The Gathering Storm
Brian Whitmore speaks with defense analyst Michael Kofman of the CNA Corporation about what a Russian re-invasion of Ukraine might look like Continue reading
Tag Archives: politics
Ukraine faces mounting encirclement as Russian troops enter Belarus
From military deployments to cyber attacks, Belarus is now clearly a full participant in Russia’s escalating campaign against Ukraine. Continue reading
Kazakhstan’s Crisis and Russia’s Agenda
The Kazakh uprising was sparked by a rise in fuel prices, but many observers say its root cause is a power struggle between the current president, Toqaev, and his predecessor, Nursultan Nazerbayev. Continue reading
Soviet Reunion in the Air as USSR Centenary Approaches
Anniversaries play an outsized political role in Vladimir Putin’s Russia and much of the former Soviet space. Pay close attention to this one. Continue reading
Putin’s Imperial Gambit
Power Vertical tackles the topic of disunity in the West as the world enters what would have been the centennial anniversary of the Soviet Union. Continue reading
Putin’s Pick for Belarus Ambassador Reveals Russia’s Imperial Agenda
Russian ambassadors to Belarus haven’t exactly enjoyed a lot of job security lately and further change appears to be imminent. If confirmed, the coming appointment would underline Belarus’s growing importance in Moscow’s strategic thinking. Continue reading
Putin’s Nuclear Blackmail in Belarus
Suddenly, the prospect of Russian nuclear weapons being stationed on Belarusian soil no longer seems all that far-fetched. Continue reading
Tensions Mount between Belarus Dictator and Kremlin
is there a potential rift between Lukashenka, dictator of what is becoming the “North Korea of Europe,” and his patrons in the Kremlin? Continue reading
Axis of Autocrats: Belarus Dictator Lukashenka Backs Putin’s Ukraine War
The axis of autocrats in Eastern Europe continues to solidify as Belarus dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka bends over backwards to please his patrons and masters in the Kremlin. Continue reading
Autocrats and Air Piracy
Serious questions remain about whether the authoritarian regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka acted alone in hijacking Ryanair Flight 4978 and kidnapping Belarusian dissident journalist Raman Pratasevich. Continue reading