Europe & Eurasia

TRADE IN ACTION December 14, 2018

By Global Business & Economics Program

Opposition to Nord Stream 2 gathers steam on both sides of the Atlantic

By Agnia Grigas

Although largely symbolic gestures, these actions signal growing bipartisan opposition in Washington and a hardening of Brussels’ stance toward Nord Stream 2.

Permanent deterrence: Enhancements to the US military presence in north central Europe

By General Philip Breedlove, Ambassador Alexander Vershbow

The United States and NATO have taken significant steps since 2014 to enhance their force posture and respond to provocative Russian behavior. But more needs to be done.

Is Russia About to Invade Ukraine?

By Alexander J. Motyl

Vladimir Putin must be kicking himself. Four years ago, he could have invaded and seized most of Ukraine in a few weeks. Believing that Ukrainians were an “artificial” nation led by “fascists,” however, he figured an invasion was unnecessary and the state would collapse on its own. Now, Ukrainians are daily demonstrating their desire to […]

Mitigating Iran sanctions: The case for a humanitarian SPV

By Axel Hellman

As part of its efforts to salvage the Iran nuclear deal, Europe is on the verge of launching a special purpose vehicle (SPV)—a payment mechanism described as “a legal entity to facilitate legitimate financial transactions with Iran.” Yet while Europeans see this mechanism as both legitimate and necessary, the SPV is regarded by the Trump administration as an […]

The negative consequences of Putin’s strategy

By George Tsereteli

“Building up tension and hysteria is not our way… We are not creating problems for anyone.” Leaving aside the sheer absurdity of this statement, the fact is that [Russian President Vladimir Putin] has created quite a few problems for himself.

British Prime Minister Theresa May: victorious but still trapped in a minefield

By John M. Roberts

The next mines she must avoid are the timing of a vote on the Brexit agreement she reached with the European Union in November and demands for a vote of no confidence in her government in the House of Commons.

May Survives Confidence Vote, Brexit Faces an Uncertain Future

By David A. Wemer

British Prime Minister Theresa May survived a dramatic challenge to her leadership during a Conservative Party vote on December 12, but she still must find a way to pass the Brexit agreement she negotiated with the European Union through a skeptical Parliament. Serious concerns about how to keep the border between the Republic of Ireland […]