Congressional Research Service Reports - 240 Matching Results
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- Russian Compliance with the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report describes the current status of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty between Russia and the United States and highlights issues that Congress may address regarding compliance concerns with Russia. It provides a historical overview; outlines the provisions of the INF Treaty (highlighting those central to the discussion about Russia's current activities); reviews the publicly-available information about the potential Russian violation and Russia's possible motivations; and summarizes Russia's concerns with U.S. compliance. The report concludes with a discussion of options that the United States might pursue and options if Russia deploys new INF-range missiles.
- Efforts to Preserve Economic Benefits of the Iran Nuclear Deal
- This report discusses efforts by the non-U.S. parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)--the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, China, the European Union (EU) and Iran--to preserve the accord after the United States announced they would cease implementation.
- Proposals to Impose Sanctions on Russian Sovereign Debt
- This report discusses proposals to impose sanctions on Russian sovereign debt. The U.S. already imposes sanctions on Russia for aggression against Ukraine, election interference, malicious cyber activity, human rights violations, weapons proliferation, and other activities. The sovereign debt sanction would prohibit U.S. investors from buying or trading new Russian sovereign debt.
- Proposals to Impose Sanctions on Russian Sovereign Debt
- This report discusses sanctions the U.S. imposes against Russia. The United States imposes sanctions on hundreds of Russian individuals and entities for aggression against Ukraine, election interference, malicious cyber activity, human rights violations, weapons proliferation, and other activities. Some Members of Congress are proposing additional sanctions in response to continuing objectionable behavior by the Russian government. One proposal is to sanction new debt issued by the Russian government. If enacted, U.S. investors would be prohibited from buying or trading new Russian sovereign debt.
- United States and Soviet Progress in Space: Summary Data through 1974 and a Forward Look
- This report is on the United States and Soviet Progress in Space: Summary Data through 1974 and A Forward Look
- Astronaut Information: American and Soviet
- This report addresses astronaut information about the Americans and Soviets
- United States Relations With the Soviet Union, 1960-1970
- This report outlines the United State's relationship with the Soviet Union throughout the 1960's.
- The Treatment of Jews in the Soviet Union: Developments During 1970-1971
- This report outlines the treatment of Jewish people in the Soviet Union, and how the Soviet Union has attempted to rectify the situation.
- The Sino-Soviet Dispute
- This report describes the chronology and deterioration of Sino-Soviet relations in the 1960's .
- United Arab Republic: Political and Economic Developments
- This report is about the Nile River and the civilization and its development
- The Trump-Putin Summit
- This report discusses the Trump-Putin summit that took place on July 16, 2018 in Helsinki, Finland. The report summarizes issues discussed in the summit press conference, including election interference, Syria, Ukraine, arms control, nonproliferation, and counterterrorism and cybersecurity.
- U.S. Sanctions on Russia: An Overview
- This report provides an overview of U.S. sanctions imposed against Russia for aggression against Ukraine, election interference, malicious cyber activity, human rights violations, weapons proliferation, and other activities.
- Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the Russian Federation: A Sketch
- This report provides an overview of mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs) in general and a sketch of the terms of the U.S.-Russia MLAT in particular.
- U.S. Decision to Cease Implementing the Iran Nuclear Agreement
- This report analyzes the Trump Administration's decision to pullout from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and its potential implications. The other powers that negotiated the accord with Iran--Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany--have consistently asserted that the JCPOA is succeeding in its core objectives and that its implementation should not be jeopardized.
- Efforts to Preserve Economic Benefits of the Iran Nuclear Deal
- This report discusses the response of the non-U.S. parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to the Trump Administration's decision to cease implementing U.S. commitments under the agreement. The other parties, which include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, China, the European Union (EU) and Iran, opposed the U.S. move and have undertaken intensive negotiations to try to preserve the accord.
- Russia's 2018 Presidential Election
- This report discusses the 2018 Russian presidential elections and the strict control exercised by the Russian government over the election process and candidates allowed to run. Brief overviews of all the candidates are provided as well as notable absences from the election along with possible plans for the future by President Vladimir Putin.
- The Balkans and Russia
- This report discusses relations between Russia and the Balkan countries of southeast Europe. Efforts by Russia to gain influence and hinder the Balkan countries in their relations with the EU through "soft power" and intelligence activities are discussed.
- The New START Treaty: Central Limits and Key Provisions
- This report discusses the New START Treaty signed by Russia and the United States in 2010 which will be abided by until at least 2021 by the United States. The main provisions of the agreement andits ratification process and implementation, and issues for congress to consider are discussed(
- Russian Compliance with the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report discusses the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty between the U.S. and Russia which bans all land-based missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. This report outlines the original treaty provisions and then discusses compliance concerns for both Russia and the U.S., as well as possible responses to the situation by the U.S.
