Slovakia’s Anti-gay Referendum: When Political Apathy Saves Democracy
On Saturday 7, February Slovakia held a popular vote, which, had it been successful, would have further undermined the legal standing of the local LGBTI community in the eyes of the state. Around 4.4 million Slovak citizens...
Arguing Against Arming Ukraine
President Obama faces significant pressure from the DC foreign policy community to send lethal aid to Ukraine, but doing so will not hasten an end to the conflict in the Donbas and could backfire spectacularly.
A Big Day For Europe
Tomorrow, Wednesday February 11, will be a big day for Europe and the European Union. Two fundamental issues, which have been taking up headlines for months/years will now be coming to a head, on the same day: a summit to tackle...
Unmasking Team Putin
Author Karen Dawisha explains how Vladimir Putin and his cronies climbed to power. Russia’s authoritarian turn under President Vladimir Putin may have been kicked into high gear the past few years, but it’s been a long time...
The Danger of Russian Nationalism
When Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014, President Vladimir Putin’s approval ratings soared, Russia’s economy was strong, and it seemed like the big bear was back. After fanning the flames of a deadly insurgency in...
Russia in the Aftermath of the G20 Summit
The G-20 summit held in Brisbane, Australia several weeks ago brought together leaders of industrialized and developing countries to discuss matters of increasing global concern. Unsurprisingly, Russia’s infiltration of Ukraine...
Make Ending the Conflict in Ukraine Priority Number One
The U.S. and its European allies must recognize that the conflict in and of itself serves Putin’s interests. The West should focus on ending the conflict now, even if under less than ideal circumstances.
Options for Ukraine to Diversify its Energy
The current crisis in Ukraine has pitted the United States and its allies in Europe against Russia. Russia has demonstrated the will to use political and military force to pressure Ukraine and the West, but its most effective...
Where the U.S. and Russia Still Cooperate
Can the U.S. and Russian normalize relations in the wake of the Ukraine crisis? Continued cooperation on a supply route for the dwindling war effort in Afghanistan suggests there is still hope.
A Turn to the Right: The Future of the European Union
In the wake of the Second World War, the world turned toward collective security and economic liberalism, leading to the establishment of the European Community (today known as the European Union). Jean Monnet first articulated...