International News, Analyses & Opinions
An Overview of the US-Russian Summit: Discussing foreign policy, cybercrime, and violations of human rights
News Analysis by Sara Nasser, Featured Writer
The world’s future is in the hands of its major powers. Both the Administration and Kremlin agreed on a Summit that would join both President Biden and President Putin in Geneva. The “tense” relationship between both figures is considered to be a highlight in today’s political world. With that being said, the spotlight was on these two prominent figures, almost forgetting that the United States and Russia had to meet in order to discuss major issues. With that being said, the meeting was fruitful as highlighted by both presidents, and cooperation on key foreign affairs and stability between the two great powers were the focus of this particular Summit.
Aliyev’s Eurasian Adventurism - The Strongman Risks Igniting a Wider Regional Conflict
Opinion Policy Analysis by Johnny Achkar, Featured Writer
The 56-year-old autocrat, who has ruled over the oil-rich nation of Azerbaijan since 2003, is risking regional stability by attempting to expand his country's influence at the expense of its neighbors. Mr. Aliyev's powerful ally Turkey, which has backed him politically and via arms sales, allows him to take greater chances.
Putin’s Gambit - How Lukashenko’s madness strengthened Russia’s grip on Eastern Europe
Opinion Analysis by Joelle El Sheikh, Featured Writer and Francesco Pitzalis, Contributor
On the 23rd of May, The President of Belarus, Aleksander Lukashenko, hijacked a Ryanair Plane in order to abduct dissident Belarusian journalist, Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend, Sofia Sapega. Dubbed “Europe’s last dictator”, Lukashenko’s airborne antics are the embodiment of his obsession with maintaining power. The hijacking also consolidated Lukashenko’s alliance with Vladimir Putin. With European sanctions thus far failing to obstruct the Putin-Lukashenko alliance, we analyze what it might take to stop further Russian expansion into Eastern Europe.
A complicated relationship: Moscow and Berlin’s affair with Nord Stream 2
Opinion Policy Analysis by Johnny Achkar, Featured Writer
The controversial natural gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 has been delayed for more than a year, and its completion is increasingly in jeopardy after the United States enacted sanctions on the companies involved and threatened further action. For years, the pipeline under the Baltic Sea has been the topic of intense discussion. Additional Russian gas will be able to flow directly to Germany because of the venture.
Putin, Navalny, and Russian Democracy - Between means and ends
Opinion Analysis by Gaia Bchara, Featured Writer
Alexei Navalny’s rise within Russia’s political scene has made headlines around the world. Navalny isa Russian anti-corruption, anti-Kremlin critic, activist, politician, and former presidential candidate. Most recently, Navalny scored himself a new title: prisoner. His imprisonment comes at the heels of an assassination attempt – allegedly mandated by Russian authorities – last December. Support of the Kremlin’s harshest critic have poured in since his poisoning. Although the authoritarian nature of Putin’s rule is undeniable, some scrutiny of Russia’s vigorous opposition leader is in order.
Not All Roads Lead to Moscow: Prime Minister Pashinyan’s Mistakes Might Doom his Political Future
Opinion policy analysis by Johnny Achkar, Contributor
In the midst of a worsening standoff with the country's military leadership, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan continues to fight for his political survival. Since Armenia's humiliating defeat in the Karabakh war last year, Pashinyan has been in a precarious position.