Tag: Russia
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Tatarstan-Turkey Economic Relations and Implications for Russian Geopolitics
This report examines the implications of April’s meeting between Tatarstan and Turkish representatives and highlights Tatarstan’s role in foresting Moscow’ foreign relation and, simultaneously, remaining a key economic and political asset in the Russian hands.
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Geopolitical Report: Kavkaz Investment Forum and the Future of the North Caucasus
The upcoming Kavkaz Investment Forum in Chechnya presents an opportunity to highlight the economic potential of the North Caucasus region. Recent years have seen robust socio-economic growth, but challenges remain, including over-reliance on tourism and external geopolitical pressures.
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Intel Report: Russia’s Transport Strategy in Central Asia
Recent developments show significant shifts in transportation and trade routes linking Europe, Asia, and the Persian Gulf. Russia’s investment in transport corridors through Iran and the Arctic, alongside developments in the Turkmenbashi port, signifies a strategic move to reshape regional trade dynamics.
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Intelligence Report: The Ingush Jamaat and the Islamic State Wilayat Kavkaz
The resurgence of Islamist radical activity in the North Caucasus region, particularly attributed to the Ingush Jamaat of the Islamic State Wilayat Kavkaz, poses a significant threat to regional stability and security.
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Enhancing Regional Security: Russia-Tajikistan Joint Anti-Terrorism Exercises
Russia and Tajikistan are currently engaged in joint counterterrorism exercises, which have become even more crucial because of the rise in terrorist activities in Afghanistan. This partnership between Moscow and Dushanbe highlights their commitment to enhancing military and defence cooperation.
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Terrorist Attack in Russia and Islamic State Wilayat Khurasan’s Jihadist Propaganda
On April 8th, 2024, the Al Azaim Foundation released The Voice of Khurasan Issue 34 titled “The Bear Bewildered.” This publication analysed the recent terrorist attacks in Moscow defined as a ‘retaliation’ and serves as a call to action aimed at mobilising the Muslim Ummah against perceived Western invasions and advocating for the restoration of the Caliphate.
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Russia’s Far East and China
Developing and improving the socioeconomic conditions in the Far East is of utmost importance for the Russian Federation, as it offers a substantial opportunity for economic growth and strategic influence. In this scenario, although Beijing might be one of the key investors in the region, there is also the possibility of a conflict between Russia and China for the control and influence of the Far East’s regional dynamics and economic market.
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Ep. 9 – Terrorist Attack in Moscow: Risk Scenario Analysis
The recent terrorist attacks targeting the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, leaving 147 dead and hundreds injured, have sent shockwaves through Russia and beyond. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that no nation is immune to the threat of terrorism and the insidious spread of jihadist propaganda.
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China-Russia Competition in Kyrgyzstan’s Investment Market
The landscape of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Kyrgyzstan highlights the China-Russia competition in the Central Asian republic with China emerging as the principal investor, surpassing Russia and Kazakhstan.
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6 Questions and Considerations Arising from the Terrorist Attack in Moscow
The devastating terrorist attack that occurred in Moscow on March 22nd, 2024, resulting in 147 casualties and hundreds injured, has starkly emphasised the urgent need to combat terrorism, particularly in the face of the escalating influence of the Islamic State within the spectrum of jihadist groups. This report seeks to address several key questions pertaining to the attack and its implications for Russia.
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Terrorist Attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow: A Preliminary Intelligence Report
The terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism within Russia. The indiscriminate violence unleashed by unknown assailants resulted in 40 fatalities and over 100 injuries, highlighting the vulnerability of civilian gatherings and cultural institutions to extremist acts.
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Ep. 8 – Russian Presidential Elections: Report from Moscow
The Geopolitical Report Podcast provides a firsthand account of the political landscape in Moscow, Russia, following our team’s on-ground exploration during the week of the Russian presidential elections.
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Russia-Senegal Cooperation in Human Rights: Why Matters?
The recent memorandum of understanding of human rights cooperation between Russia and Senegal has marked a significant milestone in their cooperation, highlighting Moscow’s growing interests in the African country.
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SpecialEurasia’s Visit to Moscow: Exploring Russia’s Political Landscape Amidst Presidential Elections
In the heart of Russia’s political fervour, SpecialEurasia embarks on an official visit to Moscow, the epicentre of the Russian Federation. With the pivotal juncture we are currently facing, characterised by the imminent presidential elections, our team is actively involved in a multitude of endeavours that center on comprehending the intricate dynamics of Russia’s domestic and global affairs.
