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Russia: Putin’s Tsar Paul Complex

putinNow that Vladimir Putin has dispensed with the formalities of reclaiming presidential authority, Kremlinologists can focus on the more substantive question of how Russia’s paramount leader intends to define his third term. In particular, many are wondering how he will proceed with his pet project -- the creation of a Eurasian Union.

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Multilateralism for a Despotic Age

Screen Shot 2018 03 19 at 8.52.07 pmDemocracies need different rules of engagement with authoritarian regimes.

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Anonymous Generosity: the Foundations Sponsoring Putin’s Re-Election

PutinTitleRussian President Vladimir Putin may be running for reelection as an independent candidate, at least officially — but his electoral campaign is wholly funded by the ruling United Russia party and 22 affiliated foundations. They have contributed the entire 400 million rubles (US$ 7 million) that any candidate can legally spend on the election.

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A Troubling Scenario for Kazakhstan

kaz1Kazakhstan’s long-heralded stability is being challenged by growing economic problems, societal frustrations, and rising nationalism.

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Prominent US Human Rights Lawyer Takes Up Case of Jailed Kazakh Businessman

astanaJared Genser’s firm described Iskander Yerimbetov as “a hostage” of the Kazakh state who had been subjected to torture.

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Democracy’s real crisis: Its failure to challenge kleptocrats

RTS1G6DG e1516892487832Despite what you might gather from recent reports, democracy is not “in crisis” because Russia (a country facing a massive HIV epidemic) or China (a country facing huge looming demographic problems) has a better economic or political model.

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Kazakhstan And France Are Working On Military Cooperation

kazakhstan army beretta arxEven with its economy still recovering from the collapse of oil prices in 2014 Kazakhstan is laying the groundwork for a self-sufficient domestic arms industry that may soon export its wares. In December 2017 the defense minister met with the French ambassador, Philippe Martinet, to sign a “military cooperation agreement.”

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Trump is speeding the global erosion of democracy, watchdog says

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Trump Says ‘No Idea’ If Kazakh Money Was Invested in SoHo Hotel

4781897200000578 5203037 image a 24 1513876781584President Donald Trump said he has “no idea” whether money from Kazakhstan was invested in Trump SoHo, a condominium hotel in lower Manhattan, while meeting with the country’s authoritarian president.

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Kazakhstan is a 'kleptocracy' ruled by an autocrat. It's also an increasingly important strategic ally

104948829 rsz gettyimages 905677630.530x298President Donald Trump hosted the president of Kazakhstan on Tuesday at the White House, where the official agenda included Afghanistan and nuclear nonproliferation.

Experts of the Committee against Torture Commend Kazakhstan for Enhanced Legislation

Experts of the Committee against Torture Commend Kazakhstan for Enhanced Legislation

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Kazakh official: Not the time to resolve differences through war

Kazakh official: Not the time to resolve differences through war

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Oil majors sued by Kazakh government over billions in revenue

Oil majors sued by Kazakh government over billions in revenue

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