战略与国际研究中心-Russia-and-Eurasia-Program-Update-December-2012_11页_332kb

CSIS Russia & Eurasia Program 2012 Summary

Core Content

The 2012 Program Update from the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) Russia & Eurasia Program outlines the key developments and initiatives related to Russia and the broader Eurasian region during that year. It highlights the program's efforts in analyzing U.S.-Russia relations, Russia's strategic shifts, and regional dynamics in the Caucasus and Central Asia. The year was marked by political events, economic challenges, and the program's active engagement through events, publications, and collaborations.

Main Points and Key Information

U.S.-Russia Relations

• Presidential Election: Vladimir Putin was re-elected as President of Russia with a commanding 64% of the vote, signaling continued support for his leadership.
• Anti-American Campaign: The Russian political elite maintained a strong anti-American stance, which was evident in both the parliamentary and presidential elections.
• PNTR Legislation: The U.S. Congress granted Russia Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status and revoked the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, a significant diplomatic achievement for Russia. However, this was offset by the passage of the Magnitsky Rule of Law and Accountability Act, which imposed sanctions on Russian officials involved in human rights abuses.
• Reset Policy: The "Reset" policy between the U.S. and Russia had largely ended, and U.S. officials were unlikely to prioritize Russia as much as they had during the Obama administration.

Strategic Shifts and Regional Focus

• Arctic Initiative: The program planned a new two-year project on Russia and the Arctic, in collaboration with the Europe Program.
• Pivot to Asia: The program noted Russia's strategic shift towards Asia, leading to a new initiative on Russia in Asia.
• Caucasus and Central Asia: The program continued its work on the Caucasus and Central Asia, focusing on security, economic integration, and political dynamics.
• Turkey, Russia, and Iran Nexus: The program aimed to enhance its collaboration with the Kissinger Chair and others on the inter-relations between Turkey, Russia, and Iran.

Events and Discussions

• The program hosted several events throughout the year, including:
  • "U.S.-Russia Relations after PNTR: the Long View" on November 30, 2012.
  • "Russia's New Asia Strategy: Assessing Russia's Eastward Pivot" on November 14, 2012.
  • "How Rosy Are the Prospects of Georgia's Economy?" on May 19, 2012.
  • "APEC 2012 in Vladivostok" on May 14, 2012.
  • "Cybersecurity – Russia's Paradox" on March 19, 2012.
  • "The End of the Post-Soviet Period in Russian Foreign Policy" on February 29, 2012.
  • "Psychology of Revolt in Russia Today and the Future" on February 27, 2012.
• These events featured prominent experts and policymakers, including Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, Ambassador Carla Hills, Dr. Lev Gudkov, and Dr. Sergei Guriev.

Publications

• The program published several reports and articles, including:
  • "The Big Caucasus: Between Fragmentation and Integration" (March 26, 2012), authored by Dr. Jeffrey Mankoff.
  • "China and Afghanistan: China's Interests, Stances and Perspectives" (March 26, 2012), authored by Zhao Huasheng.
  • "Russia's Emerging Global Health Leadership" (April 9, 2012), a compilation of papers from a conference held in Moscow.
• Dr. Andrew Kuchins and Dr. Igor Zevelev co-authored a chapter on Russia's Contested National Identity and Foreign Policy in the book "Worldviews of Aspiring Powers".

Staff and Collaborations

• Dr. Jeffrey Mankoff was named Deputy Director of the Russia & Eurasia Program.
• Sung In Marshall returned as an intern after spending time in Tajikistan.
• The program continued to collaborate with other CSIS programs, such as the Europe Program, Asia and Japan Chair, and Global Health Policy Center.
• The program also worked with external institutions like the Peterson Institute for International Economics and PONARS Eurasia.

Conclusion

The Russia & Eurasia Program at CSIS remained highly active in 2012, engaging in a variety of events, publications, and collaborations. Despite the deterioration in U.S.-Russia relations and the end of the "Reset" policy, the program continued to provide analysis and insight into key issues such as Russia's strategic pivot to Asia, the Caucasus region's political and economic landscape, and the broader implications of Russia's foreign policy. The program also highlighted the importance of public opinion and media influence in shaping Russia's international relations.