Prospects 2020
CIS
Russian politics
The Kremlin lacks a 'big idea' and will content itself with securing loyalty and silencing critics
Russian economy
No one is expecting growth above 2% next year despite an ambitious investment plan and spare money to fund it
Ukraine
The new president is in a hurry but faces complex, hitherto impossible tasks
Russian foreign policy
Moscow is probing vulnerable states for possible gains, committing to China but still keen to re-engage with the West
Central Asia
The top political events next year are a presidential election in Tajikistan and parliamentary polls in Kyrgyzstan
