Nicholas Fenton

Associate Director and Associate Fellow, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program
Nick Fenton

Nicholas Fenton is an associate director and associate fellow with the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he focuses on Russian foreign policy, the war in Ukraine, and changes in the Russian economy since 2022. Before joining CSIS, Nicholas completed a Fulbright grant working as an English teacher in Omsk, Russia. Nicholas holds a master’s degree in European and Russian studies from Yale University, where his research focused on the intellectual history of Soviet foreign policy during the interwar period. Nicholas earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Virginia, where he double majored in political and social thought and Russian and eastern European studies.

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The Russian Wartime Economy: From Sugar High to Hangover

Russia is muddling through the sanctions, with its economy impacted but not ruined and its defense industry able to maintain the current levels of attrition. Moscow hence sees no need to end the war, unless it leads to Kyiv’s capitulation on key political issues.

Report by Maria Snegovaya, Nicholas Fenton, Tina Dolbaia, and Max Bergmann — June 5, 2025

Down But Not Out: The Russian Economy Under Western Sanctions

Russia’s economy has been seriously impacted by Western sanctions, though its resilience has been continuously underestimated. Western policymakers should study the lessons learned from Russia’s economic adaptation and update their sanctions strategy accordingly.

Report by Nicholas Fenton and Alexander Kolyandr — April 11, 2025

Russian Roulette

Back in Stock? The Latest Report on the Russian Defense Industry from CSIS

Today, Max and Maria were joined by Tina Dolbaia and Nick Fenton, two members of the team at CSIS, to discuss the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia program's latest report, "Back in Stock? The State of Russia's Defense Industry after Two Years of the War." 

Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann, Maria Snegovaya, Nicholas Fenton, and Tina Dolbaia — May 3, 2024

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Back in Stock? The State of Russia's Defense Industry after Two Years of the War

Two years into the war, Russia’s prospects have improved. By tapping into its Cold War–era stockpiles, Russia has ramped up domestic arms production. It has also solidified ties with China, Iran, and North Korea, importing dual-use goods and weapons from these countries.

Report by Maria Snegovaya, Max Bergmann, Tina Dolbaia, Nicholas Fenton, and Samuel Bendett (Contributor) — April 22, 2024

Seller's Remorse: The Challenges Facing Russia's Arms Exports

While Russian arms sales in areas such as missile and air defense systems, aircraft, armored vehicles, naval systems, and engines have historically been significant, recent trends show that exports in virtually all of these major weapons categories will decline.

Report by Max Bergmann, Maria Snegovaya, Tina Dolbaia, and Nicholas Fenton — September 18, 2023

Out of Stock? Assessing the Impact of Sanctions on Russia’s Defense Industry

Western sanctions are having an important battlefield impact. As the quality of the advanced Russian military equipment will continue to decline—at least over the near term—so will Russia’s ability to conduct offensive operations that require precision and coordination. 

Report by Max Bergmann, Maria Snegovaya, Tina Dolbaia, Nicholas Fenton, and Samuel Bendett (Contributor) — April 14, 2023