On-line Intelligence Bulletin of the European Press Agency
by Andrew Wilson and Nina Bachkatov
The Kremlin was not hoping for a president Trump, but simply as anyone other than Hillary Clinton. But it would certainly have preferred a more ‘traditional’ partner with whom to restore bilateral relations and settle international conflicts Continue reading “Russia and Trump’s victory: recognising “anti-establishment” diversity”
by Nina Bachkatov and Andrew Wilson
The 50th edition of Strategic Survey of the International Institute for Strategic Studies includes a lively chapter on Russia’s entry into the Middle Eastern power scene, involving its relations with the United States over Syria. Continue reading “Syria provides a post-Soviet foothold”
by Nina Bachkatov and Andrew Wilson
On 18 September, the Russians will vote to elect new parliamentary deputies, including four to represent Crimea. Foreign analysts have tended to treat the elections dismissively because of the limited role of the Duma in political life. But in fact they are the focus of an important shift in interest on the part of the Kremlin. Continue reading “Russian elections: Kremlin sees need of more credibility and pluralism”
by Nina Bachkatov
August 2016 is gone, with numerous references to the 25th anniversary of the putsch of 1991 and other critical events, all in the month of August, that still weight on Russian internal and international policies. Continue reading “Fateful August: four dates that still matter”
by Nina Bachkatov and Andrew Wilson
Much has been written and said about the 9th August meeting of Presidents Erdogan and Putin in St Petersburg, particularly regarding Erdogan’s need to look Eastwards when his relations with the West have been soured by his over-reaction to the attempted coup of 15 July.
But this should not obscure other elements in the situation, which are of great importance to both Russia and for Turkey. Continue reading “Turkey and Russia, uncommon partners”