A decade ago, the Harriman Institute—its brilliant scholars, inspiring people, and passionate professionals—set me on a path that still shapes my work today. Along this path, I have sought to deepen our understanding of contemporary Russia: how its political system functions, where its strengths and weaknesses lie, and what its intentions are. My years at Harriman equipped me with the knowledge and tools to explore these questions, first at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, later during my years in Russia, and now in intergovernmental work and academia. While advising European policymakers on the fine details of Russian politics, I also aim to enrich public debate, not least through my book The Lost Land: A Story of Modern Russia (Host Publishing, 2024), longlisted for Czech Book of the Year and now being translated into English. It all began on the 12th floor of the International Affairs Building, a place I will always treasure.