Policy

How Vladimir Putin Weaponized Russia's Media

After decades of wielding Soviet-style hard power, Moscow is developing a subtler form of influence.

Ideas

It's Time To Figure Out What Putin Wants

Russian President Vladimir Putin is neither lunatic nor fanatic. He has become a more dangerous phenomenon: a believer in a cause.

Science & Tech

The Russian Weapon That Could Tip The Balance in the Middle East

Moscow’s recent decision to ship the very mobile and lethal S-300 missile system to Iran is a big deal for these three reasons.

Threats

As Russia Improves Its Surface-to-Air Missiles, US Looks To Counter

The U.S. Air Force chief hopes cyber tactics can defeat a new generation of anti-air defenses.

Science & Tech

The Russian Hackers Taking on the Kremlin

Their name is 'Humpty Dumpty — and they're getting past telecommunications firewalls.

Threats

How Norway Lost Control of Its $500 Million Arctic Sub Base to the Russians

The Cold War-era facility now hosts Russian vessels linked to energy giant, Gazprom.

Business

The US and Russia Are the Biggest Beneficiaries of the Global Arms Boom

Emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East are splurging on weapons, and especially ones made by American and Russian companies.

Threats

Here’s When the Next Incursion Into Ukraine Could Happen

The Minsk II agreement is roughly in place, but not for long, according to one former NATO supreme allied commander.

Threats

How Russia Could Annex the Arctic

Russia's latest military exercise could be its latest step toward claiming maritime borders in the Arctic.

Policy

Is There a Future for Russia Without Vladimir Putin?

Even if the president reappears, his absence reveals the chilling degree to which he has consolidated power in the country.

Policy

One Year Later, Obama Administration Still ‘Reviewing’ Lethal Aid to Ukraine

For roughly a year, Obama officials have been weighing lethal aid to Ukraine. Some 6,000 Ukrainians have been killed since, but they’re no closer to a decision.

Science & Tech

This Motion Sensor Could Detect Russian Soldiers as They're Invading a Country

Hidden in the woods along the borders of more than 30 countries, including some that neighbor Russia, small wireless cameras triggered by movement are watching for intruders.

Threats

Russian Opposition Leader Shot Dead in Moscow

The killing of a liberal former deputy prime minister leaves very few remaining Russian politicians to stand in opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Policy

Azerbaijan Is Behaving Like a Mini Russia

Azerbaijan's geography and natural resources make it a convenient US and EU ally. But the mercurial behavior of this pint-sized petrostate is creating some geopolitical problems.

Threats

NATO Commander: US Lethal Aid to Ukraine Won’t Stop Russia

NATO’s Gen. Philip Breedlove told lawmakers U.S.-supplied lethal aid to Ukraine’s military would not stop Russia, though it might help ‘change its calculation.’

Ideas

Ukraine’s Military Needs More Than Just Arms

Let’s not overstate how lethal arms can save Ukraine. Here’s how the US and Europe really can help develop a professional and capable force.

Threats

Baltic States Adopting Tougher Security in Response to Russia

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are introducing new security measures, including conscription, to help defend against possible threats from Moscow.

Policy

Paralyzed by Ukraine, Dumbfounded by Russia

President Obama has faced overseas challenges before. But he has never had to stare down a nuclear power bent on reestablishing its sphere of influence.

Threats

The American Education of Vladimir Putin

How the Russian leader came to oppose a country he knows little about.