Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
The Russian Analytical Digest (RAD) analyzes recent events, trends and developments within contemporary Russian politics, economics and business, foreign policy, security and society. Each issue contains original academic and policy relevant research articles by authors from across the globe, and topical statistical data, graphics and opinion polls. The series is produced by a partner network that includes the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zürich, the external page Research Centre for East European Studies (FSO) at the University of Bremen, the external page Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES) at the George Washington University and the external page Center for Eastern European Studies (CEES) at the University of Zurich. The RAD is edited by external page Fabian Burkhardt, external page Matthias Neumann, external page Robert Orttung, external page Jeronim Perović, external page Heiko Pleines, and external page Hans-Henning Schröder.
The series is partnered with the German language publication Russland-Analysen, the Russian Regional Report, and the Caucasus Analytical Digest (CAD).
All Issues
All RAD IssuesCurrent Issues
No. 324: Environmental Activism
This issue examines the changing conditions for environmental activism in Russia since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine in 2022. Anastassia Obydenkova analyzes external influences on Russian environmental activism, highlighting the growing isolation from Western organizations, Russia’s suspended participation in international forums, and China’s growing influence. Elizabeth Plantan examines the impact of the war on environmental civil society, focusing on activists in Russia, those in exile, and international funders. Arina Loginova examines government efforts to co-opt environmental NGOs and finds that independent groups are increasingly relying on partnerships with the private sector.
No. 323: Siloviki
This issue examines the role of the Russian siloviki since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Brian Taylor provides an overview of the literature on siloviki and some of the central concepts, findings, and debates. Mark Galeotti analyzes how the Kremlin has put Russia's three main security services—the FSB, SVR, and GRU—on a war footing. Pavel Luzin argues that the Kremlin’s goal is to prevent the military elite from becoming political actors. Kurt Haven focuses on the acute staffing shortages in the Russian police. Finally, Margarete Klein shows how the Kremlin brought the many volunteer formations under tighter control.