Russia and Tajikistan: A Case Study in the Post-Soviet Dilemma

A Tajik court's conviction of two pilots working for Russia's Rolkan airline increased tensions between Tajikistan and Russia earlier this month, as the pilots were sentenced to a prison term even though Russia requested their release. The current row between Tajikistan and Russia is analogous to relations between Russia and other former Soviet states, such as Ukraine and Belarus, where Moscow still holds significant influence, but the governments have attempted to stand up to Russia. Moscow has maintained its advantage in these challenges, and it can be expected to do so in its dispute with Tajikistan.