Tag "Russian foreign policy"
Russia: Next Moves?
There are growing concerns that Russia is preparing to invade Ukraine, with satellite imagery confirming the build-up of the Russian military on the eastern border of Ukraine and Russia. Fears have been raised about the potential escalation of conflict by senior officials in both the United States and the EU. Would Russia invade Ukraine?
Will France withdraw from Mali?
The internal affairs of Mali have been closely watched by France since the Malian government requested defence from armed groups in the North, leading to the 2013 French intervention. France has since invested large amounts of aid in developing the Malian army and state infrastructures to regain the trust of a large segment of the alienated rural population. Yet, the state-building element of the mission, as has often been the case during the 21st century, seems to not be producing the necessary effects, perhaps – along with the more recent actions of the Malian government – opening the door for a complete French withdrawal.
A Common European Defence Policy may realise Georgia’s NATO ambitions
Since the Russo-Georgian conflict in 2008, Moscow has compromised the territorial integrity of Georgia through its occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Despite NATO’s concerns that offering a Membership Action
Belarus and Russia: Will Putin Back Lukashenko or Watch his Downfall?
Belarus and Russia have been experiencing a deterioration in their relationship for years now. However, the current protests sweeping Belarus in light of the elections of August 2020, which controversially found President Lukashenko to have secured 80% of the vote, could prove to be a turning point for the already tenuous alliance between the two former Soviet states. President Putin has hitherto been cautiously supportive of Lukashenko to the extent that Moscow is still able to exercise flexibility of action. Examining current and previous developments between the two states in light of the crisis in Ukraine in 2014, the best option for Putin remains to refrain from interference for the time being.
Eastern Ukraine: Is reintegration still a realistic prospect?
On 24 April, Russia signed a decree allowing residents of rebel-controlled areas of Eastern Ukraine to apply for Russian passports. This was the latest in a series of steps making the reintegration of the Donbass less likely.
VPN providers warned in Russia
Russia has warned VPN providers that do not adhere to domestic censorship laws that they may face being banned. This is in-line with recent plans to create a ‘Sovereign Internet’. These laws include prohibiting access to sites on the country’s national block-list.
Kazakhstan: A new dawn?
Kazakhstan’s leader Nazarbayev resigned from the Presidency after 3 decades to become Chairman of the Security Council and leader of the ruling party.
Putin’s next 6 years: shadow of stagnation or light of reform?
After his record landslide victory on March 18, with serious economic and political challenges ahead, Russian President Vladimir Putin has his work cut out.
Russia’s growing influence in Venezuela is part of a wider strategy
Russia’s investments in Venezuela show that the Kremlin stands ready to make strategic gains from America’s growing insularity.
3 political risks to watch out for post-US election
We are less than 100 days away from US elections. How are regional tensions around the world likely to play out past the November 8th election?
