The Cycles of Russian Expansion

Become a Patron! The Cycles of Russian Expansion In March of 1918 Russia accepted humiliating terms to withdraw from World War I. It ceded any claims over Finland, the Baltic States, and most of Ukraine and Belarus. It lost additional territory in the Caucasus. All told Russia lost one third of its population. In this... Continue Reading →

Russia Continues to Escalate

Become a Patron! Russia Continues to Escalate Russian hypocrisy has no limits. They routinely warn the United States and Europe about steps that might escalate the conflict. Yet Russia continues to escalate the conflict with seeming impunity. Last Tuesday President Biden announced plans to provide Ukraine four HIMARS systems able to launch rockets a distance... Continue Reading →

Was the Russian Military Overestimated?

Become a Patron! Did we Overestimate the Russian Military Today's episode of The Daily highlights the systemic challenges and problems in the Russian military. The episode is titled "A Tactical Disaster for Russia's Military." It begins with an attempt of the Russian military to cross a river where they exposed their troops to catastrophic losses. The... Continue Reading →

The Russian Imperialist Project

Become a Patron! The Russian Imperialist Project After more than twenty years nobody has provided a clear explanation for what some call Putinism. Its dependence upon public opinion and mass mobilization resemble fascism. At the same time, Russia's economic dependence on state owned firms resembles socialism or even a shift back toward communism. Yet Putin... Continue Reading →

Soldiers Surrender at Azovstal

Become a Patron! Soldiers Surrender at Azovstal Over the past week about half of the soldiers at the Azovstal steel plant have surrendered. Most of the soldiers belong to the Azov battalion whom Russia has demonized as Nazis. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at a prisoner exchange, but Russia has not made similar overtures. Instead,... Continue Reading →

The Heroes of Azovstal

Sing a Song for the Heroes of Azovstal Russia has given up a final assault upon the Azovstal Steel Mill. It's simply too dangerous. Instead they have engaged in siege warfare planning to starve them out of their position. It's an old tactic, but a taxing one. It will commit Russian soldiers to watch over... Continue Reading →

Russia and the Threat of Nuclear Weapons

Putin Says "Think Twice" After the successful test of a new intercontinental ballistic missile, Vladimir Putin warned those "who are trying to threaten our country in the heat of frenzied, aggressive rhetoric to think twice." Putin's audience was not just the Russian people. He also directed his comments towards the United States and its allies.... Continue Reading →

Putin Needs this War

Why Putin Needs this War A recent article from Maria Snegovaya argues Putin will survive his war. Regardless of its final outcome, she argues, Putin will remain in power. Her case makes a lot of sense. For example, popular support for the invasion is strong among Russians. Moreover, Putin's approval ratings increased after the war... Continue Reading →

Up ↑