Section: Project Syndicate (Czech Republic)
The Secret of Putin’s Survival
Two years ago, Russia’s annexation of Crimea culminated a long process of growing authoritarianism and isolationism under President Vladimir Putin. But even as much of the international community condemned the move, Russians seemed to welcome it – and still do, despite deepening national malaise. …read more Source: Project Syndicate...
Putin’s Government in Donbas
In March, the German tabloid Bild published an article based on a secret document that reveals how breakaway areas of eastern Ukraine have come under direct Kremlin control. The revelations cast the ongoing Minsk 2 peace negotiations in a new light, one that illuminates the frustration being expressed by the Ukrainian government. …read more...
Revitalizing the Minsk Agreement
There are two possible futures for eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. One could be found under the framework of the Minsk peace process, or the region could become the site of a “frozen conflict,” with low-level skirmishes underscoring the ever-present risk of more serious bloodshed. …read more Source: Project Syndicate (Czech...
Is Russia’s National Character Authoritarian?
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the public’s acquiescence in direct government control of news media have many people wondering if Russians are predisposed to authoritarianism. But survey evidence counsel caution about drawing conclusions about national character from isolated events. …read more Source: Project Syndicate...
Putting Putin in his Place
In addition to his adventurism in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has injected obstructionism into European politics and escalated the conflict in the Middle East, thereby aggravating the refugee crisis. The EU must wake up to the threat Putin poses and begin to counter his aggression. …read more Source: Project Syndicate (Czech...
The Limits of German Power
In the last two years, Germany has adopted leadership roles regarding the conflict in Ukraine, the civil war in Syria, and the refugee crisis. While this is a welcome development, German leaders must bear in mind that their country’s EU membership remains its most potent source of power. …read more Source: Project Syndicate (Czech...
Stopping Venezuela’s Harvest of Sorrow
Two years ago, public protests erupted in both Kyiv and Caracas, and political change in Venezuela, while slower than in Ukraine, is set to accelerate, following the opposition’s massive victory in this month’s parliamentary election. But there is an older and more ominous parallel between Venezuela and Ukraine. …read more...
United With Putin Against Terror?
The attacks in Paris have opened the possibility of a rapprochement between Russia and the West. If Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to cooperate with the West in Ukraine and Syria, the West should not rule out offering some concessions in return. …read more Source: Project Syndicate (Czech...
The Kremlin’s Tragic Miscalculation
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is one of the great tragedies of our time, not only because of the tremendous human cost, but also because it is utterly pointless. Indeed, Russia’s leaders fundamentally misjudged the West’s intentions and created an unnecessary confrontation that undermines both sides’ interests....
Are Sanctions Saving Russia?
The economic sanctions imposed on Russia by the West in March 2014 have undoubtedly been painful. But they have so far failed to achieve their goal of compelling President Vladimir Putin to change his policy toward Ukraine, and they may end up leaving Russia – and Putin – even stronger than before. …read more Source: Project Syndicate...
