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 Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES) 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 Vassily Klimentov, 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).
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All Russian Analytical Digest IssuesCurrent Issues
No. 341: The Ambiguities of Indoctrination in Russian Universities and Schools
This issue examines state ideologisation and its implementation in contemporary Russian education and society. First, Ivan Fomin et al. analyse the “Foundations of Russian Statehood” university course, arguing that Putinism relies on a “thin statism” rather than a coherent doctrine. Next, Ella Rossman explores the strategic incoherence of Russia’s “traditional values” ideology, showing how its ambiguous mix of Orthodox neoconservatism and Soviet legacies struggles with direct youth indoctrination. Finally, Nina Zakharkina-Berezner investigates the militarisation of Russian schools, detailing how some teachers employ adaptive strategies to maintain professional autonomy amid ideological pressure.
No. 340: The Transformation of Armenian-Russian Relations
This special issue examines the foundational pillars of the bilateral relations between Armenia and Russia, the countries’ political, security and economic ties, which have both structured and constrained their relationship. The opening article maps the political friction, ranging from persistent misunderstandings to clearly defined red lines in the relations between Armenia and Russia, while the second article demonstrates that defence cooperation has significantly eroded following Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine indicating Armenia’s diversification of its security arrangements. The last article analyses the evolving economic relationship between the two countries, highlighting the transformative impact of international sanctions.