Columns

Why the global economy needs knowledge diplomacy: the skills gap, the role of universities in training specialists, collaboration with business, and the risks of global educational inequality.

How consumer cooperatives help small businesses and citizens reduce costs, optimize taxes, and build shared infrastructure. An analysis of the financial model, tax considerations, and practical case studies.

An analysis of digital colonialism and technological sovereignty models for developing nations. A comparison of Russia's 'fortress' approach and China's regulated openness as alternatives to dependence on Western digital platforms.

Why artificial intelligence demands deeper, not less, learning. How AI is transforming the roles of students and teachers, which skills are becoming critically important, and how to restructure the educational process.

Analysis of oil cycles in 2025-2026: Urals falling below $50, Brent rising above $120, and a new decline. How a 200 billion ruble cut in technology programs and the return of Iranian oil are affecting the diversification of Russia's economy.

How packaging geometry affects waste sorting, why AI and digital labeling boost recycling efficiency to 93%, and how mathematical optimization of waste collection routes cuts costs by 40-66%. Technologies and case studies from the circular economy.

An analysis of Russia's federal budget deficit in 2026: how declining oil and gas revenues and rising expenditures are affecting fiscal sustainability. Ministry of Finance data, forecasts, and risks.

An analysis of Russia's economic diversification: oil and gas revenues declining to 30%, growth in agriculture and IT sectors, the role of defense industry, and the skills shortage challenge. Data from 2024-2025.

An analysis of bankruptcies in Russia in 2025: why individual filings are up by a third while corporate bankruptcies have fallen by a quarter. Data on overdue debt and debt pressure across the economy.

An analysis of the creative class formation through the lens of social division of labor theory. How the transformation of productive forces and the role of knowledge influence the emergence of new social groups in the economy.

An analysis of China's nuclear industry development: from technological dependence to 95% localization. A comparison of Chinese and Russian nuclear technologies, export potential, and prospects for competition in the global nuclear power plant market.

Why Brazil-Russia agricultural partnership has become one of the key economic alliances of the Global South amid sanctions.

Sometimes a single thought can completely transform how we see familiar things—you just have to read to the end. Practicing Gestalt therapist Igor Martynenko explores an idea that seems simple at first glance but unexpectedly upends conventional logic.

Platform-based work used to be considered a side hustle, but today it's a new structure in the labor market, not just temporary income. The key question is whether we'll manage to establish the rules before people are left alone to deal with algorithms.

University of Chicago professor Alex Imas explains why in the age of AI, the main scarcity may shift from producing goods to human participation—attention, trust, experience, and the uniqueness of services.

The dollar's decline in 2025 breaks conventional logic: for Russia, it's no longer an unambiguous benefit or a direct risk. Rodrigo Bocner explains how, in this new reality, a weak dollar simultaneously cools inflation, pressures the budget, and changes the rules of the game for the economy.

An analysis of sustainable development in Russian regions within a resource-based economy. Environmental and economic efficiency, institutional innovations, and prospects for transitioning to nature-like technologies.

Why might Russia's inflation slowdown in 2026 be temporary? Analysis of trend inflation (MCT) shows that despite CPI declining to ~5.9%, persistent price pressure remains above 7%. We examine inflation structure, Central Bank of Russia assessments, and risks for monetary policy.

An intellectual history of cultural exchange between India and Russia—from the correspondence between Tolstoy and Gandhi to the Soviet cult of Indian cinema and the streaming platforms of the digital age.

Small cities aren't the periphery—they're the foundation of economic resilience. Why betting on anchor towns should replace the agglomeration-driven growth model, according to an expert analysis.

An analysis of how Russia's 85 regions have weathered sanctions-related shocks. Economic resilience factors, sectoral trends, the role of diversification and entrepreneurship. A study with maps and recommendations.

Global markets are experiencing a correction in AI company stocks. We examine the differences from the dotcom crisis, the role of leverage, and investment opportunities for market participants.

Banks are transforming into infrastructure hubs with service ecosystems. Discover how BaaS, telecom integration, and Open API will define the role of banks in 5 years.

What if the world's largest tech company isn't just a business, but a tool of geopolitical struggle? The Huawei story reveals how fear, power, and ambition intertwine in a new Cold War—and why it directly affects us all.

A comprehensive analysis of the March 2026 oil crisis: Brent's 44% surge to $103, the release of 400 million barrels from reserves, the reshaping of global trade flows, and implications for the world economy. Data, charts, and forecasts from the EIA and IEA.

