Russia

NATO Must Recognize Russia’s New Role

By David Capezza

Following its actions in Georgia, which gained the attention of many observers in the West, Russia has continued efforts to assert its influence in the region by, most recently, exploring possible solutions to the frozen conflict between Moldova and the separatist region of Trans-Dniester.

Russia and Iran’s Proposed Gas Cartel

By Neil Leslie

Russia’s Gazprom recently announced plans for the formation of a ‘gas troika’ along with Iran and Qatar. Initially proposed by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2007, the development has raised fears in the West that a gas cartel will destabilize energy supplies and pose a security threat to Europe.

Bound to Fail: International Mediation in Georgia

By David Phillips

It was no surprise that that international discussions on the security and stability arrangements in Abkhazia and South Ossetia broke down on October 15.

Piracy’s Silver Lining?

By Peter Pham

I recently outlined the growing challenge to international commerce and security posed by the burgeoning piracy in the waters off the Somali coast and lamented that it looked unlikely that the international community would muster the political will to confront the underlying causes of the pirate phenomenon. Nonetheless, there may be an upside to the […]

Post-Conflict Georgia

Shortly after the release of the Atlantic Council’s report, Restoring Georgia’s Sovereignty in Abkhazia, Russia invaded Georgia and war broke out over the breakaway region of South Ossetia. The United States and its European partners were put to the test; Moscow’s recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia not only challenged Georgia’s sovereignty, but by demonstrating […]