The Paradox of Russo-Chinese Relations
Even as Russia and China have been presenting a united front on a whole host of global issues in recent months, the underlining sense of mistrust that has long pervaded the bilateral relationship is becoming more acute. Competition in Asia is likely to persist.
Syria as Proof of the Unipolar Illusion
Unipolarity is ending quicker than most imagined. If unipolarity was as prevalent now as it was in the 1990s, Russia would likely not challenge the United States over Syria.
More ‘Hama Rules’ or a Democratic Opening from the Tragedy of Syria?
The conflict in Syria has gone beyond the point of no return. The rules of the game are Hama Rules; the regime views the contest in terms of us or them.
Europe in Russia’s Academic Discourse: Unlocking the Plurality of Interpretations
The political positioning of Russia as a European country has never been seriously challenged in Russian political discourse, which asserts Russia as a European country in terms of its history, culture and identity. Yet, relations with European countries are marked by a series of crises.
Regulatory Regionalism? Russia’s Common Economic Space
Russia has a role to play as the regional leader of the Eurasian Union, and perhaps of the former Soviet space. Putin pragmatically recognises the importance of the Soviet Union’s legacy.
Review – The Wars of Afghanistan
Peter Tomsen has provided a comprehensive account of Afghanistan’s recent conflicts and illuminates aspects of this history in ways that only he could really achieve.
Russia’s Foreign Policy in Kosovo
Russia’s Balkans strategy is one of deterrence. It will maintain a high-profile denial of Kosovo’s independence and attempt to block the new nation from the international stage.
Security Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Arctic Environment
As the polar ice cap melts, the US and the international community are underprepared to address the growing economic dynamics of the Arctic.
The Russian Orthodox Church and the Putin Regime: Still Bedfellows?
The Church leadership is proving to be a dividing force in Russia that antagonizes a relatively small but active and politically significant minority.
Why BRICS Matters
Western commentators often dismiss BRICS as an acronym in search of an identity. Yet, as BRICS becomes increasingly institutionalized it is changing global discourse.
