Two years of intensified sanctions pressure on Russia have demonstrated their low effectiveness, according to Ivan Timofeev, the Director General of the Russian Council on International Affairs (RCIA). Despite the significant damage inflicted upon the Russian economy, the sanctions have failed to alter Russia's political course, serving instead as a means for Western politicians to…
Challenges and threats of the Munich Security Conference
Experts from the Munich Security Conference have prepared a regular report on the state of international relations. The 2024 report received the headline "Lose – Lose?" against the background of geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, which continue to increase and cause damage to many states. The introduction of the report says that the geopolitical and…
New Zealand Publishes the Security Threat Environment
New Zealand first time in its history published a list of major potential threats to national security, which it can face in the nearest future. The report was published on the website of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS). Violent extremism, foreign espionage and interference are considered the key threats. The document says that…
Russia is steel producing
By the end of 2022, steel production in Russia decreased by 7%. This is less than the projected before decrease by 15%. Experts differ in their estimates of the recovery of steel output in 2023. According to recent data from the World Steel Association (WSA), steel production in Russia in 2022 decreased by…
The Sanction Future of Russia
Most of the sanctions imposed on Russia will not be lifted even in case of a ceasefire in Ukraine and reaching any agreement. The point of no return to "pre-February normality" was achieved, so there is a need to focus on creating a new future, where sanctions will be a constant variable. Any conflict sooner…
Prospects for Coperation between Russia and Central Asia
On May 17-18, the II Central Asian Conference "Russia — Central Asia: Cooperation and Development Amid Instability" was held at the Valdai Club. The event was attended by about 40 experts from 10 countries – Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Andrey Rudenko in…
World military expenditure reaches it peak
SIPRI reports that total global military expenditure reached $2113 billion in 2021, increasing by 0.7%. The five largest spenders were the United States, China, India, the United Kingdom and Russia, together accounting for 62% of expenditure. Military expenditure reaches record level in the second year of the pandemic. This was the seventh consecutive year…
Qatar’s Defense Procurement and Its Relevance for The Persian Gulf Security
By 2024, Qatar will obtain an unprecedented number of military gears and aircraft. The volume of its air force will reach 96 aircraft by 2024. Development of this arsenal correlated to the 2017 Gulf diplomatic crisis. With the recent détente in diplomatic relations with its regional counterparts, Qatar found itself with an impressive arsenal and…
CSTO Countries as Suppliers of Military Equipment
Russia, as a country with a well-developed defense industry, is the main supplier of armaments, military and special equipment for the needs of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) member states. However, challenges and threats associated with the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan require a rapid increase of capabilities to secure the CSTO borders, and…
International ARMY Games 2022 Planning Starts
The first International Planning Conference on the preparation and holding of the Army International Games 2022 (Army Games 2022) was held by the Russian Ministry of Defence. According to the Russian MoD, the conference was attended by more than 100 representatives of the military departments of the organizing countries of Army Games 2022 and the…