National Security Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Borderline Politics: Russian-Linked Actors in Finland and the Campaign to Reopen the Finnish–Russian Border

A small but vocal group of politicians and public figures in Finland, some with Russian citizenship or familial ties to Russia, are actively pushing for the reopening of the Finnish-Russian…

July 25, 2025Finland, NATO, Russia

Geopolitics Intelligence ops National Security

Rising Russian Espionage Activity in Germany: Timing, Tactics, and Threats

Russia has sharply intensified its espionage activity in Germany since 2022. This escalation reflects shifts in Moscow's intelligence priorities amid the war in Ukraine, worsening relations with the West, and…

July 22, 2025Germany, 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

Geopolitics National Security

China’s Expanding Influence in the Balkans: Strategic Implications of Military Cooperation with Serbia

China's growing footprint in the Balkans has shifted from economic investments to deeper political and military engagement. A recent announcement that Serbian forces will participate in joint military drills on Chinese…

July 17, 2025China, Serbia

Democracy Geopolitics National Security

Russia’s Deepening Ties with North Korea: Strategic Axis or Tactical Convergence?

As Russia intensifies cooperation with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), a new geopolitical triangle with China emerges, altering the strategic calculus in Northeast Asia. While Moscow seeks arms,…

July 14, 2025China, DPRK, Russia

Geopolitics National Security Warfare

China Assists Russia in Gunpowder Production for War against Ukraine

Despite declaring neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war, Beijing continues to contribute to the development of Russia’s military capabilities. China is stepping up its scientific and technological partnership with Russia. In…

July 14, 2025China, Russia, Ukraine

Geoeconomics Geopolitics National Security

U.S. Sanctions Lifted on Rosatom: The Case of Hungary’s Paks II Nuclear Power Plant

The Biden administration has quietly authorized a sanctions exemption for Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom to allow completion of Hungary’s Paks II nuclear power plant. This move, occurring amid ongoing Western sanctions on Russia…

June 30, 2025Hungary, Rosatom, Russia, Ukraine, USA

- Geopolitics National Security

INTELBRIEF: Russian Involvement in Iranian Strikes on U.S. Military Targets

Subject: Potential coordination or support by Russia in Iranian military actions targeting U.S. assetsRegion: Middle East, Eastern EuropeSources: Open-source intelligence, defense cooperation patterns, intercepted statements, historical precedents Key Assessment There is growing evidence and…

June 23, 2025

Geopolitics National Security Warfare

Fortress North: The Strategic Logic Behind Russia’s New Military Base Near Finland

Russia’s recent decision to build a new military base close to the Finnish border marks a deliberate escalation in its confrontation with NATO. This move—timed just after Finland joined NATO—signals…

June 20, 2025Finland, NATO, Russia

Geoeconomics Intelligence ops National Security

Africa’s New Overseers: Inside Russia’s Covert Gold Empire”

Russia’s involvement in building a gold refinery plant in Mali is not just an economic move — it’s a strategic maneuver involving sanctions evasion, geopolitical influence, and shadow financing of military operations in Africa and…

June 18, 2025gold, GRU, Russia, SVR, Wagner Group

National Security