After Russia consolidates control over the countries vital to its national security, it will turn to another set of countries where it would like to have greater influence.

Russia must control four countries.

Russia wants to consolidate its control over key Eurasian states -- but how far is it willing and able to go?

Stratfor forecasts the major trends that will emerge during the next 10 years.

Although Russia's control over Central Asia's energy sector is unquestionable, recent and upcoming developments could weaken Russia's grip.

The geography and allocation of resources in Central Asia has led to frequent and intensifying disputes among the region's five countries.

China is offering to purchase natural gas -- and influence -- in Turkmenistan.

Despite indications to the contrary, Turkmenistan will remain firmly in Russia's grasp.

Price hikes in natural gas coming from Central Asia will hit European economies hard but will give Central Asian states large amounts of their own cash for the first time. <em>(With Stratfor map)</em>

Russia is planning to set up a federal agency similar to the United States' FBI.