Global oil prices plummeted recently with OPEC’s declaration of a price war against shale producers. But just how much budgetary pain can oil-dependent countries like Russia, Iraq, and Iran take?

Whether a question of imperial relapse or simple economics, Moscow has long been trying to consolidate its influence in Central Asia through the Eurasian Economic Union. But some key regional governments are still not convinced.

A budgetary crisis in Moscow risks reigniting long-dormant insurgencies across the North Caucasus.

An assessment of Putin’s Ukraine strategy does not point to any quick resolution of the current conflict.

President Nazarbayev hoped that by bringing Russia closer as an economic partner, he would successfully snuff out any desire from Moscow to re-annex Kazakhstan as reclaimed Russian territory. It appears he may have been wrong.

Some view Moscow’s involvement in eastern Ukraine as proof of a resurgent Russia. But a look back at the Chechnya conflict would suggest otherwise.

Detaching Russia from the commercial flows that bind it to the West is easier said than done.

Recent events in Ukraine have once more put the spotlight on the need for Central and European governments to diversify their energy imports.

Part two in a two-part series on how political crisis in Ukraine plays into great power competition between Russia and the West.

Examining how Vladimir Putin has used Russia's anti-gay law to deflect other criticisms during the Sochi Games.