Politics

A close look at the inner workings of authoritarian power in Russia and beyond, and the forces that could one day transform it: how the Kremlin holds and wields power, why the democratic opposition endures, and what a genuine political renewal would take

All
222 publications
Civil Society

Lawmaking of the countermotion state

The outbreak of war was accompanied by an escalation of criminal repression and new violations of the constitutional rights and freedoms of Russian citizens

Article by Ekaterina Mishina Apr 13, 2023
Politics

The Decline & Demise of the Armenian-Russian Relationship

In recent months, the context of the Armenian-Russian relationship has been dramatically transformed. After a sustained period of decline, the strategic partnership between the two countries has now reached its lowest point

Report by Richard Giragosian Jan 30, 2023
Politics

The evolution of presidential powers in the post-Soviet space: Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan

For nearly three years already, the Day of the Russian Constitution has ceased to be a day that brings joy

Report Dec 30, 2022
Politics

Russian Influence in Georgia: December 2022

The degree of Russian influence over Georgia depends largely upon the situation on Ukraine’s battlefield. As recent stages of the war have not gone well for Russia, its influence in the region has declined

Report by Shota Utiashvili Dec 27, 2022
Kremlin's Malign Influence

Kremlin Influence Quarterly: Serbia Special Issue

Despite the fact that Serbia remains one of the most pro-Russian countries in Europe, and its political elites show no desire to change this status quo, Russia sustains efforts to consolidate its malign influence in Serbia

Article by Free Russia Foundation Dec 23, 2022
Politics

Russia-Turkey Relations in the Context of War in Ukraine

As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, Moscow has been deepening its ties with Ankara. Turkey, in its turn, has been sending contradictory signals: on the one hand, making statements in support of Kyiv, and on the other, taking practical steps to expand relations with Moscow. What should the United States expect of this convoluted relationship triangle?

Report by Yaroslav Samoylov Dec 5, 2022
Politics

A Case for Supporting Free Democratic Russia

The paper argues that Russia’s democratization is based on genuine bottom-up public demand for democracy

Report by Vladimir Milov Nov 28, 2022
Politics

Russia’s Friends in Turkey

This report examines political and military factors  supporting the ongoing rapprochement in the Russo-Turkish relations.

Report by Yaroslav Samoylov May 25, 2022
Politics

The Changing Demographics of The State Duma

This analysis builds on the 2016 study of the Russian State Duma composition which uncovered a significant increase in the number of members representing the public sector and former heads of municipalities

Report May 23, 2022
Civil Society

Saying “Nothing Will Ever Change in Russia” is not Only Unhelpful, It is Wrong

Putin’s attack on Ukraine and a noticeable increase in aggressive imperialist sentiments in Russian society have prompted another round of deliberations on the perpetual topic that “nothing will ever change in Russia." People argue that it is “useless” to expect Russia…

Article by Vladimir Milov Apr 19, 2022

Subscribe to Think Tank newsletter for expert content

Get new reports, analysis, and policy briefs
from Free Russia Foundation experts