- The Open Skies Treaty: Issues in the Current Debate
- This report discuses the Open Skies Treaty that was signed in 1992 and began operation in 2002 between 34 countries in Europe and North America including the U.S. It allows member countries to fly unarmed observation flights with cameras and video capabilities within certain parameters in other member countries territory without air-space restrictions over military installations and activities to increase transparency and help prevent accidental war. Recent noncompliance by Russia in certain areas is also discussed.
- The New START Treaty: Central Limits and Key Provisions
- This report discusses the new START treaty between the U.S. and Russia that limits each countries number of ballistic missiles and nuclear capable bombers. This treaty came into effect on February 5, 2011 and is a replacement for the original START treaty implemented in 1991. This report covers the treaties main rules and regulations, the ratification process, compliance assessment, and issues for Congress.
- Overview of U.S. Sanctions Regimes on Russia
- This report discusses the U.S.-imposed sanctions on Russia for malicious cyber activity.
- Russia: Background and U.S. Policy
- This report provides descriptions and background information on Russian government organization and power, the Russian military's role, and U.S. policy toward Russia. Specific topics covered include Russian governmental structures and background, Vladimir Putin's rise to power, human rights concerns, opposition groups, the economy of Russia and the impact of sanctions, the foreign relations of Russia with other countries in Europe, NATO, the EU, China, Syria, and the U.S., the Ukraine conflict and Russian military aggression. U.S. policies toward Russia, U.S. sanctions on Russia, and cyber warfare.
- The Policies of the Soviet Union and the European Members of the North Atlantic Alliance Toward NATO
- This report discusses the policies of the Soviet Union and the major European members of NATO towards the organization and evaluates the commitment levels of the European members of NATO.
- The Invasion of Czechoslovakia, August 20, 1968: A Collection of Background Materials and Samples of Congressional Statements and Speeches for Use on the Preparation of Commemorative Statements and Speeches
- This report discusses the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 by the Soviet Union and its allies in the Warsaw Pact (Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, and East Germany) which overthrew the government of liberal Communist Party leader, Alexander Dubcek. The report provides statements and news stories related to the invasion and its aftermath as well as resources for Congress members giving speeches or releasing statements at commemorative events.
- The Interim Agreement Between the United States pf America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on Certain Measures with Respect to the Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms: A Brief Pro-Con Discussion
- This report discusses the pros and cons of the 1972 interim agreement between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. to limit strategic offensive arms in their respective countries.
- Russia and the U.S. Presidential Election
- This report discusses a declassified report on Russian activities and intentions related to the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
- Nonstrategic Nuclear Weapons
- This report provides basic information about U.S. and Russian nonstrategic nuclear weapons. It reviews the issues that have been raised with regard to U.S. and Russian nonstrategic nuclear weapons, and summarizes a number of policy options that might be explored by Congress, the United States, Russia, and other nations to address these issues.
- Russian Compliance with the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report describes the current status of the INF Treaty and highlights issues that Congress may address as the United States pursues its compliance concerns with Russia. It includes a historical overview and summary of the provisions of the INF Treaty and Russia's concerns about U.S. compliance with the treaty; it concludes with a discussion of options that the United States might pursue to address its concerns regarding Russia's activities and options that it might pursue if Russia deploys new INF-range missiles.
- Russia: Background and U.S. Interests
- This report provides background information on Russian politics, economics, and military issues. It also discusses a number of key issues for Congress concerning Russia's foreign relations and the U.S.-Russian relationship.
- U.S. Sanctions and Russia's Economy
- This report discusses the sanctions on Russia, imposed by United States in response to Russia's annexation of the Crimean region of neighboring Ukraine and its support of separatist militants in Ukraine's east.
- Russian Compliance with the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty: Background and Issues for Congress
- This report describes the current status of the INF Treaty and highlights issues that Congress may address as the United States pursues its compliance concerns with Russia. It includes a historical overview and summary of the provisions of the INF Treaty and Russia's concerns with U.S. compliance with the treaty and concludes with a discussion of options that the United States might pursue to address its concerns with Russia's activities and options that it might pursue if Russia deploys new INF-range missiles.
- Russia's Parliamentary Elections
- This report discusses Russia's last parliamentary elections. On September 18, 2016, Russians will go to the polls to elect the State Duma.
- Nonstrategic Nuclear Weapons
- This report provides basic information about U.S. and Russian nonstrategic nuclear weapons. The report reviews the issues that have been raised with regard to U.S. and Russian nonstrategic nuclear weapons, and summarizes a number of policy options that might be explored by Congress, the United States, Russia, and other nations to address these issues.
- The Expanded Threat Reduction Initiative for the Former Soviet Union: Administration Proposals for FY2000
- No Description Available.
- Russian Oil and Gas Companies and Central and Eastern Europe
- This report discusses the role of Russian oil and gas companies in Central Europe, the structure of these industries and their ability to serve as instruments of Russian state power in Central Europe.
