Mikhail Khodorkovsky's sentencing to another prison term was a foregone conclusion, underscoring both the continued power of President Putin and Khodorkovsky's arrogance in trying to thwart him, says Russia expert Marshall Goldman.

The New START treaty is due for a ratification vote today, clearing the way for future arms reductions talks with Russia along with continuing political battles over arms control.

Ireland's multibillion-dollar bailout failed to alleviate investor jitters about Europe's debt woes. Experts warn about the fallout for eurozone countries, the heavily indebted United States, and the global economic recovery.

This module features teaching notes by CFR Adjunct Fellow Jeffrey Mankoff, author of the Council Special Report The Russian Economic Crisis , along with other resources to supplement the text. Dr. Mankoff examines the domestic and foreign policy consequences of the economic downturn that hit Russia in late 2008, and how the shift in the political debate inside Russia influenced its perceptions of the outside world.