The IISS Russia and Eurasia programme focuses on Russian security policy with particular emphasis on Russia-NATO relations and the future challenges for the Euro-Atlantic security system. The IISS conducts extensive research on Russian military reform, which includes analysis of its economic, social, strategic, doctrinal and political aspects. Furthermore, the programme focuses on the security challenges faced by Moscow in the North Caucasus, as well as the challenges of security-sector reform in the South Caucasus.
The IISS Russia and Eurasia programme has more than 15 years of experience in researching economic, political and military developments in the South Caucasus, including the conflicts in Abkhazia, South-Ossetia and Nagorno-Karabakh. It has also conducted extensive research on the causes, facts and implications of the 2008 Georgian-Russian war. The IISS Russia and Eurasia programme is currently engaged in an EU-funded, 18-month Georgian-Russian dialogue project aiming to facilitate track-two informal discussions between opinion formers within both Russia and Georgia.
Finally, the IISS conducts research projects on political and security issues in Central Asia, including an examination of the strategic role of Central Asia for military operations in Afghanistan; border security in the region; counter-narcotics initiatives; the role of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in facing the security challenges in Central Asia and the threats posed by Islamic radicalisation and terrorism for the region.
The IISS Russia and Eurasia Programme led the discussion of these issues at its bi-monthly Eurasia Strategy Seminar series in London, where it provided a forum for discussion with senior policymakers from other Eurasian countries including Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova and the Central Asian states.
