The World from PRX

Ghost Empire

As Russia rises, how does it project its power around the world? Are its successes genuine or merely sleights of hand? This series looks at the "ghost empire" behind Russian renewal and finds greatness both real and imagined.

Supported By

Carnegie Corporation of New York
A person is bent backward as a bag flies overhead during a game outside a polling place.
Global Politics
Putin wins, surprising no one, but voter turnout rose
A crowd of young people are gathered. Two hold up two large signs in Russian.
Global Politics
There are no surprises in Russia’s upcoming elections. Putin will win.
The Internet Research Agency, or IRA, in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Media
A mole among trolls: Inside Russia’s online propaganda machine
Alexander Borodai (C), former prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, poses with delegates during the Union of Donbass Volunteers congress in Moscow, Russia, Oct. 10, 2015.
Conflict
Russia’s shadow armies: Soldiers, mercenaries or volunteers?