Ukraine and the Problem of Local Warlords
Amidst all the talk of whether the Russian or Ukrainian government bears greater responsibility for the violence in eastern Ukraine and Odessa, we may be losing sight of a crucial…
Opposition in Ukraine: A tale of two maps
As the situation in Ukraine’s eastern regions deteriorates, with more and more administration buildings in eastern cities and towns being occupied by separatist activists, it is worth remembering some parallel…
Мифы о мигрантах. Чем больше всего приезжие пугают россиян
Мы спросили 680 респондентов, отобранных по многоступенчатой случайной выборке на территории России, насколько они были согласны или не согласны со следующим утверждением: “Надо всех мигрантов – легальных и нелегальных –…
The Ukraine Crisis and the Search For a New Normal
As Ukraine’s winter of domestic political discord transformed into a spring of territorial partition and instability, European and American officials seemed to be speaking from an agreed set of talking…
What Putin Gets About Soft Power
(Co-authored by Kinga Niemcyzk) Much of the commentary on Russia’s recent annexation of the Crimea has focused on Russia’s hard power—its geo-political designs in the so-called near abroad, ostensible security…
What is lustration and is it a good idea for Ukraine to adopt it?
(Co-authored by Vincent Post) The idea of lustration is gaining momentum in Ukraine. A recent survey shows that nearly 80 percent of respondents support the policy. Lustration (from the Latin…
After Crimea: Putin’s Balance Sheet
When it comes to foreign policy, Russia is good at sprinting, while the West – and especially the EU – is better at marathons. The use of kinetic military force by Moscow is…
What are NATO’s Red Lines?
Russia's military activity in Crimea was an "eye-opening surprise" for NATO. This was said by General Jans-Lothar Domroese, Commander, NATO Allied Joint Force in Brussels, in his opening statement at…
Crimea: Putin’s Olympic Diversion
“Diversionary war” is a term used by scholars to describe an international conflict launched for domestic political reasons, rather than for real security or geopolitical motives. War, from this perspective,…
To strengthen claims on Crimea, Russia and Ukraine woo Crimean Tatars
Russia’s annexation of Crimea is rapidly becoming the new reality on the ground. But the battle for Crimea is not over, even if this battle will be waged not with…
Cyprus and Crimea – Lessons and Parallels
I just spent a week on a study tour of Cyprus, a partitioned territory. I could not help thinking about the Crimea situation. I wondered about Kremlin rationales for incorporating…
Was Yanukovych’s Removal Constitutional?
When he resurfaced in Russia, Ukraine’s Viktor Yanukovych claimed he had been the victim of a coup. Was his removal from power by the Verkhovna Rada unconstitutional? As with many…