Would Putin Use Nuclear Weapons?

Become a Patron! Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Would Putin Use Nuclear Weapons? In a speech yesterday to the Russian nation, Vladimir Putin warned the West he would use nuclear weapons to defend Russia. He even emphasized his warning was "not a bluff." Still, it's unclear what Putin means when he refers to... Continue Reading →

The Kremlin Shows New Vulnerabilities

Become a Patron! Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. The Kremlin Shows New Vulnerabilities The annexation of Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine threatens to escalate the war in unexpected ways. Russia has repeatedly emphasized any attacks on its territories amount to some kind of red line. They have even signaled a possible nuclear response. Former... Continue Reading →

Central Asia Wants to Link its Future to China

Become a Patron! Order Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way's Revolution and Dictatorship: The Violent Origins of Durable Authoritarianism. Available for sale this week. Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Central Asia Wants to Link its Future to China The latest Economist reports renewed interest in the construction of new rail lines in Central Asia. The... Continue Reading →

Pisano Reimagines Politics in Staging Democracy

Become a Patron! Staging Democracy The distinction between democracy and autocracy has become difficult to ascertain with the proliferation of so many hybrid regimes around the world. Most autocratic regimes hold multiparty elections. Of course, they are neither free nor fair. Nonetheless, they make efforts to demonstrate some form of electoral legitimacy. Moreover, the unfairness... Continue Reading →

Is This Still a Hot Peace?

Become a Patron! Hot Peace Perhaps the book Michael McFaul is most recognized for is From Cold War to Hot Peace. It's his personal memoir from his time as the American ambassador to Russia. But like I said on the podcast it also provides a chronicle of US-Russo relations during a time of transition. McFaul begins... Continue Reading →

Power and Purpose Nearly Twenty Years Later

Become a Patron! Power and Purpose In the recent interview with Michael McFaul and Robert Person, we mention two different books written by Michael McFaul. It's likely you have read his most recent book From Cold War to Hot Peace. But we also mention an older book called Power and Purpose. McFaul coauthored this book with James... Continue Reading →

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 →

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