Professor Marina Medvedeva from the Financial University discusses how the development of agrochemical production and modern crop protection products is becoming one of the key factors in Russia's food security and agricultural sustainability.

Aleksandr Shatilov, Deputy Scientific Director at Financial University, discusses where the escalating situation around Iran may lead and which scenarios appear most likely at this stage.

Professor Alexander Shcherbakov of Financial University discusses how the development of artificial intelligence could call into question human agency itself and alter the balance of power in the global economy and politics.

A study on the impact of tight monetary policy on business: which sectors are most vulnerable to rising rates, how corporate debt loads are changing, and what banks and businesses should do to mitigate risks.

Market analyst Alexey Boldyasov examines why Russia has yet to establish a comprehensive wholesale food market system, despite approved concepts and action plans.

Large-scale rollout of the digital ruble promises to cut costs by 60-90% and provide an alternative to SWIFT. How Russia plans to become an architect of new international payment systems through the EAEU and BRICS+.

Key directions for Chinese companies through 2030: technological autonomy, digitalization, green economy, and investments in Russian energy, transport, and high-tech sectors.

Russia is in talks with India about mutual recognition of the Mir and RuPay payment systems. How the new payment corridor could reduce dollar dependence and what risks the project poses for BRICS.

How the geography of Russian FDI shifted in 2022-2025: outflows from Europe, growing investment in CIS countries, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Africa. Central Bank of Russia data, capital protection instruments.

Why India has become Russia's most dependable major partner in Asia. An analysis of trade, energy, financial mechanisms, and the historical foundations of Russia-India cooperation under geopolitical pressure.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade warns of a thinning financial cushion for industrial enterprises. Analysis of causes: high key rate of 16.5%, low economy monetization, sanctions. Ways to solve the problem.

Professor Balyuk explains why Russia slashed its investments in US Treasury securities from $176 billion to $31 million. Sanctions risks and the surge in US government debt to 124% of GDP are forcing countries to seek alternatives.

Russia increased its mineral fertilizer exports to 42 million tons in 2024, pivoting toward Asia and Africa. Experts warn that sanctions threaten food security in developing nations.

Experts predict the Central Bank will pause on February 13 and lower the key rate to 12-13% by the end of 2026. How depositors can lock in high yields: tactics for placing deposits and choosing the best bank offers.

An expert explains the reasons behind rising personal bankruptcies in Russia: the credit boom, high Central Bank rates, and accessibility of the process. Who files for bankruptcy most often, how MFC centers work, and what mistakes debtors make.

Writer Ustinovich discusses the risks of legalizing online casinos: lack of gambling addiction prevention, treatment challenges, and social consequences for Russia. Analysis and forecasts.

An analysis of competition's role in economic development based on research by Nobel laureates Acemoglu and Howitt. Why innovation requires moderate competition, how digital platforms affect technological progress, and what policies Russia needs.

The state of social entrepreneurship in Russia: registry growth to 12,000 companies, government support exceeding 2 billion rubles, key business sectors, and examples of successful projects. An overview of support measures and the sector's prospects.

Europe is preparing to bring its gold home from the U.S. due to Trump's actions. Why central banks are building up gold reserves, who's leading the buying spree, and what it means for the global financial order.

Wine expert Dmitry Nechaev on the prospects for Russian Krasnostop in the global market, the Cypriot winemaking boom, and non-alcoholic wines as the leading trend. Why indigenous varieties are displacing the classics and what alcohol-free wine production technology costs.

A risk analysis of the AI boom: energy crisis, mass unemployment, tech stock overvaluation, and threats to the dollar system. Why 95% of AI implementations are unprofitable and where hyperautomation is leading us.

Alexander Babakov outlined his vision for the Russian economy over the next 25 years: why monetary emission should replace the Central Bank's high interest rates, how to restore confidence in the ruble, and how to create an alternative to the dollar through BRICS institutions. An interview on macro planning, the defense industry, and AI.

Minister Alexey Chekunkov discussed the development strategy for the Arctic and Far East through 2050: trillion-ruble projects, the Northern Sea Route, new technologies, and life in extreme latitudes. Key takeaways from the landmark EEF-2024.

Analysis of factors influencing the ruble exchange rate in September: geopolitical risks, the Central Bank's key rate decision, and the removal of mandatory currency sales. Forecast range of 80-84 rubles per dollar.

The Bank of Russia is changing the rules of consumer lending: embedded macroprudential limits, refinancing incentives, and new requirements for banks. How this will affect borrowers and the credit market.