The Giant Awakes: America Begins to Reclaim Top Spot
The superpower is striking back against Chinese and Russian challenges to its international system.
Eastern Europe
The How-To Guide to Modern Propaganda
Or, how the Russians get kudos for bombing Syria while the Americans get trashed.
Obama Challenges Notion Putin Bested Him in Syria
The American argues that Russia’s intervention in Syria is a sign of weakness, not strength.
French, German Leaders Give Putin Way Out in Ukraine
For the European powers, Ukrainian pride is a price worth paying to keep Russian aggression at bay.
Europe Facilitates Russia-Ukraine Gas Deal
The agreement may be a sign that Russia is keen to normalize its relations with Europe.
Tit for Tat: Russia Threatens Nukes in Kaliningrad
Russia threatens to deploy nuclear-capable missiles to its Baltic exclave. Again.
Belarus-Russia Relations Aren’t As Close As They Seem
While hosting a Russian air base, Belarus is also taking steps to distance itself from Vladimir Putin.
East-West Standoff Informs Russia’s Support for Assad
Russia has interests in Syria, but it also sees the war through the prism of its standoff with the West.
In Fortress Russia, Putin Only Listens to Hardliners Anymore
The removal of pro-Western liberals has reduced the Russian president’s inner circle to hardliners.
The Psychology of Loose Wheels
As the Russian economy tanks, the wheels are starting to come off Vladimir Putin’s regime.
East-West Standoff in Ukraine Likely to Endure
Neither Russia nor the West is prepared to escalate or seek a diplomatic way out.
Russia Needs to Stop Feeling Sorry for Itself
Russians’ self-pity and mistrust is poisoning their relations with other countries.
Nord Stream Belies Countries’ Non-Russian Gas Efforts
Some of Europe’s richest countries prioritize their own energy security over others.
Saakashvili’s Appointment as Ukraine Governor Is a Joke
The former Georgian leader can do little but provoke Russia as governor of Ukraine’s Odessa region.
Russian Troops, Weapons Gather on Ukraine’s Border
The concentration of troops on the Ukrainian border raises fears of another stealth invasion.