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...
Partially Controlled Chaos and What It Means for Global Politics
Over the past several months, the world has witnessed a resurgent Russia using military force to impose a sphere of influence, increased Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, sectarian violence ripping apart the Middle East,...
The Price of Sanctions
In the last few months we have watched violence engulf Gaza, Russia trample Eastern Ukraine, and the ravages of civil war and ISIS decimate Syria and Iraq. These events pose a greater and more frightening threat every day to all...
“The party system has been killed.” An interview with Azerbaijan’s Razi Nurullayev
The same family has ruled Azerbaijan since October 1993, first with Heydar Aliyev ruling from 1993 to 2003, and then with his son Ilham Aliyev from 2003 onwards. Since 1993, Azerbaijan has seen a steady drop in political...
NATO’s Choice Remains “Out of Area or Out of Business”
At NATO’s summit in Wales this week, the transatlantic military alliance has an opportunity to chart its strategic trajectory for the 21st century. The war in Afghanistan dominated proceedings for the past few summits, but...