China and Russia Sign Agreement to Build New Energy Pipeline
New Gas Pipeline Through Siberia: Alexey Miller, head of Russia’s state-owned energy corporation Gazprom, announced that Moscow and Beijing had reached a “legally binding”...
Gazprom
Vladimir Putin’s wobbly empire gives US a path to stifle Russia’s threats
This week marked 25 years of Vladimir Putin’s rule, a milestone the Russian dictator celebrated in a televised address. Boasting of past achievements, he assured Russians, “We can...
Op-eds
Russia-Iran ties in spotlight as Russian PM visits Iran
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's visit to Iran highlights growing ties between the two nations, as they deepen economic cooperation and strengthen their anti-Western alliance.
Op-eds
Putin proving his ambitions don’t stop at Ukraine
The day before Vladimir Putin’s long yearly address to parliament Thursday, politicians from Transnistria, a pro-Kremlin breakaway region of Moldova, asked the Russian president to “protect”...
Op-eds
Ruble Rumble
Offensive and Defensive Measures to Defeat Russia in the Economic Domain
Monographs
Why Did Russia Change Its Tune on the Iran Nuclear Deal?
The growing strategic ties between Moscow and Tehran mean that the Islamic Republic’s access to billions of dollars may lead to more and bolder intervention in Ukraine.
Op-eds
Putin Puts Europe Into an Energy Vise So Tight That Some Countries Are Chopping Wood
In addition to nuclear blackmail, Russia is using natural gas to put Europe in a hammerlock.
Op-eds
Iran and Russia Strengthen Their Partnership
Russia launched an Iranian surveillance satellite into orbit on Tehran’s behalf on August 9. This action could potentially strengthen Iran’s ability to gather intelligence on sites in Israel and the wider Middle East. Meanwhile, a U.S. official told CNN that Russian personnel have started to train inside Iran on the use of drones. Tehran aims to sell hundreds of drones—including weapons-capable models—to Moscow for deployment in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Flash Briefs
Henry Kissinger’s Long History of Appeasing Dictatorships
He’s spent decades cultivating a friendship with Putin, but he’s also advocated for Iran and China.
Op-eds
The Threat to the West Is Inside the House
The United States and Europe need to toughen up on the spoilers in their own ranks.
Op-eds
Putin’s winning streak in European politics
n the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said triumphantly that ‘if Putin was seeking to divide the EU, to weaken Nato, and to break the international...
Op-eds
With Russian invasion of Ukraine, a page just turned in Europe’s history book
In the future, we will remember Feb. 24 alongside 9/11 and Dec. 7. Although Russia’s invasion is not a bolt from the blue like Pearl Harbor or the attack on the World Trade Center, many people did not...
Op-eds
Is Europe’s Energy Crisis a Preview of America’s?
Europe has itself to blame for shortages and spiking prices, but Washington is copying many of its policies.
Op-eds
Armenia’s nuclear power plant is dangerous. Time to close it.
In late 2020, the Armenian government announced that its Metsamor nuclear power plant would close for five months in 2021 to attempt significant upgrades. Soon after, the EU urged Armenia to make the closure...
Op-eds
Nord Stream 2 Sanctions Present an Early Test for the Biden Administration
Just before leaving office, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on two Russian targets for their involvement in building the Nord Stream 2 (NS2) natural gas pipeline, which will bring Russian exports...
Policy Briefs
U.S. Sanctions on Iran: Is Natural Gas Next?
The Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign is having a significant impact on Iran’s macroeconomic stability and draining the government’s export earnings and reserves. As Iranian oil exports...
Insights
Russia Strengthens Hand in Europe, Ukraine with Inauguration of TurkStream Pipeline
Russian, Turkish, Bulgarian, and Serbian leaders gathered last week to inaugurate TurkStream, a pipeline designed to supply Russian natural gas to Turkey and Europe while bypassing Ukraine. The project...
Policy Briefs
Germany must re-embrace America, Europe
President Trump has been pointedly criticized for putting pressure on America’s European allies. Critics have even insinuated that he is endangering the alliance. Yet it is Chancellor Angela Merkel’s...
Op-eds
World’s Top Chess Player Slams Europe Council For Ending Sanctions on Russia
"Worse betrayal than Munich 1938," he said.
Op-eds
Russia’s Gas Web Ensnares Europe
New pipeline projects throughout the Middle East could boost Russian influence there while also ensuring the country’s role as the prime supplier of energy to Europe.