Corruption Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

How Russia’s MoD Secures and Exploits Sahel’s Strategic Minerals

Between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—also known as the Confederation of Sahel States—was officially established in July 2024 as a mutual defense and political. After withdrawing from the Economic Community…

August 15, 2025Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Russia

Corruption Geoeconomics

The U.S. Sanctions on the Russian-Iranian Shadow Fleet: Strategic Implications and Challenges

In mid-2025, the United States expanded its sanctions regime to target the so-called “shadow fleet” — an extensive network of vessels operated covertly to circumvent oil and gas embargoes imposed…

July 31, 2025Iran, Russia

Corruption National Security Situation Reports Terrorism

Wagner Group Atrocities in the Central African Republic — Motives, Parallels, and Risks of Regional Backlash

The killing of local civilians by the Russian Wagner Group near a gold mine in the Central African Republic (CAR) has reignited international scrutiny over Moscow’s extractive activities in Africa.…

July 21, 2025CAR, gold, Russia, Wagner Group

Corruption Geoeconomics Geopolitics Governance

The Budapest Loophole: Viktor Orbán’s Corrupt Empire and Russia’s Backdoor into Europe

Orbán is no longer just a problematic EU member—he has emerged as a direct agent of the Kremlin, wielding bribery and institutions to destabilize the bloc from within. His strategic…

July 11, 2025Hungary, Russia

Corruption Democracy Geoeconomics Geopolitics

Hungary’s Balancing Act: Strategic Risks of Budapest’s Covert Ties with Russia

Hungary under Viktor Orbán has become a geopolitical pivot point where Russian oil money, Chinese strategic investments, and American capital intersect. This convergence presents serious risks to both the European…

May 2, 2025China, Hungary, Russia, USA

Corruption Geoeconomics Governance

From Liberation to Exploitation: Russia’s Resource Deals in Africa

The recent agreement between the Burkinabé government and the Russian company Nordgold—previously owned by Alexey Mordashov, a sanctioned Russian oligarch with close ties to the Kremlin—signals a deliberate and strategic…

April 29, 2025Burkina Faso, Russia

Corruption Governance Intelligence ops National Security

Russian Intelligence Infiltration: Efforts to Influence Trump’s Administration and Undermine U.S. Counterintelligence

Russia sought ways to infiltrate Donald Trump’s administration as early as his first term, using its well-established tactic of corrupting officials and individuals within the president’s inner circle who could…

February 10, 2025Russia, USA

Corruption Democracy Governance

Resignations in Serbia: A “Chess Game” to save Vucic

Three months have passed since protests erupted in Serbia following the collapse of a train station that claimed 15 lives, including several children. Public outrage over the tragic loss of…

February 3, 2025Serbia

Corruption Democracy Governance

After the referendum rejection, Vucic will try constitutional changes

Following recent events in Belgrade, where student protests erupted to oppose government corruption, nepotism, and other grievances, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic made a notable announcement via Instagram. He invited the…

January 17, 2025Serbia

Corruption Governance National Security

Slovakia’s Political Turmoil: A Fragile Coalition and the Shadow of Russian Influence

The first half of 2025 could witness significant political upheaval in Slovakia, with Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government facing a high likelihood of collapse. Economic turmoil, worsening relations with Washington,…

January 15, 2025Slovakia

Corruption