Editorial paper at Robert Lansing Institute

Victory Day Ceasefire: Putin’s 9th May Gambit and Trump’s Calculated Applause

Putin’s 9th May ceasefire is symbolic, not sincere—it is a propaganda tool aimed at domestic audiences and Western skeptics. Trump’s likely positive reaction serves both leaders’ political goals: Putin…

April 30, 2025Russia, Ukraine

Corruption Geoeconomics Governance

From Liberation to Exploitation: Russia’s Resource Deals in Africa

The recent agreement between the Burkinabé government and the Russian company Nordgold—previously owned by Alexey Mordashov, a sanctioned Russian oligarch with close ties to the Kremlin—signals a deliberate and strategic…

April 29, 2025Burkina Faso, Russia

Conflict Geopolitics National Security

China’s Declared Neutrality vs. De Facto Involvement in the Russia-Ukraine War

Despite officially claiming neutrality, China is in practice a key enabler of Russia’s war effort against Ukraine. Through massive exports of critical dual-use materials like nitrocellulose — vital for ammunition…

April 28, 2025China, Russia, Ukraine

Conflict Geopolitics

Evaluating the Risk of Conflict Between Pakistan and India”

While a large-scale conventional war between Pakistan and India remains unlikely due to the nuclear deterrent and international diplomatic pressure, the risk of limited conflict or escalation through proxy engagements,…

April 25, 2025India, Pakistan

Geopolitics Governance National Security

A Dangerous Precedent: The Risks of U.S. Recognition of Russian-Occupied Ukrainian Territories

The U.S. has privately floated the possibility of Ukraine accepting the de facto loss of some of its territories—especially Crimea—as part of a ceasefire or peace proposal with Russia during…

April 23, 2025Russia, Ukraine, USA

Coup Democracy

Warning Signs in Ouagadougou: Assessing the Risk of a Coup in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso, already reeling from political instability and escalating jihadist violence, is showing early signs of another potential coup. Since 2022, the West African nation has experienced two military takeovers, and…

April 22, 2025Burkina Faso

Geopolitics Governance

A New Pontiff and the Future of Vatican Foreign Policy: Recalibrating Relations with Russia

The potential election of a new Pope always marks a turning point not only for the Roman Catholic Church but also for global diplomacy. The Vatican, as both a spiritual…

April 22, 2025Pope Francesco, Vatican

Geopolitics National Security

Washington’s Crimea Gamble: Legalization of Annexation and Its Global Consequences

Recent revelations by The Wall Street Journal suggest that officials within the Trump administration have considered proposals to de facto recognize Crimea as part of the Russia in exchange for potential concessions from Moscow…

April 21, 2025Russia, Ukraine, USA

Conflict National Security War crimes Warfare

The Broken Easter Ceasefire: Russia’s Rejection of Restraint in Ukraine

Calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine around Easter 2025, particularly from the United Nations and international humanitarian actors, were intended to pause hostilities during the Orthodox holiday and facilitate humanitarian…

April 20, 2025Russia, Ukraine

Geopolitics National Security Terrorism

Russia’s Recognition of the Taliban: Strategic Defiance in a New Great Game

In April 2025, Russia became the first major global power to take decisive steps toward formal recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, breaking with Western efforts to isolate the Islamist government. Though…

April 18, 2025Afghanistan, China, Russia, Taliban, USA

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