- Health in Russia and Other Soviet Successor States: Context and Issues for Congress
- This report provides an overview of health conditions in the Eurasian states, U.S. aid efforts in recent years, and issues which Congress might consider in providing health assistance to the Eurasian states.
- Nuclear Weapons in Russia: Safety, Security, and Control Issues
- This report provides background information on the location of nuclear weapons at the time of the demise of the Soviet Union and their subsequent relocation to storage and deployment areas in Russia. It also provides a description of the safety, security, and control issues raised in 1991 and in more recent years. It includes a brief listing of the cooperative programs and assistance the United States has provided to Russia and the other former Soviet states in an effort to address concerns about the safety and security of nuclear weapons and materials.
- World Trade Organization Negotiations: The Doha Development Agenda
- This report discusses the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations, begun in November 2001, which has entered its 11th year. It includes background on Doha and the significance of the negotiations, as well as a breakdown of issues on the Doha agenda and the role of the Congress.
- U.S.-Russia Meat and Poultry Trade Issues
- In December 2008, the United States and Russia signed a protocol aimed at resolving various emerging trade issues between the two countries in order to continue U.S. livestock and poultry exports to Russia through the end of 2009. This report examines the current trade relationship between the U.S. and Russia in regards to meat and poultry.
- Kosovo’s Future Status and U.S. Policy
- This report discusses the issue of Kosovo's future status; that is, whether it should become an independent country or continue to be part of Serbia, but with a large degree of autonomy. The future status of Kosovo is the most sensitive and potentially destabilizing political question in the Balkans. The United States and its main European allies are expected to recognize Kosovo's independence in early 2008, over the heated objections of Serbia and Russia. Several pieces of legislation on Kosovo's status were introduced in the first session of the 110th Congress. The second session of the 110th Congress may also consider legislation on Kosovo's status or Kosovo's post-status development.
- Russia and U.S. Foreign Assistance: 1992-1996
- This report provides historical background that may be useful to Congress as it considers funding levels, types of programs, and problems in implementation of U.S. assistance to other countries.
- Russia: Primakov’s Economic Policy Dilemma and U.S. Interests
- This report focuses on two divergent scenarios faced by Russia in the wake of its financial crisis of August 1998. Prime Minister Yevgenii Primakov expected either a vicious cycle of decline and possible collapse in government or an economic management scenario following outlines of an agreed action program that makes imperative fundamental changes in the Russian financial system. The success or failure of Russia in dealing with this crisis may have more effect on the pursuit of peace and prosperity by the United States than any other foreign policy crisis.
- Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. Interests
- This report discusses the current political and economic conditions in Russia, focusing on the impact of Vladimir Putin's leadership and the leadership of his successor/protégé, Dmitriy Medvedev, both of which have steered Russia away from progress toward democratization. The report also discusses the state of the economy since the Soviet collapse in 1999, how the recent global economic downturn has affected Russia, the state of Russia's military, and the current relationship between Russia and the United States.
- Russia’s Arrest of “Oligarch” Mikhail Khodorkovskiy: Background and Implications for U.S. Interests
- This report discusses the Russian government's arrest of "oligarch" Mikhail Khodorkovskiy in late October 2003 and other moves against his Yukos oil company. The background of the arrest and subsequent political and economic fallout are presented, as well as implications for Russia and U.S. interests.
- Russia’s March 2008 Presidential Election: Outcome and Implications
- This report discusses the campaign and results of Russia's March 2, 2008, presidential election and implications for Russia and U.S. interests. Popular outgoing President Vladimir Putin endorsed his First Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitriy Medvedev, who easily won an election viewed by some observers as not free and fair.
- Georgia’s Pankisi Gorge: Russian Concerns and U.S. Interests
- This report delves into the complex and tumultuous relationship between Georgia and Russia. It provides background of the two countries interactions, analysis of recent developments, speculation regarding U.S. interest in the perceived conflict.
- U.S. Assistance to the Former Soviet Union
- Since 1992, the United States has provided more than $28 billion in assistance to the 12 states of the former Soviet Union (FSU). It continues to provide nearly $2 billion annually. This report describes the broad framework of U.S. assistance programs and policies in the region and then focuses on the FREEDOM Support Act (FSA) account under the foreign operations budget which, encompassing all U.S. objectives in the region, has often been the means by which Congress has expressed its views and sought to influence policy.
- Russia’s Religion Law: Assessments and Implications
- This short report provides an overview and assessment of the Russian religion law. On September 26, 1997, Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed the religion bill into law, and implementing regulations were promulgated in early 1998. The Administration and Congress have raised concerns that the law may restrict religion and have urged Russia to uphold its international commitments to religious freedom.
- Russian Missile Technology and Nuclear Reactor Transfers to Iran
- This report discusses the U.S. response to the Russian Government potentially violating the Missile Technology Control Regime. The report details the accusations made against Russia, the progression of Iran's nuclear power program, and the connection these allegations have with respect to U.S. policy.