Section: Project Syndicate (Czech Republic)
A Way Out for Ukraine and Russia
Finding a solution to the crisis in Ukraine will require the resolution of a dispute between Russia and the West over NATO’s enlargement into what Russia regards as its sphere of influence. The parties to the conflict would be wise to take a lesson from the diplomatic efforts that helped bring the original Cold War to an end. …read...
Europe at War
Assisting Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression would have a stimulative effect not only on Ukraine, but also on Europe. That is why the EU ought to be even more committed to helping Ukraine than it is to imposing sanctions on Russia. …read more Source: Project...
Standing Up to Putin
The accumulation of conflicts and crises in Eastern Europe and the Middle East present new challenges for NATO and the European Union. Both institutions need to clarify their objectives, beginning by helping Ukraine stand up to Russia’s Vladimir Putin and join the community of democratic, liberal, and prosperous countries. …read more...
Darkness on the Edge of Europe
Whether Ukraine is reduced to a semi-sovereign buffer state, and the rule of brute force is given free rein, depends on whether world leaders understand that appeasement begets only further aggression. If they do not, 2015 could mark the return of a European and world order that was supposedly overcome seven decades ago. …read more Source:...
Russia’s European Home
Last spring, after Russia intervened in Ukraine, the US and the EU introduced sanctions against Russian individuals and businesses. But if sanctions are to be an effective tool in countering Vladimir Putin’s ambitions, they must combine a firm hand toward Russia’s president with an open one toward its people. …read more Source:...
Betting on Ukraine
One might have expected the heroic commitment of Ukrainians to Europe’s democratic ideals to trigger a rush of Western support for the country as it simultaneously battles Russian aggression and economic collapse. But, so far, passivity and platitudes have prevailed. …read more Source: Project...
Putin’s Winning Streak
Since Russia invaded Crimea last summer, the West has relied on a strategy of economic sanctions and isolation to compel the Kremlin to stop intervening in eastern Ukraine. But Russia’s recent diplomatic successes – particular with Iran, North Korea, and Pakistan – have all but negated the effectiveness of this strategy. …read more...
Putin’s Rules of Attraction
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s covert aggression in Ukraine continues – and so do Western sanctions against his country. But the economy is not all that is under threat; Russia’s soft power is dwindling, with potentially devastating results. …read more Source: Project...
Getting to Yes with Putin
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Union’s divisions and weaknesses have been as encouraging for Russia President Vladimir Putin as America’s hesitant approach to Syria was. Only a firm, clear, and united policy toward Russia can bring about a viable compromise. …read more Source: Project...
Post-Soviet Confidence Games
It is starting to look like a pattern: After painstaking talks, the parties in the Ukraine conflict come to an agreement – only to have it fall apart or fail to be fully implemented. And confidence-building efforts aimed at resolving other post-Soviet conflicts do not offer much room for hope. …read more Source: Project...