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Ep. 7 – Terrorism and Security in the North Caucasus
In our recent podcast episode, we delved into the intricacies of security and terrorism in the North Caucasus, explaining the geopolitical significance this region holds for Russia and its broader role on the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard.
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Russia’s Presidential Elections 2024: Candidates and Political Overview
The upcoming Russian presidential elections, scheduled for March 15th-17th, 2024, are a pivotal moment in the nation’s domestic politics. Despite Western claims of irregularities, these elections represent a significant opportunity for Vladimir Putin to reaffirm his leadership and governance.
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Ep. 5 – Russia’s Military Districts’ reorganisation and Kremlin’s domestic politics
In the latest podcast episode, we discussed Russia’s recent presidential decree which included the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR), as well as the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions into the Southern Military District.
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Transnistria Asks Russia’s Protection from Moldova: Why Matters?
Recent Transnistria’s appeal for protection to Russia has elevated the regional geopolitical risk, underscoring the precarious situation in Moldova. Transnistria, also known as the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR), has sought Moscow’s aid in response to alleged pressure from the Moldovan government.
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Chechnya’s Role in Russia’s Military Strategy and Foreign Policy
Dmitry Medvedev’s recent visit to Grozny and meeting with Ramzan Kadyrov and local military officials confirmed the role that Chechnya is plying in supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict and the North Caucasian republic’s increasing role in regional and state’s dynamics and foreign policy.
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Opening of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Trading Houses in Iran: An Intelligence Assesment Report
The recent suggestion to open an Eurasian Economic Union Trading House in Iran underlined the organisation’s commitment to increase trade and cooperation with the Islamic Republic and the positive and increasing relations between Moscow and Tehran on different issues related to the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard.
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Ep.2 – Iran and Tatarstan’s relations
In this episode of the “Geopolitical Report” podcast series by SpecialEurasia, we examined the relationship between Iran and Tatarstan. The episode underscores the pivotal role played by Tatarstan in advancing the Moscow-Tehran relationship, underscoring its significance in shaping the Kremlin’s foreign policy in the Middle East and the Arab-Muslim world.
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Russia-Egypt Strengthen Their Relations Thanks to El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant
The participation of Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the ceremony for the fourth unit of Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear power plant underscores the strategic significance of Russo-Egyptian collaboration. The project, led by Rosatom, marks a milestone in Russia’s involvement in Africa, signifying an expanding geopolitical influence.
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North Caucasus’ Economic Performance in 2023: An Overview
While the North Caucasus Federal District demonstrates resilience, potential risks include external geopolitical influences and the need for sustained economic stability. The region’s dependency on tourism growth demands careful management to avoid overreliance on a single sector. Additionally, monitoring external pressures on the Russian economy remains crucial for sustained development.
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Diyanet’s Role to Promote Turkey in Central Asia and Russia
Despite its recognition, Diyanet has been embroiled in scandals in Europe, particularly related to illegal intelligence activities and financial transactions. Its active involvement in the post-Soviet space, notably in Central Asia and Russia, reflects its role as a tool of Turkish “soft power” and an avenue for cultural and humanitarian dialogue.
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Geopolitics of the North Caucasus: An Analysis of Local Ethnic Minorities and Indigenous Peoples
In this paper published in Geopolitical Report ISSN 2532-845X Vol. 4 Year 2023, the author Giuliano Bifolchi delves into the multifaceted approach undertaken by the Russian government in managing the diverse ethnic groups and indigenous people residing in the North Caucasus.
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Geopolitics of Contemporary Kyrgyzstan between Russia, China, and Turkey
Kyrgyzstan’s economic landscape is deeply intertwined with Russia, reflecting substantial joint ventures and investments. The recent shift in language policy, diminishing the use of the Russian language, signals a departure in cultural ties. Simultaneously, Kyrgyzstan is strategically engaging with China in energy and infrastructure projects, while Turkish influence extends through education, culture, and military cooperation.
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Putin’s Visit to Saudi Arabia and UAE Highlights Russia’s Foreign Policy in the Gulf States
Putin’s visit to Abu Dhabi and Riyadh confirmed Russia’s strategy in the Arab-Muslim world aimed at enhancing economic partnership in energy, logistics, and trade and attracting Gulf monarchies’ investors in Russian infrastructural projects.
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Imarat Kavkaz’s Supporter Arrested in Ingushetia: Is the Caucasus Emirate Still a Threat in the North Caucasus?
The recent arrest of a 23-year-old individual in Ingushetia, implicated in supporting online Imarat Kavkaz, underscores the persistent threat posed by this terrorist organisation in the North Caucasus region. While empirical evidence suggests a strong diminished operational capacity on the ground, the organisation’s propaganda remains a potent force capable of influencing local sentiments.
