Energy & Environment

The merits of a Russian relationship

By John Kerry, Politico

From John Kerry, Politico:  One year ago, the Obama administration launched an initiative to “reset” relations with Russia. As Russian President Dmitri Medvedev lands in Washington Tuesday, it’s clear that the outreach — which carried significant diplomatic and political risk — is paying off. … The cornerstone of our new cooperation is a new strategic arms […]

Russia Cuts Gas Deliveries to Belarus

By Ellen Barry, the New York Times

From Ellen Barry, the New York Times:  Russian President Dmitri A. Medvedev on Monday ordered Gazprom to cut deliveries of natural gas deliveries to Belarus over unpaid debts, a step which could jeopardize supplies to Poland and other European countries.

The Future of E.U.-Russian Relations

By Radoslaw Sikorski, the New York Times

From Radoslaw Sikorski, the New York Times: In areas like energy and military cooperation, some E.U. members act unilaterally, but these free-riders can in turn fall victim to other member states in other areas. To speak with one voice the E.U. should follow three basic rules. First it should seek an all-encompassing platform of cooperation […]

A Resurgence of Nationalism in Europe?

By Richard Burt, the American Interest

From Richard Burt, the American Interest:  For a host of reasons, the European project, one of the most impressive international achievements of the past fifty years, is in deep crisis.

Gulf Oil Spill A 9/11 Wake-Up Call?

By Harlan Ullman

The explosion on Transocean’s Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico and subsequent torrent of oil pouring into the gulf could be the United States’ worst environmental catastrophe.

Ukraine Is Not Yet Lost

By Alexandros Petersen and Tamerlan Vahabov

Since this winter’s presidential election, in which pro-Russian Victor Yanukovich emerged the victor, Ukraine has experienced a massive turnaround. Its politics, security policy, cultural and language policies and energy policy all look toward Moscow for guidance. U.S. and European commentators have begun to speak about the loss of Ukraine.

The Black Sea as the New North Sea

By Boyko Nitzov

The North Sea region went from being an area of gas exporters to importers and then back to being exporters.  History may well repeat itself in the Black Sea region.

Medvedev: “Turkey and Russia are strategic partners not only in words but in deeds”

By AFP

SecGen Emphasizes Priorities for the New Strategic Concept During Visit to Romania

By NATO

From NATO: NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen visited Romania on 6 and 7 May, where he met with President Traian Basescu, Foreign Minister Teodor Baconschi and other high-level Romanian officials, and gave a public address at the University of Bucharest. At a joint press conference with President Basescu on 6 May, the Secretary General […]

Russia’s Strategic Gains at Ukraine’s and Europe’s Expense

By Stephen Blank, the Jamestown Foundation

From Stephen Blank, the Jamestown Foundation: Russia’s new deal with Ukraine on the Black Sea Fleet (BSF) and gas prices has profound bilateral significance, as well as for the CIS and even Europe. It ratifies long-term Russian gains at the expense of all the other players and continues to solidify Moscow’s claim to possess a […]