Russia
1947 and now
A Moscow leader aggressively expanding. Conflict between Jews and Palestinians. An unpopular Democratic president in the United States suffering a polling slump one year before…
Ukraine’s energy fightback
As the northern winter approaches, there are signs that Russia is again stepping up its bombing campaign targeting Ukrainian energy facilities. Beginning in October 2022 and…
Russia seeks benefit from the Gaza conflict
For Russia, the Gaza conflict provides an opportunity – but one that could prove to have a sting in the tail.
First, the war in Gaza is already distracting global political…
Ukraine: 2024 headwinds
This week saw the US House of Representatives finally elect a new Speaker after a long and rancorous debate. A bill to fund continued American support for Ukraine’s war effort is…
A Marshall Plan for Ukraine?
The war must yet be won, however both German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have called for a “Marshall Plan” style commitment to…
The dual-use conundrum
In the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, there has emerged something of an unlikely hero. Known as the TB-2, it is a medium-range reconnaissance and strike drone…
Power of Siberia 2: Moving beyond a pipe dream?
Cut off from Europe after its invasion of Ukraine, Russia is “pivoting to Asia”, and especially China, to find alternative markets for natural gas. Moscow wants a larger share of…
Putin steps abroad, even as an international warrant hangs over his head
Over the years, Russia has sought to preserve its sphere of influence with most former Soviet republics using the instrument of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). But…
Ukraine counteroffensive makes gains but dark clouds loom in Washington
In the last two weeks there have been positive developments for Ukraine’s counteroffensive but also worrying signs regarding long-term support from the United States. Successful…
The historical roots of North Korea’s lucky break with Russia
In early September 2022, The New York Times published a story about Russia secretly buying North Korean artillery for the war in Ukraine. Since then, relations between the…