Belarus

There are four countries Russia must have under control in order to become a major power again -- and three of them are already in the Russian fold. (With STRATFOR maps and interactive graphic) [more]

Russia wants to consolidate its control over key Eurasian states -- but how far is it willing and able to go? (With STRATFOR map and interactive graphic) [more]

The secretary-general of the Collective Security Treaty Organization has suggested that Russia's nuclear umbrella has been extended to the alliance. [more]

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili has offered his country as an alternate supply route for NATO troops in Afghanistan, circumventing routes that traverse Russian territory. The offer was discussed during a Feb. 22 visit by Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. [more]

The following is an internal STRATFOR document produced to provide high-level guidance to our analysts. [more]

Through economic integration and political change, Russian influence in key parts of the former Soviet region will be strengthened in 2010, analyst Marko Papic says. [more]

A disagreement between Belarus and Russia over oil shipments is more a product of the countries' new customs union than it is a major falling out. [more]

The Kremlin aims to strengthen its economic -- and political -- influence in Belarus, Kazakhstan and beyond through a common customs agreement. [more]

Recent developments have prompted Azerbaijan to consider membership in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization. [more]

Moscow may set up a foundation to protect and assist Russian nationals living abroad. The tactic is not new, but this time it will emphasize Russian minorities to influence Russia's neighbors. [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]

Minsk is using the West for leverage in its ongoing struggle with Moscow. [more]

Russia is using the current global recession to further its geopolitical interests. [more]

The presence of a Belarusian representative at an otherwise routine meeting indicates Belarus' mood toward Russia. [more]

Despite the typical disagreements, the CSTO is concerned about the situation in Afghanistan. [more]

The three former Soviet states are deeply integrated with each other and can proceed just fine with or without the World Trade Organization. [more]

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko wants the Union State of Russia and Belarus to become fully integrated; but if that were to happen, he might be disappointed in the results. [more]

The European Union's Eastern Partnership is off to a rough start, and its effectiveness is already in question. [more]

The United States and the Europeans will encounter each other at three major meetings this week. [more]