Chain Reaction

Amid the commentary on the war in Ukraine, the voices of those who live it every day are sometimes lost.  In this episode of Chain Reaction, we hear from Sophia Opatska of Lviv, Hanna Shelest of Odessa, and Maksym Skrypchenko of Kyiv. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

Despite Western economic policy, Russia has been able to continue its war against Ukraine, and even seen economic growth. Join as we kick off our season with Nick Trickett and Iikka Korhonen investigating what's driving Russia's economy these days, and whether sanctions are "working." Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

As the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches, the optimism that reigned a year ago has largely faded. The failure of Ukraine's 2023 counteroffensive and the uncertainty of future US assistance seem to augur tough times ahead for Ukraine and its supporters. Joining host Bob Hamilton to discuss the current state of the war, its likely future trajectory, and the future of the US role in NATO is Stephen Biddle, one of the foremost analysts of modern warfare. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

The podcast discusses the recent attack on Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijani forces, the background and outcome of the conflict, the humanitarian crisis in Armenia, the role of national identity in the conflict, potential solutions, and the potential for a real war between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Explore the increased interest of various powers in Central Asia, including Turkey, the Arab world, and the European Union. Learn about the historical US-Central Asia relationship and the decline of democracy in Kyrgyzstan. Discover the converging interests of Russia and China in Central Asia and the development of the Middle Corridor trade route.

Since 2009, Russia has invested significant effort into developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, for military purposes. However, after a year of war in Ukraine, the Russian military has lost the biggest part of its tactical reconnaissance and targeting UAVs. Pavel Luzin joins Aaron Schwartzbaum to discuss his latest report "Russian Military Drones: The Past, Present, and Future of the UAV Industry." Download the report here. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

Almost two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, Bear Market Brief investigates how we got here in the first place. What does theory say about Vladimir Putin’s decision making? Seva Gunitsky joins to discuss.Join the Bear Market Brief on Substack! Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

It’s been just over five months since the Wagner Group’s insurrection against the Russian government, and three months since the group’s leader was killed in a place crash, almost certainly orchestrated by the Kremlin. But the Wagner Group has not faded away. Colin Clarke, *Christopher Faulkner, and Raphael Parens join to discuss what the Wagner Group is up to now, who is leading it, and how the Kremlin will use it going forward.*The views expressed here are the guest's own and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the US Naval War College, the Navy, or the DOD. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

The Continent takes a (slight) detour to learn how trends over in Eurasia compare with what we're seeing in Europe. The complicated neighbor is the same; what about the domestic and geopolitical landscape? Temur Umarov offers insights on the effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Kazakhstan's domestic and foreign policy. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe

Where does Russian public sentiment on politics and war stand these days? And on a more basic level, how is it measured? Bear Market Brief talked with Isabelle DeSisto of Russia Watcher to learn more!Join the Bear Market Brief on Substack! Learn more about Russia Watcher here Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe