next step toward transforming the global security architecture. One can speak of a self-fulfilling prophecy: in response to pressure from the collective West, Moscow and Pyongyang are ready to join...
