U.S., European, and Ukrainian peace-making policies are now aligned at a possible breakthrough point, as differences in means and methods transmute into complementarities. This fast evolution starkly contrasts with the immobility of Russia’s position.
Vladimir Putin in March 2025. Photo: Contributor/Getty Images
This resolve, so long as it exists, prohibits any discussion of possible compromises for peace (see Strategic Snapshot, February 24).Read More
Trump and his supporters are undermining American democracy, posing a real threat of democratic breakdown. The consequences would be dramatic, extending far beyond the United States. However, there is still a good chance that democracy, in the end, will survive — but this requires counter-mobilization.
Elon Musk and Donald Trump appear during an executive order signing in the Oval Office in February 2025. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The warning lights are flashing red. American democracy is in real danger.Read More
Moscow’s mouthpieces competed to celebrate and ridicule the individuals involved in the February 28 talks in Washington, D.C. between Ukraine and the United States. To the surprise of many, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy left the White House empty-handed after arriving with the expectation of signing a symbolically important minerals deal with U.S. President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump (C) and Vice President JD Vance meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House on February 28, 2025 . Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Zelenskyy’s point, “I am not here to play cards,” echoes the same conviction as when he famously refused to escape from Kyiv when threatened by Russian tanks, claiming “I need ammunition, not a ride” (X/@UkrEmbLondon, February 26, 2022; Novaya Gazeta Europe, March 1).Read More
In an age where so-called artificial intelligence (AI) seems to revolutionise every corner of our lives, it’s no surprise that its intersection with cybersecurity has become a major focus for governments worldwide.
Stock photo/da-kuk/Getty images
Where cybersecurity and AI were previously seen as separate entities, they are increasingly merging together in policy discourse. The UK, who promotes itself as a forerunner of technological innovation, offers an intriguing insight into how policy and practice is shifting in the evolving realm of AI and security.
The whirlwind of U.S.-initiated diplomatic activity in the last two weeks has compelled the Kremlin to alter the tone of its messaging on confrontation with the West and even the substance of its far-reaching propaganda campaign.
Defender of the Fatherland Day February 23, 2025, in Moscow. Photo: Contributor/Getty Images
The cliché of “Anglo-Saxon” hostility, a long-time theme in Moscow’s discourse, has disappeared together with the claim of breaking down the U.S.-dominated world order. In the mainstream media, no criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump’s style of policy-making is allowed, and most “patriotic” bloggers feel obliged to express respect for his ability to make a difference (TopWar.ru, February 19; The Moscow Times, February 21).Read More
Jubilation in Moscow after the phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on February 12 has given way to contemplations of the consequences and even to confusion caused by the barrage of statements from officials throughout the week (Kremlin.ru, February 12).
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud (4th L), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (R) , Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Foreign Policy Advisor Yuri Ushakov (2nd R), US Secretary of State Marco Antonio Rubio (2nd L), US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz (3rd L) and US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff (L) attend a meeting between Russia and the US, aimed at mending relations between the two nations and addressing the conflict in Ukraine, on February 18, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry /Anadolu via Getty Images
During the conversation, Putin conveyed that “it was time for both countries to work together” (Ibid).Read More
In 2016, the Colombian government and the guerrilla group FARC-EP ended their five decade-long war. As part of the peace agreement, FARC-EP’s weapons had to be collected, a process known as disarmament. By 2017, UN observers had received and removed over 8,112 guns, 1.3 million rounds of ammunition, 22 tons of explosives, 3,000 grenades and 1,000 landmines.
Doris Salcedo “Fragmentos” where the symbolic floor of the space is made with the molten metal of the weapons of the extinct FARC in 2021 in Bogota, Colombia. (Photo by Kaveh Kazemi/Getty Images)
While impressive, not all weapons were surrendered, and getting new guns is still relatively straightforward in Colombia. So what difference did the disarmament make? My colleague Nicholas Marsh and I researched the symbolic power of weapons – rifles in particular – to reveal how, despite incomplete weapons collection, disarmament in Colombia still contributes to peacebuilding, and sets an example for the rest of the world.Read More
As the Ukraine War approaches the grim mark of three years, it appears both ripe for an armistice and impossible to bring to an end.
Ruma Aktar / Stock photo / Getty Images
For US President Donald Trump, this war is a senseless waste of people and resources, which should be stopped immediately. For Russian President Vladimir Putin, it is an existential struggle that must prove Russia’s status as a global power of the first rank.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is caught between these two incompatible visions: He doesn’t want to be taken for granted by Trump and cannot accept a humiliating compromise with the aggressor.
The first week of the “Golden Age” of U.S. policy announced by President Donald Trump registered a stream of messages from the White House on the need to bring the war in Ukraine to an end (White House, January 20).
Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Donald Trump in September 2024. Photo: Uliana Boichuk/Novyny LIVE/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images
The Kremlin duly responded with signals of readiness to discuss all matters of mutual interest, taking into account the “current realities” (RIA Novosti, January 24).Read More
The United States is by far the world’s largest provider of foreign aid, but it is completely unclear whether and how this will continue. Trump speaks of quickly achieving peace but at the same time he threatens neighboring countries. One thing is certain, however: Trump will not prioritize climate issues.
The United States is by far the world’s largest provider of foreign aid. Before the inauguration, there were strangely few signals about the U.S.’s foreign aid policies and priorities. Photo: J. Countess/Getty Images
Much attention has been given to Trump’s statements about the takeover of Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal. In an increasingly divided and conflict-ridden world, this creates uncertainty and concerns that international law and human rights will be deprioritized over the next four years.Read More