Governance Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

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

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

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

Democracy Governance

Gabon’s 2025 Elections: Power Shifts, Social Realignments, and Regional Consequences

The 2025 general elections in Gabon, held under a transitional government following the 2023 military coup, marked a crucial step in the country’s political recalibration. These elections were framed as…

April 14, 2025Gabon

Governance War crimes

Thomas Lubanga and the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CPR): Revival of Militancy and Regional Destabilization in the Great Lakes Region

Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, a convicted war criminal and former leader of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC), remains a controversial figure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the…

April 10, 2025CPC, DRC, M23, Uganda

Conflict Democracy Governance

Reasons and prospects for the Amhara Rebellion

Ethiopia is in the grip of a civil war again between federal government forces and the Fano, a loose alliance of ethnic-based militia in the Amhara region. This conflict in Ethiopia's north erupted…

April 4, 2025Amhara, Ethiopia

Democracy Governance

Hungary and the ICC: A Test Case for Europe’s Rule-of-Law Commitments

According to Hungarian Justice Minister Bence Tuzson,The Hungarian government plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. While Hungary hasn’t officially withdrawn as of now, there are speculative reasons why Orbán could be…

April 4, 2025Hungary

Governance

Prioritizing National Security

Effective foreign policy requires informed decision-making based on intelligence, strategic analysis, and long-term national interests. President Donald Trump often favored informal networks of advisors, including oligarchs and business associates, rather than…

March 31, 2025CIA, Russia, USA

Governance National Security Peacekeeping

Putin’s Shifting Mindset: Who Really Shapes Russia’s Policy?”

Putin’s Statements Raise Doubts About His Independence in Decision-Making Statements made by Vladimir Putin during a meeting with Navy servicemen cast doubt on the feasibility of negotiations with him due…

March 28, 2025Russia, Ukraine, USA

Democracy Geopolitics Governance

From Transition to Tenure: Niger’s Military Government Digs In and the Future of West Africa’s Juntas

Niger's junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has been sworn in for an additional five-year transition period. Per his previous statements, this transition was expected to conclude this year, leading to…

March 27, 2025Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger