Introduction Economic sanctions represent one of the most widely used instruments in international relationships for various social, political and military concerns. They can be imposed by one country (unilateral sanction) or group of multiple countries (multilateral sanction) against other country (or regime) to express their disapproval of the regime and deter the unacceptable behavior. However, … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Russia
Central Asia / China / Dpt. of State / Europe / Europe / Foreign Policy / Iran / Middle East / National Security / Presidential Race 2016 / Russia / Sanctions
Clinton’s Secretary of State Shortlist Reveals Her Foreign Policy
The Clinton transition team recently leaked its shortlist for Secretary of State. While media attention has solely focused on Vice President Joe Biden’s appearance on the list, the rest of the list reveals what a potential Clinton administration’s foreign policy might entail. Based on her shortlist, Clinton has Russian aggression and European stability on … Continue reading
Politicking National Security: A Hack Job
In case you missed it, a presidential candidate invited a foreign government to break into either a private citizen’s email account and steal information or break into the servers at the United States Department of State. I am in a state of disbelief. These were his words (with my editorial comments in parentheses): Russia, if … Continue reading
In Space Everyone Can Hear You Compete
After years of fighting, the Senate has reached a compromise regarding the use of Russian rocket engines for U.S. military space launches. The agreement lifts the ban implemented in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act until 2022, after which the Pentagon can no longer issue launch contracts to firms using Russian made rockets. “Firms,” … Continue reading
Can Bitcoin Challenge Hyperinflation?
In the economy of a nation, few things can be as devastating as hyperinflation. But as internet access and mobile phones continue to rapidly expand throughout the developing world, they are setting up a natural infrastructure for Bitcoin. Given time to develop and mature as a global ecosystem, Bitcoin could become an alternative to a … Continue reading
On Ukraine: US Strength is Putin’s Demise
Since the collapse of the USSR, Russia has felt backed into a corner and neglected by the international community and, indeed, has been. First, there was the quick snatching-up of post USSR states into the EU with no chance of admission for Russia. Next, there was the absolute refusal of Russian integrity by NATO, and … Continue reading
Dpt. of State / Europe / Events / Foreign Policy / National Security / Politics / Russia / Sanctions / UN
Ukraine: The New Cold War Battleground
Tensions in Ukraine have been running high since ousted president Viktor Yanukovych brokered an economic deal with Russia in November, spurring month-long protests that eventually led to the overthrow of the government. A new, pro-West Ukrainian government was installed last week, naming Oleksandr Turchinov as president and opposition leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk as prime minister until … Continue reading
The Ripple Effects of Obama’s Disastrous Syria Policy
Nearly everyone, regardless of personal political beliefs, will agree that President Obama’s stance(s) on Syria has been perplexing. Syria’s conflict began back in March 2011 as a popular uprising during the Arab Spring. As the conflict transformed into a civil war, rumblings grew for international intervention. On August 20, 2012, Obama stated that his red … Continue reading
The Extradition Wars: Snowden Edition
After leaking details of a classified surveillance program and briefly stopping over in Hong Kong, former NSA contractor Edward Snowden has been hanging out in a transit zone at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that he will not be extradited, citing the absence of an extradition treaty and the … Continue reading
Intervention in Syria: Old Problem, New Tactics
Events from last week highlight two very different faces of the Syrian intervention movement and how each is evolving: Senator John McCain’s visit with rebel leaders, and the as yet unconfirmed report of an American combatant’s death. These developments have attracted increased attention to the possibility of U.S. intervention in Syria, a prospect which seemed … Continue reading
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