The troubles of diplomacy
The US intention to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty has caused a certain level of anxiety in Moscow as it may potentially lead to a new round in the arms race. However, there is also some optimism among Russia’s elite because disarmament talks are one of the few topics Moscow feels most confident about, and having this on the table may improve the overall negotiation context. Also, the US move creates more tension in the EU and China, and that may give Russia some tactical advantage.
Russia’s ruling elite has been closely monitoring US midterm election, trying to figure out the potential consequences for bilateral relations and the US sanctions policy against Russia. The outcome seemed mildly positive, with Congress divided and not expected to focus on Russia over the next few months.
Russia failed to achieve its aspired Top 20 ranking in the global “Doing Business” ranking by the World Bank, as required by Presidential Decree in 2012. Despite continued efforts and all the attempts made in the last six years to rise in every technical component of the ranking, Russia only made it to 31st place without systemic economic reforms.
The Russian Orthodox Church came very close to eliminating any interaction with the oldest and most prominent Eastern Orthodox congregation because Constantinople Patriarchy announced its willingness to grant autocephaly to the Ukrainian Church.
Despite repeated failures in space launches, including a recent one with a piloted spaceship, Russians believe that the national space program is globally competitive. It is considered important for scientific advancement and defense purposes, but economic and international relations reasons also matter.
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