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“Maritime Security Belt 2025” Naval Exercise: Developing Security Architecture Of The Indian Ocean
The seventh annual trilateral naval exercise “Maritime Security Belt 2025” started on March 10th, 2025, near Chabahar, Iran, encompassing anti-piracy, search-and-rescue, and naval combat exercises. The presence of Russia, China hosted by Iran in the strategically significant Gulf of Oman underscores their shared interest in countering Western influence and safeguarding themselves against an increasingly assertive…
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Russia’s Strategic Diplomatic Shift: Alexander Darchiev is the New Russian Ambassador to the United States
The appointment of Alexander Darchiev as Russia’s ambassador to the United States marks a pivotal moment in Moscow’s diplomatic strategy. Amidst the current high tensions, his position and experience at the Russian Foreign Ministry suggest he may strive to improve, rather than damage, U.S.-Russia relations.
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Navigating Sanctions: Orenburg and Iran’s Economic Partnership
The report analyses recent economic and diplomatic activities involving the Orenburg Region of Russia and Iran, focusing on the deepening ties and joint cooperation opportunities. On February 21st-24th, 2025, a delegation representing Russia’s Oregon region, headed by Vice-Governor Ignat Petukhov, took part in the international EURASIA EXPO-2025 exhibition in Tehran.
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The Ukraine Conflict’s Impact on Russia-China Relations and Asia-Pacific Security Dynamics
This report analyses the influence of the Ukrainian conflict on Moscow and Beijing’s economic-military relations and their respective perspectives the geopolitical dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region.
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Ukraine conflict and Western Sanctions against Moscow: Analysis of Russian Efforts to Repatriate Frozen Assets in 2024
In 2024, Russia successfully recovered approximately 570 billion rubles ($6.3 billion) in assets previously frozen by Western nations because of the ongoing geopolitical conflict. Even with its successes, the substantial amount of Russia’s reserves frozen, primarily in the EU, remains a significant threat to its financial health.
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NATO, Ukraine, and the U.S. Strategy: The Geopolitical Implications of Trump’s Vision
This report examines the shifting dynamics of U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine and NATO, particularly considering Donald Trump’s return to the White House. It analyses how the current U.S. Administration, characterised by reduced overseas commitments, fiscal conservatism, and scepticism towards allied burden-sharing, could reshape transatlantic security.
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Putin’s Defender of the Fatherland Day Address: Narrative Analysis and Strategic Implications
This report analyses President Vladimir Putin’s Defender of the Fatherland Day address (23 February 2025), which reinforces key narratives legitimising Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, strengthening domestic resolve, and projecting historical continuity.
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Analysis of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Central Asia: Perspectives and Challenges
This report aims at assessing the activities of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in Central Asia, its perspectives and challenges.
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Ethnic Alliances and Foreign Influence: The Power Struggle in Abkhazia’s Elections
This report aims to analyse the key outcomes of the election, the potential shifts in Abkhazia’s foreign and domestic policies, and the broader implications for regional stability. The results were as follows: Gunba 46.38%, Ardzinba 36.92%, Bartstits 4.04%, Arshba 7.53%, and Khurkhumal 0.91%. As no candidate obtained more than 50% of the vote, a second…
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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.
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Belarus Presidential Elections Confirmed Lukashenko’s Leadership Among Western Criticism
The January 26th, 2025, presidential election in Belarus resulted in Alexander Lukashenko extending his 31-year rule. Western governments have widely criticised the electoral process, citing the absence of free and fair conditions. The election took place against the backdrop of heightened political repression, lack of opposition candidates, and Belarus’ deepening alignment with Russia.
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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.
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Putin-Pashinyan’s Phone Conversation Confirmed Russia’s Interest in Armenia and the Caucasus
The recent phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reviewed Armenia’s presidency of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and outline future cooperation within the bloc.
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Putin-Pezeshkian’s Meeting in Moscow: Analysis of Russia-Iran’s Strategic Partnership
This report, based on local and international sources and SpecialEurasia’ previous investigations, analyse Putin-Pezeshkian’s meeting and the impact of an increasing Russia-Iran’s cooperation in the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard.
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Assessment of Armenia’s Foreign Policy Towards U.S., EU and Russia’s Regional Presence
This report assesses Yerevan’s foreign policy toward Washington and Brussels, and Moscow’s potential responses, considering Russia’s diminishing influence in the Caucasian republic after approximately thirty years. In addition, it analyses potential threats to Armenia arising from the expansion of its ties with the West.