Russia sets up first think-tank abroad

In a bid to improve its image, Russia has set up a think-tank abroad. The Institute for Democracy and Co-operation has offices in New York and Paris. It is tasked with monitoring the situation on human rights and democracy in the West, as well as providin

The organisation is funded by Russia's business community.

The Institute for Democracy and Co-operation has been received with much scepticism by foreign experts and media, who see it as a propaganda tool.

But the head of the Institute's New York office, Andranik Migranyan, hopes the organisation will be able to prove the doubters wrong.

“The main purpose is to exchange our views on the nature of democracy, the development of democratic institutions, values and to create a platform for cooperation,” Migranyan said.