Russia

Since the former Soviet Union began tentative steps toward an open society and market economy in the 1990s, the country has continued shifting sharply against signs of reform under Vladimir Putin’s leadership. What started as a fledgling democracy gradually gave way to an authoritarian system marked by a corrupt oligarchy. CSIS programs research and analyze all aspects of Russia’s domestic politics and foreign policy, from its economic health in a restricted wartime economy to its increasingly revisionist and assertive foreign policy, which continually challenges the post–Cold War international order through military, economic, and political means.

Photo: Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Photo: Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Who Controls Ukraine’s Starlink Access?

A 100 mph speed limit on Starshield terminals hindered Ukraine’s efforts to intercept Russia’s jet-powered drones. The risk of losing access during an attack gives allies another reason to build their own networks instead of buying service from U.S. companies.

Critical Questions by Clayton Swope, Lauryn Williams, and Alexei Hoffman — November 2, 2026

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Max Bergmann

Max Bergmann

Director, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and Stuart Center
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair

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The Strategic Implications of the Russia-North Korea Axis

CSIS convenes a conference examining the durability of the North Korea-Russia partnership, and what it means for the United States and its allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific by bringing together leading specialists on Russia, North Korea and alliance theory. 

Event — November 16, 2026

Who Controls Ukraine’s Starlink Access?

A 100 mph speed limit on Starshield terminals hindered Ukraine’s efforts to intercept Russia’s jet-powered drones. The risk of losing access during an attack gives allies another reason to build their own networks instead of buying service from U.S. companies.

Critical Questions by Clayton Swope, Lauryn Williams, and Alexei Hoffman — November 2, 2026

Russian Roulette

Ukraine's Wartime Reality

Jana Kobzová and Maksym Skypchenko join Max Bergmann to discuss the situation on the ground in Ukraine, where U.S.-Ukraine relations stand, and what the future of peace negotiations may hold as the war intensifies. 

Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann — October 23, 2026

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State of Play

How Serious is Russia's Threat to Europe?

Max Bergmann and Dan Byman discuss what Russia is trying to achieve and what European states can do in response.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Max Bergmann, and Daniel Byman — October 22, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS

How Iran Smuggles Parts for its Drones | The High Top

In this episode of The High Top, Jon Alterman and Kate Koren examine the cheap commercial chips inside Iran’s weapons, why China and Russia aren’t helping, and what export controls can realistically achieve.

Event — October 7, 2026