Putin May Struggle to Keep His Western Neighbors Close
The Russian president’s attempts at consolidating his ‘near abroad’ might have the opposite effect.
The Bering Strait: A New Chokepoint for Great Power Competition
The Northern Sea Route through the Arctic will alter global trade flows and in doing so create new geopolitical chokepoints. Chief among them is the Bering Strait, where US, Russian, and Chinese interests converge.
Sino-Russian Relations: Toward a Second Split?
Sino-Russian relations have flourished under a mutual disdain for US global influence. But is the relationship really as healthy as it seems?
The Geopolitics of the Black Sea
Long the site of great power competition, the Black Sea region appears to be heating up once again.
Mercenaries and the Wagner Group: What’s Old Is New Again
Russia’s infamous mercenary outfit is an effective mix of old and new.
Tweets Alone Won’t Save Idlib from Tragedy
It will take direct and unified intervention, not tweets and condemnation, if the West is to head off a humanitarian catastrophe in Idlib.
Russia’s Tanker Threats Shouldn’t Worry Ukraine
If past is precedent, we won’t be seeing any real ‘consequences’ from the seizure of a Russian tanker by Ukraine.
What’s on the Table in Upcoming Russia-Ukraine Negotiations?
The Donbass will certainly be up for discussion – but what about the elephant in the room?
Georgia Protests Put Russia Reset on Hold
It appears as though the Georgian government has tumbled from the tightrope it has long been walking between Russia and the West.