Lower Thresholds, Greater Ambiguity
Russia’s new nuclear doctrine serves multiple purposes, including getting the United States back to the negotiating table.
The Political Motives Behind Russia’s Coronavirus Aid
The Kremlin was quick to send military medical aid to Italy, Serbia, and the United States. The aim: getting sanctions lifted.
“The Gerasimov Doctrine”
It’s tempting to see a nefarious and belligerent Russia behind every threat. But has the West created a convenient bogey man?
Protecting Democracy
Just as COVID-19 presents a threat to public health, China’s and Russia’s authoritarianism presents a threat to the West, warn our authors from the International Republican Institute.
Russia’s Coronavirus Drama
Putin’s handling of the coronavirus crisis has produced a paradox: instead of using the pandemic to further strengthen his personalized power, Russia’s president has refused to take tough measures.
African Comeback
Russia has deliberately expanded its relationships with African countries in recent years.
Fast Lane to Moscow
France is overtaking Germany when it comes to relations with Russia. But only if both countries work together can Europe hope to deal successfully …
A Threatening Neighbor
Russia is waging a hybrid war against NATO and Europe: a coordinated campaign of military, non-military, and subversive actions. The Europeans need to do …
We Need a Small War
Crimea, Syria, Libya―Russia appears to go from success to success. In reality, however, the country’s power is declining. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin appears to …
The Big Handover
All wealth in Russia is first generation—and that generation is getting old. How can the regime ensure continuity for the future? The Kremlin has …
With Russia, Transparency No Silver Bullet
Of course transparency on NATO’s Eastern flank is important. But until Russia stops its provocations, it will be hard to reduce tensions.
East Germany Goes East
Despite Vladimir Putin’s crackdown on protestors, politicians in eastern Germany are emphasizing their ties with Russia—and practicing post-communist identity politics.
Getting Deterrence Right on NATO’s Eastern Flank
Poland won’t exactly be getting the “Fort Trump” it wanted. But NATO’s robust force posture in the East, like Russia’s, still risks being misinterpreted.
Sino-Russian Chimera
China and Russia seem to be getting ever closer, but the image of a deep Putin-Xi friendship can be deceiving. The EU should soberly …
Nord Stream 2: The Dead-End of Germany’s Ostpolitik
With Nord Stream 2, Berlin is supporting a project that will hurt its credibility.
Russian Opportunism
The Kremlin will continue to try and exploit political chaos and uncertainty arising from the Trump presidency. Europe needs to focus on strengthening NATO …
