
Moldova’s Election Result Is a Blow to Russia’s Regional Dominance
The victory of the pro-Western politician Maia Sandu shows Putin is losing his grip over Russia’s near abroad.

Our Top Weekend Reads
America’s democracy demotion, U.N. peacemaking in the age of plague, and Biden’s Putin challenge.

Biden’s Putin Challenge
Biden has a clear-eyed view of the threat posed by Russia—but a lot of bad advice to ignore.

Putin Expects a Long Confrontation With America Under Biden
As Putin refuses to congratulate Biden, all eyes in the Kremlin are on the president-elect’s new team.

Is a Vice President Who Doesn’t Know Much About Foreign Policy a National Security Risk?
Pence and Harris talked about international politics at the debate, but their performances will leave voters asking if they would be ready to act as commander in chief.

What It Would Take for Russia’s Millennials to Topple Putin
Younger Russians are dissatisfied with the regime but are generally apolitical. Here’s how to change that.

What Does Putin Stand to Gain (and Lose) by Going After Navalny?
Opposition leader Alexei Navalny has survived his brush with a Russian nerve agent. But the attempt on his life says a lot about what Russia has become.

If Lukashenko Falls, Is Putin Next?
Russian autocracy is different, but Belarus should still be a cautionary tale.

Is Belarus Putin’s Next Target?
As protests rock another post-Soviet state, the Kremlin could be in an annexationist mood.

Putin Is Ruling Russia Like a Central Asian Dictator
The Kremlin didn’t invent term limit resets and constitutional referendums. The autocratic leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan blazed the trail.

Democrats See Senate Republicans Vulnerable Due to Trump’s Russia Problem
Trump’s continued reluctance to criticize Moscow over bounties has given Democratic contenders a fresh opening to attack lawmakers loyal to the White House.

Trump Wants China on Board With New Arms Control Pact
Obama’s New START arms treaty limited Russian and American nukes. Now, U.S. officials want to rope in Beijing.

U.S. Sees Russian Push to Consolidate Foothold in Georgia
Russian-backed authorities in Georgia’s separatist regions are continuing to harden border crossings, limiting access for the United States and aid organizations.