Section: Project Syndicate (Czech Republic)
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...
Putin on Ice
Russia’s de facto recognition of the elections held by separatists in the Ukrainian cities of Donetsk and Luhansk signals its intention to create a frozen conflict in the Donbas region’s rebel-controlled areas. The question is why Russian President Vladimir Putin views such a conflict as a positive outcome for his country. …read...
Ukraine’s Debt Dilemma
Ukraine’s short-term liquidity problems will test its ability to meet its debt obligations, which is both unfortunate and avoidable. Indeed, Ukraine’s struggles highlight the need for an agreed framework to resolve sovereign-debt problems and govern IMF lending. …read more Source: Project...