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Qatar Prime Minister’s Visit to Russia to Discuss the Situation in Palestine: Why Matters?
The upcoming visit to Russia of Qatar Prime Minister accentuates Doha’s role among the Arab and Muslim countries to promote the end of the conflict in the Gaza Strip and Moscow’s desire to become more involved in the Middle Eastern dynamics. Since the Russian Federation has a significant presence of Muslim people in the country and the Kremlin has adopted a foreign policy aimed at strengthening relations and economic cooperation with the Arab-Muslim world, the cooperation with Qatar and other Gulf monarchies might represent an opportunity for Moscow’s strategy in the region.
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Countering Drug Trafficking and Improving Security: Russia and Tajikistan Intensified Their Cooperation
The Russian ambassador in Dushanbe recently underscored a notable upswing in collaborative efforts between Russia and Tajikistan, specifically in the realms of security and countering drug trafficking, confirming Moscow’s strategy to strengthen its influence in the Central Asian republic.
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The Makhachkala Airport Protest, the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, and Russia: Risk Assessment
The Makhachkala Airport protest in the Republic of Dagestan accentuated the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Muslim umma (community) in the Russian Federation and the Kremlin’s necessity to manage potential tensions coming from the coexistence of different religious groups inside the country.
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How Dagestan-Uzbekistan Economic Cooperation Might Support Russia’s Presence in Central Asia
The opening of trading houses between Dagestan and Uzbekistan confirmed Makhachkala’s role in promoting its business in Central Asia and, therefore, supporting the Russian presence in this strategic market. Since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, the North Caucasus has played a significant role in promoting the Kremlin’s economic and political presence in Russia’s blizhnee zarubezhe.
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Putin-Rahmon’s Meeting: Russia Confirmed Its Hold on Tajikistan
Emomali Rahmon’s meeting with Vladimir Putin reaffirmed the enduring strategic alliance between Moscow and Dushanbe, underscoring Russia’s deliberate emphasis on fortifying collaborative efforts with Tajikistan, particularly in matters pertaining to defence and security, along with education and societal domains.
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Abkhazia Today: A Dialogue with Viacheslav Chirikba
In August 2023, SpecialEurasia undertook a visit to Abkhazia, engaging in discussions with Viacheslav Chirikba, Director at the Centre for Strategic Studies under the President of Abkhazia, to delve into both the regional geopolitical dynamics and the intricacies of the local socioeconomic landscape.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Kazan Forum 2023 e la strategia russa nel mondo islamico
Il forum economico “Russia – Mondo islamico” che si svolgerà a Kazan nel maggio 2023 sottolinea l’importanza che il mondo musulmano ha nella politica estera russa, in special modo a seguito delle imposizioni delle sanzioni occidentali che hanno spinto Mosca a riversare i propri interessi su mercati alternativi.
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Pakistani ammunition supply to Ukraine and Moscow-Islamabad relations
In the context of the Ukraine conflict and the changing geopolitical scenario in Eurasia, Islamabad denied the ammunition supply to Ukraine to avoid any possible deterioration of the relations with the Russian Federation, which is actively involved in promoting the Pakistani energy and logistic markets.
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Webinar Online “Un anno di guerra in Ucraina: riflessioni, analisi geopolitica, possibili sviluppi futuri” il 21 febbraio 2023
SpecialEurasia, Mondo Internazionale, Opinio Juris – Law & Political Review e MInter Group srl organizzano il giorno martedì 21 febbraio 2023 alle ore 19.00 il webinar online “Un anno di guerra in Ucraina: riflessioni, analisi geopolitica, possibili sviluppi futuri” il cui obiettivo è quello di analizzare le dinamiche inerenti al conflitto ucraino contestualizzandone nello scacchiere geopolitico eurasiatico.
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Risk Assessment: foreign fighters, battaglioni di volontari in Ucraina e minaccia terroristica
La presenza di foreign fighters e battaglioni di volontari in Ucraina accresce il rischio geopolitico dello scacchiere strategico eurasiatico essendo questi attori non statali impegnati attualmente nel combattere le forze armate russe e al contempo collegati direttamente o indirettamente con membri della diaspora o della militanza armata-jihadista che negli ultimi anni hanno operato nello spazio post-sovietico e in Medio Oriente.
