Ajnad al-Kavkaz and the Challenge of North Caucasian Foreign Fighters in Syria

This report analyses the recent tensions between the jihadist group Ajnad al-Kavkaz and Syria’s interim administration under Ahmed al-Sharaa. In a recent statement published online, Ajnad al-Kavkaz criticised targeted repression by the current Syrian authorities.
Why Iranian Industrial Group Shasta’s Expanding Exports via Makhachkala Port Matters in Regional Geopolitics?

This report analyses the Iranian corporation Shasta’s involvement and interests in the Makhachkala Sea Trade Port in the Republic of Dagestan. The report also outlines potential benefits and challenges tied to these efforts.
Kavkaz Investment Forum 2025: Economic and Geopolitical Outlook

This report provides an analytical assessment of the North Caucasus Federal District (NCFD) based on developments presented at the Kavkaz Investment Forum 2025, recent macroeconomic data, and ongoing geopolitical dynamics.
Armed Attack in Makhachkala Underlined Dagestan’s Security Dilemmas

This report evaluates the recent armed attack in Makhachkala within the broader context of persistent terrorist activity in the Republic of Dagestan. It assesses the tactical and strategic implications of recent violence targeting security forces and the state’s response capacity.
Are Energy and Lithium Driving Russia’s North Caucasus Strategy?

This report examines the strategic importance of the North Caucasus region for Russia, focusing on its role as a critical energy transit hub and local energy production area. Following the Ukraine conflict and the rising energy demands, the enhancement of energy infrastructure, including both local and transnational oil and gas pipelines, has become a key…
Makhachkala Port and Beyond: How Dagestan Connects Iran and Russia in a Shifting Eurasian Landscape

The report outlines the strategic relationship between Dagestan and Iran, highlighting recent developments during a delegation’s visit aimed at enhancing trade and economic collaboration
Security and Terrorism in the North Caucasus: Interview with Mark Youngman

SpecialEurasia met with Mark Youngman to discuss his recent report “Terrorism and counterterrorism in the North Caucasus: 2024 trends” considering his vast experience as an open-source intelligence (OSINT) analyst and independent researcher.
15 Years of the North Caucasus Federal District: An Analysis of Achievements and Challenges

This report aims at underlining the North Caucasus Federal District’s positive trends and the local challenges which might undermine regional stability and the Kremlin’s efforts to improve the socioeconomic conditions.
Incident Report: UAV Attack on the Russian University of Special Forces in Gudermes, Chechnya

On October 29th, 2024, a UAV attack targeted the Russian University of Special Forces (RUS) in Gudermes, Chechnya, resulting in a fire on the roof of an unoccupied building.
North Caucasus: New Geostrategic Opportunities

This report investigates the upcoming forum “North Caucasus: New Geostrategic Opportunities” scheduled on 4-5 October 2024. The forum aims to examine the strategic potential of the NorthCaucasus in Russia’s global strategy, focusing on infrastructure, regional growth, and human capital.
Dagestan Between Kremlin’s Support and Indian Interests

This report analyses the recent developments in Dagestan, focusing on Moscow’s strategic interests in the republic and the geopolitical significance of the North Caucasus. It highlights the visit of Yuri Chaika, the Russian President’s representative in the North Caucasus, to Dagestan, and assesses the importance of the recent meeting between Dagestani authorities and an Indian…
Counter-Terrorism Operations in Ingushetia and Adygea: Recent Developments

The recent counter-terrorism operations in Ingushetia and Adygea underscore the persistent threat of terrorism within Russia and the government’s ongoing efforts to neutralise such threats.
Analysing Contemporary North Caucasus with Mairbek Vatchagaev

SpecialEurasia engaged in a discussion with Mairbek Vatchagaev, a historian and political analyst specialising in the North Caucasus, to acquire deeper insight into the region’s dynamics, the Kremlin’s local strategy, the developing situation, and future risks.
Putin’s Visit to the North Caucasus: Why Matters?

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia-Alania, and Chechnya underscores the strategic importance of the North Caucasus in Moscow’s domestic and foreign policy, especially in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ep. 25 – Report on Terrorist Attacks in Dagestan

The latest episode of the SpecialEurasia Geopolitical Report Podcast delves into the recent coordinated terrorist attacks that took place in the cities of Makhachkala and Derbent in Dagestan.

Tag: North Caucasus