There are a number of reasons why empowering Russia in the Middle East is a dangerous idea, and should create serious pause for Western states
Like Osama bin Laden circa 2000, Vladimir Putin, while real enough, is more a figment of our popular-geopolitical imagination, and one which we cannot live without.
The conflict in Ukraine is a result of the turbulence in the system of European security, the internal crisis in Ukraine, and the crisis of Russian developmental model.
For Russia to feel secure, Ukraine needs to be geopolitically neutralised. Otherwise to renew stability either Russia or the West will have to accept the loss of Ukraine.
The secret of Putin’s success is his ability to recreate a narrative of the Russian structure in the new form and embrace the search for self-rediscovery of the society.
The Ukraine crisis had contributed to the increase of support for Putin, but he will most likely fail to satisfy the aspirations of such a diverse group of supporters.
As the West struggles to formulate the next steps in response to the Ukraine crisis, it should also think about the possible development of separatism within Russia.
Dan Drezner offered a gift guide for political scientists in the Washington Post last week. In the same spirit, here are some ideas for the IR professor in your life.
Economic rapprochement between Russia and the West is unlikely to occur so long as Putin pursues his pet project – the Eurasian Customs Union.
The search for foreign activity in Swedish waters – the ‘Hunt for Reds in October’ – has been called off. Yet, there is much to be said about this geopolitical incident.
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