2016 in Geopolitical Review
2016 was a good year for authoritarians and delivered blow after blow to liberal democracy.
Russia
Andrei G. Karlov Is Not Franz Ferdinand
Geopolitics shape events, not the other way around. The assassination does not upset Russo-Turkish relations.
Joining Assad and Russia Against Islamic State Is Foolish
Donald Trump’s pact doesn’t make sense. Neither Assad nor Russia is interested in defeating the Islamists.
Trump’s Credibility Problem on Russia
It’s hard to take the Republican’s denials about Russian interference in the election seriously when he benefited from it.
Predictability versus Chaos: Where China and Russia Diverge
China and Russia both challenge the West, but that doesn’t mean their interests are always aligned.
Spanish City in North Africa at the Heart of Diplomatic Row
Russian warships sail past Ceuta this time, but its ambiguous NATO status makes it a popular port of call.
Countries Most Critical of Russia Sanctions Least Affected
Southern European nations oppose fresh sanctions even though they have been least affected by them.
Sensing American Disinterest, Egypt and Turkey Reach Out to Russia
Rather than assume more responsibility themselves, some middle powers are switching patrons.
If This Is Cold War 2.0, Then the Russians Are Winning
Russia is a great power again in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Where does it go from here?
Duterte Wants to Ditch America for China and Russia. Can They Bite?
The Filipino president’s rhetoric reeks of opportunism rather than strategy, but there is risk in the long term.
The Long, Short and Medium of the Syrian Peace Deal
Russia and the United States have short-, medium- and long-term interests in pacifying Syria.
How Culture Keeps the Russians and Ukrainians Steps Away from War
The two Slavic peoples are willing to suffer far more than Westerners for their perceived national interests.
Russian Strikes from Iran Point to Burgeoning Anti-Western Pact
The fact that Iran allowed Russia to conduct airstrikes from its territory suggests the two are growing closer.
Putin Dismisses Confidant in Russian Elite Shakeup
Vladimir Putin’s inner circle is slowly being filled with younger and politically less powerful officials.
Ukraine Would Be Better Off Cutting the Donbas Loose
The separatist republics are in ruins and its people’s minds have been poisoned by Russian propaganda.