Russian president Vladimir Putin presents himself as the antidote to the pain of the 1990s, instead fashioning his leadership as a continuation of Russia’s grand history. By reconciling with this past, Russia’s opposition can threaten Putin’s legitimacy and offer Russia a path towards a new political future
The changing global order has created an enabling environment for the recent spike of takeovers in Africa’s ‘coup belt’ – with Russia and newly assertive middle powers offering themselves as partners to putschists
Europeans should allow their countries to be hosts for free debate among the Russian emigrés of the 21st century. But they should resist the temptation to view the exiles as channels of influence to reform Russia
Behind Ukraine’s rejection of Russia’s revered poet is a much bigger story of imperial decay
The EU needs a Russia strategy that looks beyond the war in Ukraine. Such a policy should centre around support for countries that border Russia, the reduction of Russia’s influence worldwide, and preparation for scenarios of change within the country
Russia is weaponising food insecurity for geopolitical gain. Europeans should focus their response on supporting the needs of African countries
The Ukrainian counteroffensive is contending with a well-prepared enemy. Western allies need to remain patient as they equip Ukraine to put continued pressure on Russian defences
The Wagner mutiny showed that Western states cannot expect a challenge from within to end Russia’s war
Several options await Wagner in Belarus, but none is likely to change the status quo
Western states should take steps now to map out the future scenarios that could unfold – and engage with Russian civil society to understand what may happen