In an interview with RBC at the Primakov Readings international affairs forum, political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan discusses the ongoing conflict between the Armenian government and the national Church, the unlikelihood of an Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement, and the current role of Russia in the South Caucasus.

Historian and political scientist Marlène Laruelle looks at the socioeconomic effects of the Russian government’s shift in fiscal priorities since the invasion of Ukraine – what she terms “military Keynesianism.” She argues that the benefits for lower-income, provincial Russians are nearing their limits, however, as maintaining current social spending will be a growing challenge for the Russian economy.

Political scientist Nikolai Mitrokhin offers an update on the latest developments in the war in Ukraine, where Russian missile and drone attacks are taking an increasing toll, with a long-awaited ceasefire remaining elusive.

Political scientist Ekaterina Kurbangaleeva looks at Russian federal tax receipts from 2022 to 2024 to understand to whom the biggest economic gains from the war have accrued. Previously poorly paid, blue-collar workers in underdeveloped regions are the primary beneficiaries, she argues. They are now helping to stabilize Russia’s authoritarian regime.