On November 4, 2014, a new structural unit was established within the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences – the Center for Scientific and Analytical Information (CSAI). Its creation was necessitated by the so-called Arab Spring in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as by the need for the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences to provide scientific and analytical support for Russia's policy in this region. During the ten years of CSAI's work, its employees have conducted more than 10 thousand operative exploratory applied studies, the results of which have been transformed into more than 6,800 analytical reports, reviews, information letters and memos sent to the authorities of the Russian Federation. According to the feedback of the Center's clients and correspondents, these submissions are in demand in their practical work.

CSAI staff regularly conducts research in various countries of the MENA region, the Balkans, the Middle East, South Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. The Center frequently organizes international scientific and practical events (conferences, round tables, seminars, bilateral and multilateral consultations). These events’ findings are published in the form of analytical reviews and academic volumes. CSAI experts regularly comment on topical issues for Russian and foreign print and electronic media, participate in analytical television programs in Russia and Belarus.

Some of our scientific publications:

A. Butko. The Mekong: the regional challenges and possible solutions. International scientific and practical conference. 2024

A. Butko. The Mekong: the regional challenges and possible solutions. 2023

A. Romanov. Political and economic situation in North African countries. 2023

N. Plotnikov. The situation in the Middle East and North Africa: current and potential problems of the region, possible ways to solve them. 2022

N. Plotnikov Water Crisis in the Middle East. 2022

N. Plotnikov. The Islamic State in Africa. 2021

N. Plotnikov. The situation in Afghanistan and its development prospects. 2021

N. Plotnikov. Non-military threats to global security and stability of international relations. 2020

N. Plotnikov. Foreign fighters in the ranks of terrorist organizations in Syria and Iraq. 2019

N. Plotnikov. Afghanistan: heroin empire. 2018

N. Plotnikov. Causes and Motives of Radicalisation Among Central Asian Labour Migrants in the Russian Federation. 2017

N. Plotnikov. Aleppo and Mosul tragedy: similarities and differences. 2017

CSAI in media:

N. Plotnikov. Netanyahu is provoking a regional war.

N. Plotnikov. Israel’s large-scale invasion of Lebanon: myth or possible reality?