No Need to Rely on Russia to Keep China in Check
The Trump administration has identified China as the primary adversary of US global interests. CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently declared that, “no adversary in the history of our Nation has presented a more formidable challenge or a more capable strategic competitor than the Chinese Communist Party.” Some in Trump’s circle maintain that a key to […]
The Putin Problem
The Trump administration entered office with two complementary goals concerning Russia. The first, the humanitarian goal of ending Russia’s war with Ukraine, does not seem close to being achieved. The administration proposed a ceasefire between the two countries as a first step toward terminating the conflict, but while Ukraine accepted the proposal, Russia did not. […]
Why a Peace Agreement in Ukraine is Not a New Munich
The spirit of Neville Chamberlain is haunting establishment foreign policy circles. Senior Trump administration officials have begun meeting with Russian counterparts and floating possible scenarios for a negotiated peace deal. Some American media commentators – including on the right – have accused Trump of “selling out” and “betraying” Ukraine in the same way that Chamberlain […]
Containing Russia
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago was its first step towards reclaiming control over the lands between the Oder and the Don Rivers. Whether by means of coercion or invasion, Moscow’s successful subjugation of Central and Eastern European states would lead to a full-scale resumption of the Cold War. This can be prevented. First, […]
Will Ukraine Survive a Russo-American Deal?
From the first day of his return to the White House, Donald Trump has made a point of demonstrating that he intends to carry out his campaign promises. In addition to the flurry of executive orders that he began to issue within hours of his inauguration, Trump has also made waves internationally. By threatening to […]
The Upside Potential of Postwar Ukraine
Post-war Ukraine will offer enormous commercial opportunities and powerful people-to-people connections. American businesses and research institutions will benefit from a rich pool of knowledge and skilled workers. This upside potential awaits a Trump administration seeking a conclusion to the war now entering its third year. Ukraine’s policymakers will face an immediate postwar economic challenge: finding […]
Is Putin’s Regime Fascist?
Ukrainians use the term rashizm to describe the Putin regime’s ideology. It’s a neologism combining “Russia” and “fascism.” Ukrainians note that Russia’s invasion aims not only to acquire territory but also to destroy Ukraine as an independent nation and culture. They note further that many Russian airstrikes are aimed at civilian non-military infrastructure. But such attacks […]
The Axis of Expansionists
Military aggressions and provocations by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea have created one of the most dangerous security environments in decades. Making matters worse, these powers are supporting each other in their malign actions. How should we refer to this emerging bloc? Russia is waging war to make Ukraine its colony again. Iran has […]
The Wars in Gaza and Ukraine Are the Same War
The deep partisan divisions in the United States affect many public issues, including the ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East. The Israeli war of self-defense in Gaza commands strong support among Republicans but elicits less enthusiasm among Democrats. By contrast, Democrats generally endorse Ukraine’s war of self-defense against Russia, following the lead of […]
Strategic Implications of Ukraine’s Kursk Incursion
Beijing has argued for a truce and negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv since the Russian invasion began two and a half years ago. Ukraine’s occupation of parts of Russia’s Kursk region could lend new urgency to the Chinese position. If the Ukrainian offensive is not quickly and completely repulsed by Moscow, the Ukrainian bargaining positions […]
Taiwan’s Ongoing Business Ties with Russia
When a country’s government enacts sanctions against another country, individual firms in the country are left to determine whether to comply or seek sanctions-flouting workarounds to keep goods and services flowing. This is the reality faced by thousands of firms worldwide that buy from and sell to Russia, the world’s twelfth largest economy by nominal […]
Global Dimensions of the Russo-Ukrainian War
The Russo-Ukrainian War is a grand battle about both the future of Europe and the principle of inviolability of borders. In addition, the war’s course and outcome can accelerate, contain or reverse broader political, social and ideological trends across the globe. Stabilizing the International Order A Ukrainian victory would lead to a stabilization of the […]
