Russia's Internal Struggle

History shows that all too often the biggest threats to Russia come from within. Such is the case in the current era, a time when Moscow must manage a standoff with the West, a weak economy, limited financial resources, social unrest, demographic shifts and political infighting in the highest echelons of power. As its leaders try to prevent Russia from collapsing altogether, the country will cease to be the nominal democracy it is now and become an outright autocracy. But Moscow can use its alienation from the West to its advantage: Demonizing an external enemy is an effective way to shore up national support.

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Snapshots Jul 10, 2019 | 21:37 GMTJul 10, 2019

Russia: Moscow Divvies Up 5G and Quantum Development Among Its Proxies

In its pursuit of 'technological sovereignty,' the Russian government has inked several agreements with state-owned enterprises to beef up the country’s emerging tech sectors.

Snapshots May 30, 2019 | 22:12 GMTMay 30, 2019

Russia, U.S.: What To Make of an Accusation of a Test Ban Treaty Violation

The top U.S. defense official has accused Russia of violating the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, setting up the possibility of an eventual withdrawal that would significantly escalate the global arms race.

A guard stops a vehicle at Russia's Troyebortnoye border checkpoint on the Russian-Ukrainian border.

Assessments May 27, 2019 | 09:00 GMTMay 27, 2019

Russia's Migrant Shortage Is Bigger Than Anyone Could Have Imagined

Russia's demographic downturn is a surprise to no one -- although the sheer extent of the problem might be.

A picture taken on March 30, 2017 shows a woman entering a building of Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) in Moscow.

Assessments Mar 27, 2019 | 10:30 GMTMar 27, 2019

Russia Takes on Its Demographic Decline

Moscow is doing what it can to halt its bleak population projections, but it'll be hard-pressed to escape its coming demographic crunch.

Russian citizens gather on the streets of Moscow to demand greater internet freedom in the country.

Assessments Mar 19, 2019 | 18:34 GMTMar 19, 2019

Russia Plants Its Flag in the Digital Realm

Russia's drive to wall off its internet is about more than just controlling its citizens' communications, it's about extending its sovereignty from the physical to the online world.

On Geopolitics Jan 17, 2019 | 11:00 GMTJan 17, 2019

Putin's Russia Embraces a Eurasian Identity

Over the past 20 years, Moscow has maneuvered between Europe and Asia to shape the qualities that distinguish it from the West.

By Eugene Chausovsky

Russian navy ships, among them the Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov, second from left, sail near Kronshtadt naval base outside St. Petersburg on July 20, 2018.

On Geopolitics Dec 13, 2018 | 05:00 GMTDec 13, 2018

A Journey Into the Russian Enigma

For 2019, Stratfor has forecast the continuation of problems between Russia and the West, a marriage of convenience between Moscow and China and more. But what do Russians think about all of this? We set off to find out.

By Eugene Chausovsky