Alexander Cooley is the Claire Tow professor of political science at Barnard College and director of Columbia University’s Harriman Institute for the Study of Russia, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe.
Even if it won't rebuild an imperial state, Moscow has many tools at its disposal to influence the political, economic, social, and foreign policy trajectories of its neighbors.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, but the nature of the organization and its role remain somewhat unclear.
Following the 2008 war, the United States has struggled to redefine its relationship with Georgia. Questions remain concerning the situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as well as the remaining democratic weaknesses in the Georgian government.
