Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support for rebel forces in Eastern Ukraine have precipitated a dramatic fracture in relations between between Russia and the West. In response, a broad Western economic sanctions regime has bitten into the Russian economy, and the United States has sought to shore up support among Eastern European and Baltic states. The annexation and response represent a major test-case for international governance, principles of sovereignty and the reliability of the American security umbrella, particularly NATO.
Latest in Russia and Eastern Europe
Where there is a lack of reliable public opinion surveys, analyzing queries typed into the main Russian search engine can give insights into Russian public opinion and how it changes.
While Viktor Bout—the notorious Russian arms dealer that the U.S. is offering up in a prisoner swap—is likely a spent force, the illicit arms trade remains a threat. The story of Bout’s network, and his eventual capture, highlights the challenges in tackling this deadly trade.
Finland’s NATO bid has raised concerns about Russia’s reaction. But the Finnish comprehensive security concept, with its emphasis on foresight, has effectively neutralized the eastern neighbor’s threats.
The United States needs to designate the Russian private military company as a foreign terrorist organization to limit its violent activities not only in Ukraine but also throughout Africa and the Middle East.
Recent reporting indicates that Russia is purportedly employing civilian merchant vessels to serve as naval auxiliaries and supply logistics to its military operations in Ukraine.
In this post, we provide a road map to the core legal issues that U.S. policymakers need to consider as they weigh whether and how to move forward with seizing any frozen Russia-related assets.
Whether genocide is underway or being formulated, the international community bears the responsibility to stop these atrocities.
The country’s future as an independent nation is fought for not just on physical battlefields but on virtual ones as well.
On the Crimean Tatar Deportation and Other Genocides Russia Committed in Ukraine.
The United States and its allies can achieve the immediate goal of giving Ukraine the support it needs without exploding the longstanding and important distinction between seizure and confiscation of a foreign state’s property.