Europe's Edge
Worrying about Russian foreign policy used to be seen as eccentric. Now it’s mainstream. But misconceptions still abound, which hamper our response to the Kremlin’s mischief-making. Here are 10 of them:
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January 29, 2018
10 Mistakes the West makes about Russia
Worrying about Russian foreign policy used to be seen as eccentric. Now it’s mainstream. But misconceptions still abound, which hamper our response to the Kremlin’s mischief-making. Here are 10 of them:
January 24, 2018
Great Power Competition is Back
Great power competition is back, says the new U.S. national defense strategy. The ill-named and unwinnable “war on terror” has receded into history, where it can join the equally misconceived wars on drugs and poverty. Terrorism is not going to destroy the West as we know it. Only two countries can do that. Both are nation-states: Russia and China. The United States will compete against these and other adversaries and rivals using its own strength, boosted by military modernization, and its alliances.
January 17, 2018
Confronting Propaganda
Asked to contribute an op-ed to the al-Qaeda publication Inspire, anyone in public life would decline. It would be career suicide to cooperate in any way with a propaganda outlet of a terrorist group famed for its cruelty and bent on destroying modern civilized life.
January 10, 2018
The Repressive State
How many political prisoners languish in Russia’s jails and penal colonies? The short answer is that nobody knows. Harassment makes it hard for human rights organizations to track these cases. Many of those convicted are jailed for “non-political” crimes. Estimates range from dozens to hundreds.
January 9, 2018
War in Ukraine
A struggle over Russia’s identity
January 3, 2018
Russian political theater
Russia is having a presidential election this year. Right? Wrong. In fact, the Kremlin is staging a play about an election, rather than a real contest with real voters, real candidates, real competition and real doubt about the outcome.
December 19, 2017
The view from Berlin
Tell German policymakers that their country is now the leader of the free world and they shudder. Last time Germany tried leading anything, it ended badly, they explain wearily—and warily.
December 18, 2017
Moscow’s divide and rule strategy
A profitable strategy pursued by Moscow to subvert its neighbors is the classic imperial policy of divide and rule. Although the Kremlin may not rule the countries it subverts, by pitting neighbors against each other it can weaken their defenses, inject itself in their foreign policy decisions, and prevent the emergence of a common multinational front that resists Russia’s policies.
December 12, 2017
Get ready for disinfo 2.0
Malicious rumors are a weapon of political warfare. The Kremlin adeptly uses them to erode trust and sow divisions.