(Report) One Year Into the War: The EU’s Confusing Russia Policy

Nineteen months into the war and the EU still has not officially amended its Russia policy. Nevertheless, the EU has significantly changed its behavior towards Russia and is increasingly becoming a de facto geopolitical player. What does this mean for the future of EU-Russia relations?

(Analysis) DPRK-Russia-China Economic Triangle

In a shifting world order marked by Sino-American competition, the DPRK’s gradual easing of border restrictions and its evolving economic alignment with China and Russia are significant developments. As we delve deeper into this geopolitical landscape, the DPRK’s strategy to engage with these key neighbors and reduce reliance on the broader international community becomes more apparent. Explore the complexities and implications of this evolving dynamic in this analysis.

Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: Bulgaria Political Infighting Over Choosing Russia Or The West

Politicians have drastically different visions for Bulgaria. While The current Prime Minister, Nikolai Denkov wants to integrate Bulgaria further into the EU and NATO, President Rumen Radev wants to move Bulgaria closer to Russia. Citizens themselves are also split on the matter which has resulted in pro-EU protests along with pro-Russia demonstrations.

The New Normal/La Nouvelle Normalité/新常態: From the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran to Xi’s Visit to Russia – The Strategic Game Between China and the US Behind the Scenes

Following the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, many international scholars began to explore the role of China in the Russo-Ukrainian war. However, it is still difficult for China to play the role of mediator. Firstly, the Russian-Ukrainian war is by its very nature a proxy war, with the US’s strategic goals to weaken Russia economically and make European countries more dependent on the US militarily. China will not be able to reverse US strategic objectives until the US domestic environment changes. Secondly, as China is a long-term challenger to US hegemony at its core, the US also wants to worsen China’s relationship with the EU by tying China and Russia together through the Russo-Ukrainian war. The EU does not have confidence in China’s neutrality in the Russo-Ukrainian war. If China wants to mediate the Russo-Ukrainian war, it must win over the EU and seek a consensus, so that both sides can force the US and Russia to act prudently on the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: Latvia’s Battle Against The Russian Language

Latvia continues to restrict the Russian language within the nation as a means of preserving its national identity.

Let’s Tune In: Russian Partial Mobilization

On September 21st, Putin announced a “partial mobilization” composed of Russian reservists who will be engaged on the Russian territory, which is threatened by the European uptight attitude to “destroy” the Russian territory and its strength. In his speech, Putin shifted the meaning of the war from a “special military operation” to an existential operation that will depend on Russian unity and its strength. These would have been the words used by Putin in a Russian televised address.

Many Critics, a Few Allies, and Some Awkward Friends: Mapping and Explaining Latin American Reactions to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Moscow’s actions in Ukraine were met with widespread condemnation in Latin America. There were, however, a few unsurprisingly friendly words from allied governments and some ambiguous reactions from regional sympathizers.

North Korea’s Missile Testing During the Russia-Ukraine War

During unprecedented times of uncertainty in Eastern Europe, North Korean nuclear testing does not abate. With the threat of nuclear escalation higher than ever before, North Korea’s quest for long-range missiles continues to threaten the stability of the world order.