Prospects 2018

CIS

Moscow will try to engage with Europe while relations with Washington remain prickly

The economy is recovering from recession but strong growth is unlikely

President Putin faces no challengers but needs to show his next term will be dynamic, not more of the same

Domestic politics and the economy will carry on almost as normal as the country enters its fourth year of conflict

Landlocked Central Asian republics will gain greater global connectivity but project debt repayment will be a burden