Politics & Diplomacy

Soviet Reunion: Belarus, Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s dreams of empire

By Brian Whitmore

Ukraine and Belarus are the first targets in Putin's quest to revive the old empire. While the world watches Russia's brinkmanship against Ukraine, Moscow is swiftly and quietly completing the takeover of Belarus.

Will Germany’s new leader be reliable enough for Washington? 

By Rachel Rizzo

Chancellor Olaf Scholz must recommit Germany to the transatlantic alliance. That's no easy task.

Engagement Reframed #2: Seize the opportunity to rethink European security

By Emma Ashford

What is the opportunity? The ongoing crisis over Ukraine poses an extraordinary challenge for US and NATO policymakers. In recent months, Russia has positioned increasing numbers of military personnel, heavy weapons, and materiel along the Russian border with Ukraine, as well as near the Ukrainian-Belorussian border. Thus far, the Russian approach suggests that the Kremlin […]

With Putin poised to invade, Zelenskyy must prioritize Ukrainian unity

By Kira Rudik

With Russian troops poised to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it is time for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to put personal rivalries to one side and unite the country's political forces, says Kira Rudik.

State of the Order: Assessing January 2022

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

For Biden, wreaking havoc on Russia’s economy is the least bad option

By Brian O’Toole, Daniel Fried, Edward Fishman

Putin is testing the West’s resolve for tough measures—which is why maximalist banking sanctions are the linchpin of an effective deterrent.