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Mishustin’s visit to Ashgabat and the Russia-Turkmenistan Business Forum confirm Moscow’s strategy in Central Asia
The recent Russia-Turkmenistan business forum attended by the Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin confirmed Kremlin’s strategy in Central Asia and Moscow’s desire to deepen economic and diplomatic cooperation with Ashgabat to avoid any further external interference by the European Union, China, or the United States.
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Islamic Banking in Russia: Why Does It Matter?
The Kremlin’s project to evaluate the opportunity to implement Islamic banking in Russia might support the national economy, attract foreign investors from the Arab-Muslim world, and counter the consequences of Western sanctions imposed against Moscow due to the Ukraine conflict.
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Russia’s economy since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict: sanctions are taking their toll
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sparked economic sanctions, which are meant to cripple the economy while detracting from Russia’s ability to wage war. This paper will analyse the sanctions’ impact, the war on the Russian economy and possible future implications.
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Dagestan – Azerbaijan cooperation in transport and logistics supports Russian regional strategy
The commercial and political partnership between Dagestan and Azerbaijan might support the increasing relations between Moscow and Baku and implement the Russian foreign policy in the South Caucasus and the Caspian Sea region.
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Russia confirms its strategic interests in Abkhazia and the South Caucasus
The Russian State Duma’s official visit to Abkhazia confirms the Kremlin’s presence in the South Caucasus and the Abkhaz territory’s strategic role in Russia’s foreign policy. Moscow-Sukhum improving relations stress the Russian desire to confirm its influence in the Caucasus in a challenging time characterised by the Ukraine conflict and the confrontation with the West.
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Peace in Ukraine as a factor to stabilise the situation in Eurasia
The beginning of the Ukraine conflict drew a line under the development of the geopolitical situation on the Eurasian continent over the past three decades since the beginning of the 1990s.
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Discovering Russia’s key foreign target through Stavropol’s economic strategy
Stavropol authorities’ desire to open trade offices abroad might underline Russia’s strategic economic goal in the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard, especially in Azerbaijan, Iran, China, and the United Arab Emirates.
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Established the Turkic ‘Turan Battalion’ in Ukraine to fight against Russian armed forces
The creation of the Turan Battalion confirmed that the Ukraine conflict had become the perfect battleground for international fighters and contractors united by the desire to fight against the Russian Federation and promote their ideologies and goals.
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Ingushetia: IT Park “Adam Khamkhoev” between economic development and social promotion
The establishment of an IT Park in Ingushetia named after Adam Khamkhoev, killed in May 2022 in Ukraine, underlined local and central authorities’ desire to promote economic development and support Kremlin’s narrative related to heroism and national unity.
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The North Caucasus connects Russia with the Middle East and Africa
The Stavropol territory welcomed representatives from the Middle East and Africa in the event “North Caucasus in the Changing World”, whose goal was to create a link between the region and potential foreign investors and markets.
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“Central Asia – Russia” summit confirmed economic cooperation and Kremlin’s regional influence
The first “Central Asia-Russia” summit in Astana confirmed the Russian importance in the region and the Kremlin’s strategy to increase economic cooperation with Central Asian republics.
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Kazakhstan strategy between Russian alliance and Western sanctions
Tokayev’s suggestion to create an organisation in the framework of the CIS to promote the Russian language might be interpreted as Kazakhstan’s attempt to normalise relations with Russia, which were downgraded due to the Ukraine conflict and the Western sanctions.
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Ukraine conflict, Ramzan Kadyrov’s strategic communications and possible future scenarios
Since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, the Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has played a decisive and influential role in assisting the Russian military operations on the ground with his kadyrovtsy and Chechen troops and supporting the Kremlin’s ideological confrontation with the West.
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Islamic State cell arrested in Russian Stavropol territory
Recent arrests of Russian citizens in the Stavropol territory linked with the Islamic State confirmed that jihadist propaganda penetrated the Russian territory by exploiting local problems and influencing the Muslim communities disseminated in the country, especially in the North Caucasus, where the Kremlin has contrasted local militancy and religious extremism.
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Russia and Belarus increased joint projects and economic cooperation
Due to the Ukraine conflict and the following Western sanctions, Russia and Belarus have increased their economic and trade cooperation by increasing joint projects in different fields.
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Russia about to boost cooperation with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Russia and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) signed the most significant deal since the Taliban movement came to power last year, confirming Kremlin’s interests in the country and Moscow’s will to become a key regional actor.
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United Arab Emirates cultural diplomacy in Dagestan
The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Russian Federation organised an event in the city of Makhachkala to promote the national culture and create a link with Dagestan, a strategic North Caucasian republic located on the Caspian Sea.
