Tag: Russia

Russia, Turkey and the Caucasus Map
Posted in Kavkaz Files ISSN 2975-0474 Caucasus Monitoring & Analysis Russia

Nagorno-Karabakh Crisis and Russia’s Strategy in the Region

The recent capitulation of Nagorno-Karabakh in the face of Azerbaijan’s military offensive has brought to light Russia’s recalibrated strategic approach in the region. This shift focuses on forging a robust alliance with both Baku and Ankara, a move designed to bolster the INSTC and leverage Turkish land as a potential hub for its new energy approach.

Dagestan National Centre Flag
Posted in Kavkaz Files ISSN 2975-0474 Monitoring & Analysis Russia Ukraine

Geopolitics of the Dagestan National Centre and the Dagestan Battalion ‘Imam Shamil’

The establishment of the Dagestan National Centre in Russia and the Dagestan Volunteer Battalion ‘Imam Shamil’ in Ukraine underscores the reverberations of the Ukraine conflict in the North Caucasus. This development highlights a substantial threat emanating from various movements and organisations, advocating for the destabilisation and fragmentation of the Russian Federation.

Japarov, President of Kyrgyzstan, with Putin, President of Russia
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Central Asia Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Russia

Geopolitics of Russia’s Language Schools in Kyrgyzstan

Russia’s concerted efforts in Kyrgyzstan, focused on supporting local educational and humanitarian initiatives, represent a significant augmentation of its soft power and cultural influence in the region. The cornerstone of this strategy lies in the establishment of Russian language schools in Kyrgyzstan, a project actively backed by Moscow.

Islam and North Caucasus
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Caucasus Kavkaz Files ISSN 2975-0474 Russia Ukraine

North Caucasus’Role in the Competition Between Russia and Ukraine Over the Islamic World

In the ongoing contest between Russia and Ukraine for endorsement from the Islamic world, the North Caucasus emerges as a critical asset in the Kremlin’s strategic arsenal. It serves as a linchpin for Moscow’s domestic political efforts in managing a diverse, multireligious, and multiethnic society, while also underpinning Russia’s foreign policy activities directed towards the Arab-Muslim world.

Nikol Pashinyan and Vladimir Putin
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Caucasus Kavkaz Files ISSN 2975-0474

Pashinyan’s Complain About Russia Underlined Armenian Swinging Foreign Policy

Nikol Pashinyan’s recent statements on Armenia’s ‘erroneous’ dependence on Russia may reflect a new direction in Yerevan’s foreign policy, signalling a desire to seek alternative solutions, particularly by cultivating stronger relationships with Western nations

CSTO soldier Belarus
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Russia

CSTO Exercises in Belarus Highlight Moscow’s Concerns Over Europe and the Organisation’s New Military Strategy

The forthcoming CSTO exercises in Belarus serve as a clear demonstration of the organisation’s strategic commitment to safeguarding its member states, focusing particularly on protecting Moscow and Minsk from potential external threats originating from Europe.

Astrakhan Oblast
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Russia

Astrakhan Region in the System of Russia’s Geopolitical Priorities in the Current International Situation

The Astrakhan region has historically served as a significant centre of Russian presence in the Caspian region for centuries. Since the late 20th century, following the geopolitical shifts caused by the collapse of the Soviet Union, Astrakhan’s role in Russia’s Caspian policy has acquired considerable prominence.

China Defence Minister
Posted in Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 China Russia

China’s defence cooperation with Russia and Belarus and the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security

Chinese Minister of Defence’s visit to Russia and Belarus reflects the cooperation between these countries in the realm of defence and highlights the significance of multilateral discussions in ensuring global stability and security.

Forum Indigenous Peoples Russia in Karachay-Cherkessia
Posted in SpecialEurasia News Caucasus Russia

SpecialEurasia Team Visits Karachay-Cherkessia for the Forum of Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Federation

Given the significance of the North Caucasus region in the intricate Eurasian geopolitical landscape and the potential role of indigenous communities within Russian society, SpecialEurasia decided to visit the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia to attend the Forum of Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Federation.

PMC Wagner Group
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Russia

Putin’s Power Play: Managing the PMC Wagner Mutiny in the Russian Federation

The recent mutiny led by the Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner in the Russian Federation brought forth a critical moment for President Vladimir Putin. During this crisis, Putin garnered the support of the Russian army, regional governors and heads of states, reaffirming his powerful position in the political and military landscape.

Ramzan Kadyrov
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Caucasus Kavkaz Files ISSN 2975-0474 Russia

Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov: A Key Ally in Putin’s Fight Against Prigozhin and Wagner PMC

The orchestrated military rebellion, led by Evgeny Prigozhin, against the central authority in Russia, presents an opportunity for Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen leader, and his military troops to emerge as significant allies and actors in the Kremlin’s domestic and foreign policy landscape.

Prigozhin and Wagner in Rostov on Don e1687584920757
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Russia

Inside Russia’s Alleged Rebellion: Unravelling the Wagner PMC Crisis

Recent developments in Russia have brought attention to the involvement of the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) in an attempted armed rebellion or mutiny. The incident, which unfolded on the evening of June 23rd, 2023, has triggered a series of reactions and measures by key institutions, leaving the country on high alert.

SPIEF 2023
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Russia

Shifting Geopolitical Tides: St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Explores Russia’s Eastward Pivot

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) serves as a significant milestone in Russia’s foreign policy and economic strategy.

