The Russian Economy and Russian Power

from STRATFOR

The Russian Economy and Russian Power

By George Friedman | July 27, 2009

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Georgia and Ukraine partly answered questions over how U.S.-Russian talks went during U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit to Russia in early July. That Biden’s visit took place at all reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the principle that Russia does not have the right to a sphere of influence in these countries or anywhere in the former Soviet Union.

The Americans’ willingness to confront the Russians on an issue of fundamental national interest to Russia therefore requires some explanation, as on the surface it seems a high-risk maneuver. Biden provided insights into the analytic framework of the Obama administration on Russia in a July 26 interview with The Wall Street Journal. In it, Biden said the United States “vastly” underestimates its hand. He added that “Russia has to make some very difficult, calculated decisions. They have a shrinking population base, they have a withering economy, they have a banking sector and structure that is not likely to be able to withstand the next 15 years, they’re in a situation where the world is changing before them and they’re clinging to something in the past that is not sustainable.” Read full article »
Back to top -
Video: Rethinking Iran
Video

In the latest installment of the STRATFOR Insights video series, founder and CEO Dr. George Friedman discusses recent events in Tehran, Israeli naval movements and the possibility of a new U.S. policy emerging for Iran. Watch this video »
Back to top - Podcast
Audio: Pugilist Politics in Iran as Clouds Gather Over Israel

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sacked the country’s intelligence chief in the wake of a controversy that further exposed rifts within the political establishment in Tehran. A look at recent developments, as top U.S. officials gather for talks in Israel. Listen Now »
Back to top -

Note: We're trying out new designs and layouts for our Free Weekly Emails. Please email me your thoughts.

Thank You,
Aaric Eisenstein
SVP Publishing


Forward this email

Do you know someone who might be interested in this intelligence report?
Forward to a Friend

Get Your Own Copy

Get FREE intelligence emailed directly to you. Join STRATFOR's mailing list.
Join STRATFOR
- Special Membership Offers

Please feel free to distribute this Intelligence Report to friends, or if you repost on a website include a link to www.STRATFOR.com.

If a friend forwarded this email to you, join our free mailing list for more intelligence and other special STRATFOR offers.