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Geopolitical scenarios of the Donbas referendum
The possibility that Donbas will soon hold a referendum to join the Russian Federation might significantly influence the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard by exacerbating the confrontation between Moscow and the West and, therefore, impacting regional and international political and socioeconomic dynamics.
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Ukraine conflict: Putin declared the partial military mobilisation
In a video message, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the partial military mobilisation, confirming the difficult situation that the Russian troops are experiencing in the Ukraine conflict due to Kyiv’s counter-offensive to reconquer Donbas and Crimea.
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Russian domestic politics: promoting Dagestan culture among the ethnic Russians
Kremlin’s promotion of Dagestan culture and society in Sochi underlines Moscow’s goal to contrast Kavkazophobia and, simultaneously, improve the link between ethnic Russians and local ethnic Dagestani groups since this North Caucasian republic has a strategic role in the Caspian Sea region.
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Might humanitarian aid strengthen Russia-Pakistan relations?
The Russian Federation’s humanitarian help to Pakistan might strengthen the political and economic relations between Moscow and Islamabad and support the Russian desire to expand its influence and presence in Central and South-East Asia.
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Will Georgia open a “second front” against Russia?
Georgian authorities denied that Tbilisi would hold a referendum to open a “second front” against the Russian Federation, destabilising the South Caucasus and threatening the Georgian economy, which is heavily dependent on the Russian market.
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Eastern Economic Forum 2022 as a new stage in relations between Russia and India
In the framework of the Eastern Economic Forum 2022, we met Dr Shoaib Khan to analyse the current state of relations between Russia and India, key areas of cooperation and expectations from the Forum.
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Russia and Saudi Arabia discussed the situation in the global oil market
The recent phone conversation between the President of Russia and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia might be interpreted as the Kremlin’s move to counter the recent U.S. President Joe Biden’s official visit to Riyadh.
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The Kazakhstan energy politics: is oil diversification a geopolitical conundrum?
In a world of growing polarity, Kazakhstan has been attempting to portray itself as a bridge connecting the East and the West. However, the so-called Russian “special operation” in Ukraine has forced the Central Asian nation to distance itself gradually from Moscow.
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Russia and Iran: boosting strategic partnership to counter Western pressure
Although Russian – Iranian ties date back to the Islamic Revolution, Moscow’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine (or special military operation as the Kremlin has always declared) and Tehran’s nuclear ambitions have strengthened the cooperation and pushed these Western adversaries together.
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SPIEF 2022: Kazakhstan strengthens economic cooperation with Tatarstan and Bashkortostan
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2022) confirmed the diplomatic, economic and political partnership between Russia and Kazakhstan and the strategic role that Tatarstan and Bashkortostsn play in promoting Moscow-Nursultan relations.
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Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s threat in the Russian Federation
The Russian Federation is not immune to jihadist propaganda and terrorist activities. Arrests in the last months of people connected to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham have demonstrated that this terrorist organisation has created or attempted to create a network in different Russian regions.
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SPIEF 2022, Russian economic strategy and international business
The Russian Federation will host international business companies and government representatives at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2022), an event that underlines the Kremlin’s economic strategy and foreign politics in Eurasia and the global arena.
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The Russian Federation strengthens the Pacific Fleet
The Russian Federation outlined a programme to deploy the Pacific submarine flotilla as the Kremlin’s response to the growing geopolitical instability in the Northwest Asia-Pacific region. In this area, the Russian Federation identifies the Sea of Japan and the Korean Peninsula as the main geostrategic areas
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Serbia at the crossroads between the Chinese dragon and the Russian bear: new tensions in the Balkans?
The war in Ukraine provided Serbia with an opportunity to continue and boost the policy, which was already unfolding even before the war, of replacing Russia with China as Serbia’s primary non-Western partner.
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Ukraine conflict’s impact on cyber landscape and potential threats
Recent cyber attacks against Italian government websites highlighted the Ukraine conflict’s impact on the cyber landscape and possible future threats to Europe and Russia’s public institutions and private businesses.
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Ukraine conflict and Muslim ‘mujahideen’ among the Russian forces
Since several Muslim soldiers are fighting in Ukraine among the ranks of the Russian troops, there is considerable debate and propaganda if they can be considered ‘mujahideen’ who fight in ‘the path of Allah’ or ‘disbelievers’.
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Geopolitical risk of foreign mercenaries and fighters in the Ukraine conflict
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, several foreign fighters from different countries are fighting in Ukraine to support Kyiv’s Government. On the other hand, Middle Eastern newspapers reported that Syrian and Iranian fighters might arrive in Ukraine to fight among the Kremlin’s ranks.
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