Understanding Russia

Foreword: The Work of the Kennan Institute Has Never Been More Important

– Ambassador Mark A. Green (Retired)

As America’s leading institution on Russian research and scholarship marks its 50th year, its relevance is skyrocketing.

Introduction: Understanding Russia

– William E. Pomeranz

Moscow's last years of empire, the rise of democracy, and return to dictatorship. Insights from the Kennan Institute's remarkable first 50 years, and for the road ahead.

The United States’ Relationship with Russia

– Ambassador John Sullivan (Retired) and Joseph Dresen

Former US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan draws on history to provide insights for today’s diplomats confronting growing tensions between Russia and the West.

Sleepwalking Into Conflict with the Kremlin

– Lucian Kim

A succession of US presidents and Western allies got Ukraine wrong. What they do next determines what kind of Russia the world must deal with in the future.

War Crimes and Punishment

– Ambassador Clint Williamson and William E. Pomeranz

With tens of thousands of war crimes already documented, efforts to hold Russia and Vladimir Putin accountable are well underway.

Russia’s Unrestricted Warfare in Latin America

– Ambassador Carlos Vecchio (Retired)

Even without military presence, Vladimir Putin’s influence is reshaping the region.

Antisemitic Propaganda and Disinformation in Putin’s War Against Democracies

– Izabella Tabarovsky

Russia’s long history of exploiting antisemitism for political purposes is benefiting its larger strategy to destabilize democratic societies—and the West.

Political Repression in Disguise

– Maxim Trudolyubov

The Kremlin has built a system of targeted violence and calculated repression that is political in nature—but is never recognized that way—bringing with it lasting implications.

Fleeing War, Fleeing Putin

– Jennifer S. Wistrand

Implications are mounting from Russia’s war in Ukraine—for people on the move, US migration policy, and the rebuilding of homelands.

The First War of the Energy Transition

– Theresa Sabonis-Helf and Lauren Herzer Risi

With wide-reaching implications for regional and global energy supplies, the Russia-Ukraine war is also testing the world’s efforts to go green.

Navigating Russian Research Through Volatile Times

– S. Frederick Starr, Peter Reddaway, Blair Ruble, and Matthew A. Rojansky

Reflections and insights from past Kennan Institute directors.

Building Trust Between Nations, One Scholar at a Time

– Victoria Pardini and Nina Rozhanovskaya

As geopolitical winds shift, academic exchange becomes more challenging—and more important.

Kennan's X Marks the Spot

– Michael Kimmage

More than eight decades later, George F. Kennan’s ideas have lasting lessons.