Topic: Leonid Brezhnev

Japan and Russia want to finally end World War II, agree it is 'abnormal' not to

Today's summit between Shinzo Abe and Vladimir Putin comes at an opportune moment but may founder on the old problem of the Kuril Islands, which Japan still wants back.

Vladimir Putin to get a new, Russian-made ride

Putin has decided to ditch foreign-made armored limos in favor of a Russian model. But experts say the move, while patriotic, won't change things for the utilitarian Russian auto industry.

Opinion: Russian elections: Putin 4.0 at a crossroads

After Russian elections on Sunday, expect what amounts to a fourth term for Putin. But Putin 4.0 faces a tough choice. His KGB officer instincts call for tightening the grip. But Russia's future – and thousands of protesters – demand greater freedom and reforms.

Vaclav Havel: remembering the Czech president, playwright, and peacenik

Vaclav Havel went from being a playwright to a symbol of the new Czech state and democracy in Eastern Europe.  Along the way he became Czech's first democratically elected president, nominee and winner of prestigious peace prizes, and one of the world's preeminent anti-communist revolutionaries.

After Russia's elections, public anger at Putin: Can he fix corruption?

A protest vote against Putin's United Russia party in parliament is being followed by sustained protests in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Putin is still headed for the presidency, but if he doesn't fix corruption, Russia risks the stagnation of the Brezhnev years.

The cost of a Putin presidency 2.0 in Russia

When Putin returns to the presidency next year, it will mean stability in Russia. But that comes at a cost – stagnation, as Russia groans under autocracy, corruption, cronyism, and social ills. The US must be realistic about Russia's strengths and weaknesses.

Yelena Bonner: Are there any dissidents like her in Russia today?

Friends and colleagues of Soviet dissident Yelena Bonner, who died in Boston over the weekend, say today it's possible to work within the system – meaning true dissidents are rare.

Will Putin trump Medvedev and return Russia – and US ties – to Soviet era?

The ideological divide in Russia between Soviet-tending Putin and pro-Western Medvedev makes it tough for the US to set policies with Moscow. But a more difficult scenario is likely to come: anti-Western Putin in power in 2012. Obama must send a strong message to Moscow now, not later.

Classic review: A World of Trouble

New York Times correspondent Patrick Tyler analyzes 50 years of US policy in the Mideast.

What’s the perfect gift for a queen or pope? Gift unit helps out Obama

When President Obama travels the world, the Protocol Gift Unit leads the gift giving. Find out what to get the pope and what not to get Queen Elizabeth II.

Lessons in PR from the Soviet Union

The Soviet Union produced the most effective and successful propaganda machine in the history of mankind. Have other movements followed its lead?

To get rich is glorious. To go into debt is...

Since Deng Xiaoping allegedly made that statement China has grown its economy faster than any nation before it. The US and Europe have gone into debt.

Don't be naive about Russia's real aims

A reality check for Obama in Afghanistan

He's facing pressure to increase US troop levels there. Has Washington learned nothing from the Soviet experience?

A World of Trouble

New York Times correspondent Patrick Tyler analyzes 50 years of US policy in the Mideast.

History may wink at Palin

The VP role has been filled by a diverse lot. By that standard she may have what it takes.