The research program on Russia, based on research activity as conducted at INSS over the years,, was officially launched in 2015. The program’s goal is to leverage knowledge and research potential on an international scale as a unique focal point of information on the Russian issue. The research specializes on the realms of foreign and security policy of Russia and other states in the post-Soviet region, Russian activity in the Middle East, and bilateral Russia-Israel relations. The importance of monitoring and probing the issues under discussion increased significantly with the enhanced Russian involvement in the Middle East, which has an impact on the array of relations in the international and regional arenas, particularly on the bilateral level. The Russia program encompasses basic research, academic cooperation with partners in Russia, and a “Russia Forum” based at INSS.