Thread archive Most threads focus on Russia and sometimes Kazakhstan. A mix of history, current events, and economics.

Internal interethnic conflicts in Russia are likely as a stopgap solution to appease ethnofascist zealots while the federal economy recovers. Europe should plan accordingly. Defense budget targets must be met.

Business-as-usual would not be possible after the war and quite possibly in our lifetimes. Overt normalization would be attempted by future regimes in the Kremlin only for economic reasons to fund future aggressions.

Jamestown: "Moscow Conducts Fascistization of Russian Higher Education."

If you are like me, wondering why the Russians have not devalued the ruble to at least partially fix the massive budget hole, something along these lines is likely the answer:

The official USD/RUB x-rate dipped below 80 at 79.70. And no, it is not a sign that the ru economy is doing great. In other news, Russia's shadow capital outflow is estimated to have reached a record $14.7B (S: https://t.co/rayIoPf0JW).

Time may no longer be on Russia’s side. US, EU and Chinese policies, and domestic strains, are reshaping its calculus. So Russia is challenging Western resolve in riskier ways. This is certain to escalate unless Europe responds. My latest for @IISS_org

"BBC finds Russian guards, Iranian trucks and rusting railway on Trump's Caucasus peace route"

More good news from the UK: "George Galloway detained at Gatwick airport under Terrorism Act"

Reform's former leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, took money from Oleg Voloshyn, a financial conduit for Russian intelligence services.

Govnoyedy

As someone who worked in the US under an H1-B, my condolences to the tech sector, academia, and foreign students

While it is one of the more extreme examples of ultraradicalization of the Russian society, the trend highlights the high likelihood that post-Putin Russia might favor even more extreme political views independent of the outcome of the war against Ukraine.

An important read by Jamestown: "Returning Veterans Powering Rise of Radical Russian Nationalist ‘Northern Man’ Group." https://t.co/jIszWM3Nuk

"The Charlie Kirk Assassination Highlights the Rise of Political Violence Without a Clear Ideology" https://t.co/RVghojPfjN

"Experts attribute this to a decrease in the average retail space of the stores themselves, which forces retailers to leave only the best-selling items on the shelves." The main driver is likely the dwindling buying power of an average Russian consumer and supply chain issues.

Russian retailers "are cutting product range for the sake of optimization," reports Kommersant. "In July, the range of food products in retail chains decreased by 2.3%, non-food products - by 1.8%."

Mmmm, Po-210 byproducts.

🥊 A historic triumph in Liverpool! 🇰🇿 #Kazakhstan tops the medal table at the first World #Boxing Championships under the new federation: 7🥇, 1🥈 & 2🥉 (10 total). Ahead of Uzbekistan, India & Brazil. A landmark victory for Kazakh boxing! 🌍💪 https://t.co/OePdLPo8gb

There is an unholy alignment of US and Russian influence in Europe. Yesterday's events in London are just the most recent example. The Biden administration was inept and inspired the Russians to act. The current administration is worse on so many levels.

‘There’s only one Ricky Hatton,’ they sang A great fighter, charismatic, down to earth, hugely popular with a great sense of humour Despite all his troubles, he could raise a smile