This act grants permanent normal trade relations with Russia and was signed into law on December 14, 2012.

The passage of a new trade bill that takes aim at Russia's human rights record could complicate the Obama administration's efforts to improve U.S-Russian relations, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

Frank G. Klotz observes that the United States and Russia have been at loggerheads lately. Thus, a recent bit of bilateral cooperation in Antarctica comes as welcome news.

Sebastian Mallaby argues that microeconomic struggles are tarnishing the macroeconomic success of the BRICs.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Anne Applebaum discusses her highly acclaimed book, Iron Curtain: The Crushing of Eastern Europe, 1944-1956, and the contemporary implications of Soviet policy in Eastern Europe.

Poland has maintained economic growth despite the global financial crisis and eurozone woes, while asserting itself as a leading advocate for greater European integration, explains this Backgrounder.

Last winter, a wave of mass demonstrations suddenly broke the surface calm of Russian politics.

This report assesses regulations affecting domestic firms in 185 economies and ranks the economies in 10 areas of business regulation, such as starting a business, resolving insolvency and trading across borders.

This CFR Issue Tracker looks at the United States' relationship with Russia and presidential candidates' stances on the issue.

Hungarian foreign minister János Martonyi discusses the current state of affairs in Europe from the Hungarian perspective.

Hungarian foreign minister János Martonyi discusses the current state of affairs in Europe from the Hungarian perspective.

Gregory Bovt writes that Russia is a low priority on the list of foreign policy issues for both Democratic and Republican candidates and advises avoiding excessive anti-Russian or anti-U.S. rhetoric from both sides.

Russia finally joins the WTO, but Charles A. Kupchan says that political tensions between Washington and Moscow still trouble commercial relations between the U.S. and Russia.

The trial of a punk band in Russia reflects the Putin regime's hard-line opinions on political dissent, and those views are shaping its foreign policy, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney gave this speech in Warsaw, Poland on July 31, 2012.

Russian President Putin, mistrustful of Western motives, is likely to resist pressure to commit to stronger sanctions against Syria's government, says expert Dimitri Simes.

Links to news, country background, data, U.S. policy toward Russia, and resources related to Russia's energy, ecomony, and nonproliferation.

Vladimir Putin's Middle East trip was an effort to explain policies on Iran and Syria that have put it at odds with Israel and many Arab states, says CFR's Stephen Sestanovich.

Ed Husain argues, "Russia should see that unless Assad gives way, the opposition will become more radicalized and increasingly jihadi."

Max Boot argues that Russian assistance to Syria means it's time for the United States to change its policy.