Russia Matters

U.S. Defense Secretary nominee Mark Esper often pairs Russia with China in his remarks, classifying both among America’s biggest security challenges. Now updated with statements from Esper's Senate confirmation hearing.

O’Hanlon, Zeigler argue Eastern Europe needs a new security concept; Stein writes Washington, Ankara value their relations differently; Putin’s stabilized approval rating shows Russians have accepted new normal. More in our latest analytical round-up...

Investment in Russia has plummeted for many reasons, both in and out of Moscow’s control. Meanwhile, the country is drifting toward an increasingly closed economy, with interest groups jostling for pieces of the state-funded pie.