Of Interference in the Domestic Politics of Others and What Comes Next - Russian Roulette Episode #45

In this episode of Russian Roulette, Jeff sits down with Igor Istomin, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Applied International Analysis at MGIMO University, and a member of Russian International Affairs Council. They discuss (alleged) Russian interference in the U.S. election and Russia’s view of these allegations, Russia’s understanding of foreign intervention (in its own politics and that of its immediate neighborhood), and ways forward for U.S.-Russia relations at a time of heightened mutual distrust.

Then, after a quick Korovka Index update, Olya and Jeff talk about some key takeaways from our recent dialogue in Moscow with the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC). Finally, for our latest current affairs segment, Olya and Jeff analyze state and non-state responses to Navalny’s electoral campaign, and discuss the ruthenium-106 leak believed to have emanated from the Mayak plant in the southern Urals.

To learn more about Igor and the work he does, check out his recent publications, here: http://russiancouncil.ru/en/igor-istomin/.

You can read the report of the CSIS-RIAC meeting here: https://www.csis.org/analysis/policy-priorities-us-russia-relations.

As always, keep sending us mailbag questions! If you would like to have your question answered on the podcast, send it to us! Email rep@csis.org and put “Russian Roulette” in the subject line. And, if you have one, include your Twitter handle, so we can notify you publicly when we answer your question (or, if you don’t want us to, tell us that). We look forward to hearing from you.