Analysis

This listing contains all the analytical materials posted on the Russia Matters website. These include: RM Exclusives, commissioned by Russia Matters exclusively for this website; Recommended Reads, deemed particularly noteworthy by our editorial team; Partner Posts, originally published by our partners elsewhere; and Future Policy Leaders, pieces by promising young scholars and policy thinkers. Content can be filtered by genre and subject-specific criteria and is updated often. Gradually we will be adding older Recommended Reads and Partner Posts dating back as far as 2011.
report

A New Transatlantic Bargain: The Case for Building a Strong European Pillar

Belfer Center Task Force February 12, 2025 Recommended Reads
This landmark report presents a bold strategy for rebalancing the transatlantic security relationship, strengthening Europe's defense capabilities and redefining the U.S.-European strategic partnership in an era of shifting global threats.
Competing Views on Russia

Keith Kellogg on Russia and Ukraine

Chris Conway January 31, 2025 RM Exclusives
Trump's special envoy to Ukraine and Russia sees ending the war as a vital foreign policy objective since, in his view, it will allow the U.S. to undermine solidarity between the “axis” of authoritarian states.
article

No Limits? The China-Russia Relationship and U.S. Foreign Policy

Robert D. Blackwill, Richard Fontaine January 27, 2025 Partner Posts
China and Russia aim to reshape the global order, opposing U.S.-led alliances and values while fostering a world dominated by authoritarian powers. Though the challenge is immense, the U.S. and its allies, with superior economic and military strength, must unite with purpose and resolve to ensure Europe and Asia remain free of hostile domination.
article

Fighting a ‘Holy War’: North Korea’s Role in Putin’s Crusade Against Ukraine

Martin Kragh January 27, 2025 Partner Posts
Russia’s deepening ties with China, Iran, and North Korea reflect a dangerous alliance targeting countries like Ukraine and Taiwan, as Putin balances claims of Russian sovereignty with a narrative of victimhood to rally support against Western influence.
article

Toward a New Russia Policy: An Agenda for the Trump Administration

Thomas Graham January 17, 2025 Recommended Reads
With U.S.-Russian relations at their most strained since the Cold War, reducing the risk of direct military confrontation and stabilizing global security, the U.S. must balance firm deterrence with strategic diplomacy to turn a bitter rivalry into competitive coexistence.
book review

‘Zero Sum’: History, Anecdotes From 35 Years of Business in Russia

Sergey Aleksashenko January 16, 2025 RM Exclusives
The book’s strengths—historical overview and firsthand storytelling—make it a fascinating read for those interested in international business and Russian history.
article

North Korean Troops Deploy to Russia: What’s the Military Effect?”

Mark Cancian, Chris H. Park January 10, 2025 Partner Posts
Russia seeks North Korean troops to ease manpower shortages without a second mobilization, while North Korea benefits from potential financial and technological gains. Though limited in scale, this historic deployment highlights a mutually opportunistic yet diplomatically risky partnership.
article

America’s Polarization and the Challenges of Confronting Russia

Gordon M. Friedrichs January 09, 2025 RM Exclusives
Polarization represents not just an internal challenge but a structural constraint with profound implications for American foreign policy, particularly toward Russia.
article

Scenarios for the Future of US-Russia Strategic Stability and Arms Control: Results From a Track II Dialogue

Samuel Charap, Julia Masterson, John J. Drennan January 09, 2025 Partner Posts
As U.S.-Russia tensions deepen, nongovernmental experts have developed arms control options, hoping their joint analytical effort can inform future government actions, despite the severe divide between the two nations.
Clues from Russian Views

"We expected the war to end": How Russian political elites feel about the full-scale invasion of Ukraine dragging into 2025

Meduza January 09, 2025 Partner Posts
Facing prolonged war and mounting economic challenges, Russia’s elite voice frustration over unfulfilled expectations and growing uncertainty about the country’s future direction.
article

Neutrality: An Alternative to Ukraine’s Membership in NATO

Eugene Rumer January 07, 2025 Partner Posts
While Ukraine’s acceptance into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) appears unattainable, armed neutrality may be the country’s next best option to protect against future Russian aggression.
article

The China-Russia Relationship and Threats to Vital US Interests

Patricia M. Kim, Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, Angela Stent, Tara Varma December 16, 2024 Partner Posts
China’s support for Russia fuels its war in Ukraine, while their growing alignment challenges U.S. leadership and the rules-based international order. Despite mistrust and differing interests, the U.S. must counter their partnership by addressing shared goals, limiting Beijing’s support for Moscow, and competing effectively in the Global South.
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