The sociopolitical climate in Belarus remains tense and fraught with fear. Any critique of the government easily places a citizen in the throes of judicial proceedings dictated by the president. Regardless of the subject matter of the criticism–governmental wrongdoings, human rights issues, or the war in Ukraine, Lukashenko does not hesitate to stamp out any opposition.
Read MoreIn a meeting on September 25th, President Vladimir Putin warned NATO that if Russia or its allies are attacked by a nation supported by a nuclear power, Russia reserves the right to retaliate using nuclear weapons. What implications do Putin’s nuclear threats have on the future of the conflict? Will the threat of nuclear escalation prevent a peaceful end to the war?
Read MoreThe result of Russia’s election is all but certain. Unfortunately, it will not serve as a reprieve for Ukraine. However, it may serve as the beginning of a long-awaited shift in Russian politics: a post-Putin era.
Read MorePutin is quick to turn all the blame on the US and its policy concerning this region, not even acknowledging the atrocities committed by Hamas. His sole purpose was to tie the conflict to his greater war against the West. Putin is directly benefiting from the chaos abroad by diminishing the US image, having attention taken away from Ukraine, and US support being divided even further around the globe.
Read More“We have passed two hundred and twenty five days into the Russia-Ukraine war; Russia’s international support falls as Putin threatens nuclear escalation, and the west suspects the Kremlin of attacks on Europe’s energy infrastructure. Ukraine works to entrench its security guarantees as Russia annexes four of its regions.”
Read More“Though the U.S. has continued to leverage its military power and financial aid in order to support Ukrainian forces, the Biden Administration is also providing measures to lessen the growing humanitarian crisis. The U.S. has agreed to accept 100,000 Ukrainian refugees after increased domestic and international pressure.”
Read More“Less than a month ago, Brazilian shooting instructor Tiago Rossi had no active combat experience; today, he is fighting as a volunteer for Ukraine against Russia, one of the world’s strongest militaries. “I came here to fulfill my mission - if I die it’s because that’s how God willed it,” Rossi said of his decision. According to Ukrainian officials, he is one of almost 16,000 international volunteers who has signed up to join Ukraine’s new International Legion of Territorial Defense.”
Read More“The superior treatment of Ukrainian refugees is most likely due to a multitude of factors, the first one being the most obvious: EU citizens are better able to empathize with Ukrainians due to racial, linguistic, and religious ties according to research from Lamis Abdelaaty, an assistant professor of political science at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University.”
Read More“Given the history of political and ideological conflict between Western nations and Russia, recent Ukrainian alignment with Western nations as well as NATO has been perceived as betrayal by Putin. With former Soviet nations like Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania already members of NATO, Putin faces a waning sphere of Russian influence in Eastern Europe. Putin’s manifestation of war in Ukraine reveals his fear of losing political influence, as demonstrated by his impetuous and desperate military endeavor to maintain political influence and power over Ukraine.”
Read More“Far from the battlefields of Kharkiv and Kyiv, the people of the Middle East and North Africa have been caught in the economic crossfire of the conflict. As wheat exports in the warring countries have slowed to a halt, the countries that rely on the shipments to feed their people are facing a growing challenge.”
Read More“Still, this conflict has only been going on for a relatively short period of time (12 days). No one knows how strong Russia’s resolve is in bearing the costs of these sanctions. No one can say whether these sanctions will help bring an end to this war. However, history has shown that sanctions cause real human suffering and have yet to win major concessions for the U.S.”
Read More“Despite the similarities in the Russian-Ukrainian and Chinese-Taiwanese relationships, it is highly unlikely that China takes similarly militaristic actions in Taiwan.”
Read More“Despite desperate calls to protect Ukraine from Russian military forces, divisions between Democrats and Republicans meant the Senate adjourned for their week-long recess without passing any measures to deter an invasion.”
Read More“Russia has vital military and economic interests in Ukraine, as well as deep historical and cultural ties to the Eastern European nation that have pushed Russian president Vladimir Putin to prepare an invasion of Ukraine.”
Read More“Bloodshed threatens to repeat itself in Ukraine. In 2014, Putin annexed the Crimean peninsula after its citizens chose to join Russia in a disputed referendum. Russia’s annexation not only challenged Ukrainian sovereignty but challenged the post-1945 world order. But now, tensions threaten to blow. Reminiscent of the expansionist dreams of the Soviet Union, Russia appears to be on the verge of invading Ukraine once again.”
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