Russia Matters

Whataboutism: noun, the strategic practice of countering criticism with an accusation of wrongdoing against the criticizer, implying hypocrisy and/or disregarding circumstances that could weaken the latter charges, but not addressing the original cri...

Mutual interest in fighting terrorism simply cannot counter all the negatives in current U.S.-Russian relations to serve as a basis for improved overall bilateral ties.

Strategic thinkers in both countries have raised the idea of cyber “rules of the road.” This exploratory paper considers whether such an agreement is feasible, comparing American and Russian perspectives.

Even though a cyber treaty would be unverifiable, it may be possible to set limits on certain types of behavior and to negotiate rough rules of the road by combining deterrence and norms and appealing to the self-interest of the states involved.

We’ve asked four experts to give their takes on the key outcome of the elections and their impact on Russia’s foreign policy, particularly toward the U.S. and the West.

The prompt stabilization of the European gas market is not only in the interests of collapsing European companies, but of Gazprom, too.

When asked about Russia’s presence on the global stage in recent Levada Center polls, respondents feel Russia is isolated and viewed as a competitor by developed nations. Nevertheless, a majority want a more positive relationship with the West.

Russian goods, weapons and even weather events are “no worse and even better than” their analogues in the West, according to Russian officials, business leaders and journalists in our compilation of this peculiar linguistic trope.

While schadenfreude and strategic anti-U.S. messaging is the most visible aspect of Russia’s immediate response, Moscow’s more material concerns—including regional instability and the spread of radical Islamic terrorism—should not be understated.

Because the author considers the West’s Ukraine policies likely to end in backlash, he submits that they cannot be in the national interest of the United States.