The Fight for Russia’s Borderlands

Ongoing unrest in southwestern Tajikistan highlights the challenges the government faces in ensuring the nearby withdrawal of U.S. troops doesn't spur violence within its own borders.

Minsk’s continued pursuit of new energy partners despite Russia’s resumption of oil deliveries will enable it to negotiate more favorable terms in a potential integration agreement with Moscow.

Ukraine's desire for a new-and-improved Minsk Protocol will likely only delay any hopes for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict by burning its bridges with Russia.

As it seeks to counter U.S. interests in Latin America, Russia is turning to an old playbook. But instead of arming Marxist groups with weapons, this time Moscow's arming anti-government protesters with rhetoric.

Given that Belarus lies at the crossroads between the competing powers, the ebb and flow of their standoff will affect the country like few others.