National Security Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

The Kiriyenko Blueprint: Turning Moldova’s Election into an Operation

Elections on Sept. 28 will set Moldova’s course: a pro-European future or a return to Russia’s orbit. For years, Moscow has sought to bring Moldova to heel—through the buying of politicians,…

September 25, 2025

Geopolitics National Security Nonproliferation

Russia–North Korea Pact Adds a Dangerous Front for Washington

The foreign ministers of the United States, Japan and South Korea warned of the grave security risks posed by Russia’s deepening military cooperation with North Korea. Moscow’s backing for Pyongyang’s…

September 24, 2025DPRK, Russia, USA

Democracy Intelligence ops National Security

Ballots and Provocations: Moscow’s Election Gambit in Moldova

Less than a week before parliamentary elections, Moldovan authorities conducted 250 searches targeting more than 100 people amid suspicions that Russia is attempting to destabilize the country and sway the…

September 23, 2025Moldova, Russia

Geopolitics National Security Nonproliferation

The standoff over the New START arms-control treaty underscores a serious threat to the United States from Russia.

With treaty visibility gone, allies relying on the U.S. nuclear guarantee face more uncertainty, while the United States must budget for hedge capabilities and monitoring alternatives (national technical means, open-source,…

September 22, 2025nuclear weapons, Russia, USA

Geopolitics National Security

Trump and Lukashenko: Tactical Diplomacy, Strategic Risks

President Trump sent a personal letter to Lukashenko via a special envoy; Washington eased sanctions on Belavia after Minsk released 52 political prisoners; and—for the first time since 2022—U.S. officers…

September 16, 2025Belarus, Russia, USA

Governance Intelligence ops National Security

Russia’s Hybrid Playbook in France: Extremist Convergence and Information Warfare

Russia is destabilizing French society, turning it against the government and seeking the overthrow of President Emmanuel Macron. This objective is driven by France’s role in Europe and Africa, where…

September 15, 2025France

Governance Intelligence ops National Security

Putin’s and Kim Jong Un’s Biological Secrecy During Foreign Visits

During his rare trip to China in 2018, security protocols reportedly included the use of portable toilets brought from Pyongyang. Similar measures were in place under his father, the late Kim Jong Il. This…

September 5, 2025DPRK, Putin, Russia

Intelligence ops National Security Propaganda and Disinformation

SVR Director’s Attack on riedrich Merz: Why the Kremlin Reached for the “Nazi” Label

Russia’s foreign-intelligence chief, Sergey Naryshkin, amplified the Kremlin’s long-running trope that today’s European leaders are steered by “Nazi” ideas—this time aiming the charge at German Chancellor riedrich Merz. The timing and…

September 4, 2025Germany, Naryshkin, Russia, SVR, USA

National Security Warfare

From Consoles to Combat: Russia’s Gamble on Gamer Armies and Accelerated Militarization”

Russia is accelerating the militarization of its society, with plans to increase the proportion of young people in the armed forces. According to our information, the Kremlin intends to form…

September 3, 2025Russia

Conflict Geopolitics National Security

“Always Ready for War”: What Aliyev Meant—and What Comes Next

1) The trigger: Aliyev’s August message On Aug. 21, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan “must always be ready for war,” touting expanded special forces, new commando units, upgraded aircraft and fresh fighter-jet…

August 29, 2025Azerbaijan, Russia

National Security