Former Soviet Union

The G-7, which is meeting Oct. 10 in Washington to strategize regarding the global economic crisis, is holding a private session with a former member that helped make up the G-8: Russia. [more]

Stratfor looks at the economy differently than economists do. (A companion piece to an upcoming series on the global financial crisis.) [more]

The political divorce of Ukraine’s president and prime minister appears final, as the Rada is dissolved and new elections are set for December. Pro-Western President Viktor Yushchenko’s future seems doubtful — but Russia’s star is on the rise in Kiev. [more]

The Ukrainian parliament has dissolved, triggering early elections that will come during a pivotal time in Russo-Ukrainian relations. [more]

As the U.S.-jihadist war winds down, a larger terrorist threat looms on the horizon: the revival of state-sponsored terrorism. [more]

Like others around the world, Russia’s financial markets have been roiled in recent weeks by volatility and the global credit crisis — which began to unfold soon after Russia asserted itself more powerfully on the global stage. In this interview, senior analyst Peter Zeihan discusses the strengths and risks of Russia’s economy and what it all means against the broader geopolitical backdrop. [more]

Russia provided Iceland with a $5.4 billion bailout on Tuesday, a signal of the Kremlin's intention to use financial resources to strengthen its geopolitical position. [more]

Iceland has requested a $5.43 billion loan from Russia. [more]

Structural challenges in Europe and economic nationalism in Asia rise to the fore as world leaders struggle to contain damages from the unfolding financial crisis. [more]

German Chancellor Angela Merkel made clear that Germany will oppose NATO membership for Ukraine and Georgia after meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev last week. [more]

The Russian Trading System fell 16.8 percent Oct. 6. While this drop is the worst the country has seen since its financial crisis in 1998, it is not a clear reflection of the Russian economic state. [more]

Israel and the United States -- ahead of leadership changes in both countries -- are trying to deal with Russia. [more]

The following is an internal Stratfor document produced to provide high-level guidance to our analysts. This document is not a forecast, but rather a series of guidelines for understanding and evaluating events, as well as suggestions on areas for focus. [more]

Since revenue from its energy sector gives Russia its geopolitical strength, reports of declining oil production will be bad news for Moscow in the very long term. (With Stratfor map) [more]

While world bankers and treasurers worry about the slowing economy and financial sector solvency, Europe is distracted by a new proposal from Moscow that would threaten the NATO alliance — already under pressure in several quarters. [more]

Three completely disconnected events occurred this week that will weave together the tapestry of the next decade. [more]

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met in St. Petersburg on Oct. 2. Among the topics of discussion was the possibility of a new collective security agreement between Europe and Russia. [more]

Coverage of the global financial crisis continues with a look at reactions and strategies in Europe, Asia and Russia, while the Bush administration’s bailout package returns to the House for a fresh vote. [more]

The hijacking of a ship off the Somalian coast has given Russia a chance to regain its influence in the Horn of Africa. [more]

A Russian port call in Libya hints at a revived struggle between Moscow and the West for Libya's affections. [more]