North Caucasus map
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Caucasus Kavkaz Files ISSN 2975-0474 Russia

Beyond the Headlines: Understanding the Ongoing Relevance of the North Caucasus

This report highlights the reasons the North Caucasus remains important and necessitates ongoing monitoring and provides some future scenarios about the region.

Emomali Rahmon the President of Tajikistan
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Central Asia Russia

Economic Cooperation and Security: Russia pushes Tajikistan’s Entry into the EAEU

The recent meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon has unveiled the Central Asian republic’s strategic role for Moscow’s foreign policy in the region in defence, security, economy and social sectors.

A city in Dagestan
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Caucasus Central Asia Kavkaz Files ISSN 2975-0474 Russia

Dagestan and Tajikistan discussed expanding cooperation in different fields, especially the halal industry

Dagestan and Tajikistan’s entente on developing cooperation confirms the North Caucasus’s role in promoting relations between Russia and foreign countries, especially those in the blizhnee zarubezhe (near abroad) where the Kremlin wants to confirm its presence and influence.

Muslim world
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Middle East Russia Ukraine

Ukraine – Russia conflict and the Muslim world

The KazanForum 2023 and Zelensky’s visit to Jeddah during the Arab League summit underlined how strategic is the Muslim world for Russia and Ukraine.

Geopolitics of Eurasia and the Islamic world among Russia and China's interests_SpecialEurasia
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Central Asia China Middle East Russia

The importance of KazanForum 2023 and the China-Central Asia Summit for Eurasia and the Islamic world’s geopolitics

The KazanForum 2023 and the “China-Central Asia” Summit definitely emphasise Kremlin and Beijing’s strategies in Eurasia and the Islamic world’s strategic areas in time of confrontation with the West.

CIA headquarter
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Intelligence & Geopolitics Russia Ukraine United States

CIA recruiting video for dissatisfied Russians: Intelligence and strategic communications during the Ukraine conflict

The CIA video in the Russian language published on YouTube, which invites dissatisfied Russians to provide information to the U.S. Intelligence agency, confirms Washington’s strategy to create a network of assets inside the Russian Federation and put pressure on the Kremlin.

Ukraine War
Posted in Monitoring & Analysis Ukraine

Third Actors and Implications for International Order in the Ukraine War

On the surface, the Ukraine war appears to be a conflict between two primary actors, namely, the Russian Federation and the sovereign nation of Ukraine. On deeper analysis, however, it can be said that the Ukraine war is an example of great power competition.

Ingush Liberation Army
Posted in Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Caucasus Monitoring & Analysis Russia

Ingush activists announced the formation of the Ingush Liberation Army, threatening the Kremlin’s regional presence and strategy

The Kremlin might face a new wave of violent attacks or regional destabilisation due to the establishment of the Ingush Liberation Army, a military branch that the Ingush Independence Committee created to support an independent Ingushetia separated from the Russian Federation.

CSTO Meeting
Posted in Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Caucasus Monitoring & Analysis Russia

CSTO ready to send a mission on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border

In the last months, the South Caucasus has again experienced regional turbulence. While there have been protests in Georgia over a controversial draft law that would have required some organisations receiving foreign funding to register as “foreign agents”, Armenia and Azerbaijan might be again on the edge of an escalation involving the CSTO and, therefore, Russia.

M4 entrance to Republic of Adygea
Posted in Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Caucasus Monitoring & Analysis Russia

Increased investment in Adygea confirmed the Kremlin’s strategy in the North Caucasus

Increased Russian investments in Adygea confirm the Kremlin’s strategy to implement the North Caucasus’ socioeconomic development and transform the region into a logistics hub supporting the diversification of Russian exports.

Map of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) (Credits: Hellerick, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
Posted in Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Caucasus Central Asia Monitoring & Analysis Russia

Geopolitics of the International North-South Transport Corridor: an interview with Alexandr Sharov

SpecialEurasia discussed with Alexandr Sharov, General Director of the transport company LLC Neftekhimtrans, Group of companies Rusiranexpo, the current geopolitical significance of the INSTC and possible future developments and impact in the Eurasian strategic chessboard.

Central Asia Map
Posted in Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Central Asia Monitoring & Analysis Russia

Geopolitics of Russia-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan’s ‘trilateral gas union’ in Central Asia

Russia-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan’s ‘trilateral gas union’ might represent geopolitical leverage in favour of Moscow and Beijing because it might simultaneously satisfy the Chinese energy market’s needs and support the Russian and Chinese foreign policy in Central Asia.

The flag of the Muslim Corp "Kavkaz" appeared in pictures and videos spread by the group.
Posted in Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Monitoring & Analysis Russia Ukraine

Ukraine conflict and the Muslim Corp “Kavkaz”

The presence of the Musul’manskij korpus “Kavkaz” in the Ukraine conflict stressed the significant role that volunteer battalions have in supporting Kyiv and fighting against the Russian Federation, which they consider an imminent threat to the Ukrainian territory and the Muslim umma.

FSB officer
Posted in Geopolitical Report ISSN 2785-2598 Middle East Monitoring & Analysis Russia Terrorism

Russian FSB neutralised terrorist organisations’ supporters operating in different regions

In Russia, the detention of five people connected with the terrorist organisation Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and a person linked to Katiba al-Tawhid wal-Jihad confirmed FSB’s effort to guarantee regional security and avoid the link between local Russian citizens and terrorist organisations operating in the Middle East.