Posts tagged Russia
The Aftermath of Deadly Moscow Concert Hall Attack: ISIS-K and Putin's Disinformation Campaign
The Aftermath of Deadly Moscow Concert Hall Attack: ISIS-K and Putin's Disinformation Campaign

On March 22, 2024, Russia experienced its deadliest terror attack in two decades at the Crocus City Hall music venue in Krasnogorsk, a suburb north of Moscow. The tragic event unfolded around 8:00 PM MSK when four gunmen began firing at the crowd of an estimated 6,000 people and subsequently set fire to the building. The attackers' actions led to fires that engulfed the venue, resulting in the partial collapse of the roof. The aftermath was devastating, with reports of 144 fatalities, including individuals who later died in hospitals. Additionally, over 551 concertgoers suffered injuries from gunshot wounds and fire-related incidents.

Read More
Global, Editor's PicksSalma MouradPutin, Russia, ISIS-K, ISIS, Disinformation, Global, Editor's PickComment
Turkey Ratifies Sweden’s NATO Bid
Turkey Ratifies Sweden’s NATO Bid

The extended process of Sweden’s NATO accession, still incomplete, is an important reminder of the complexity of modern international politics. A move by Sweden to join a defensive alliance due to concerns stemming from Russian actions in Ukraine is delayed due to a dispute about security and human rights with Turkey.

Read More
GlobalSteven HeineGlobal, Global Content, Global News, global, Russian Invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Ukrainian War, Russia, NATO, EU, Europe, TurkeyComment
The Israel-Hamas War: A Welcome Distraction for Putin
The Israel-Hamas War: A Welcome Distraction for Putin

Putin 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
Opinion, Editor's Picks, ColumnsNina SlagerIsrael, Palestine, Putin, Russia, Russian Invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Ukrainian War, Ukraine, Human Rights, International Conflict, International Relations, Editor's PickComment
Volunteers from Around the World Join the War in Ukraine
Volunteers from Around the World Join the War in Ukraine

“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
GlobalErich HessUkraine, International Conflict, RussiaComment
Europe’s Handling of the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis Raises Important Questions of Equity
Europe’s Handling of the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis Raises Important Questions of Equity

“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
FellowsNoah GottliebUkraine, Refugees, Equality, War, Russia, European Union, EuropeComment
A Sphere of Fractured Influence: Why Putin Has Waged Unprovoked War in Ukraine and NATO’s Involvement in Aiding the Crisis
A Sphere of Fractured Influence: Why Putin Has Waged Unprovoked War in Ukraine and NATO’s Involvement in Aiding the Crisis

“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
GlobalNia SmithUkraine, War, Putin, Russia, International Conflict, NATO, Europe, EUComment
The World Has Moved to Sanction Russia. Will It Make a Difference?
The World Has Moved to Sanction Russia. Will It Make a Difference?

“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
GlobalTanner BaileyRussia, Sanctions, Ukraine, Economy, International RelationsComment
Bandaids for Bullet Holes: Biden’s Incompetence Risks a Russian Incursion of Ukraine
Bandaids for Bullet Holes: Biden’s Incompetence Risks a Russian Incursion of Ukraine

“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.”

Read More
GlobalMichelle LiuRussia, Biden, Putin, Ukraine, NATO, WarComment
A Buildup of Troops and Tension Between Russia and Ukraine
A Buildup of Troops and Tension Between Russia and Ukraine

“Tensions between Moscow and the West have escalated even further this week, with Russia running military exercises in the Black Sea and massing a large number of troops in Crimea and at Ukraine's border. This comes at a time when internal protests and international pressure around the health of Alexi Navalny already have eyes on Russia and coordinated sanctions have been launched by the US and EU.”

Read More
GlobalKay LangleyRussia, Conflict, Putin, warComment
New Intelligence Report Alleges Russian and Iranian Interference in the 2020 Election through Media
New Intelligence Report Alleges Russian and Iranian Interference in the 2020 Election through Media

“While much disinformation comes from inside the U.S., Americans must also note an ever-present strategy for impacting elections adopted by both interveners, and that is dividing the population and undermining faith in our election systems. Distrust in our democracy generally, is not only damaging in election time, but damaging to the cohesion of the nation broadly.”

Read More
Global, 2020 ElectionCourtney HalversonRussia, Iran, 2020 ElectionComment
The Kremlin Takes Aim at Social Media in Russia
The Kremlin Takes Aim at Social Media in Russia

““It remains to be seen whether further, more serious action will be taken by the Russian government amid their efforts to send a message to large social media conglomerates; however, it appears that this route of potential censorship has been building for quite a while and would not be totally out of the question. The further question that remains is what the backlash of younger generations would be should Russia pursue this route.”"

Read More
GlobalMichaela AusbrooksRussiaComment
Navalny’s Return Puts the Russian Regime in a Dilemma
Navalny’s Return Puts the Russian Regime in a Dilemma

““The previous round of sanctions for Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 are still being felt, with some estimates putting the impact of these prior sanctions at 6% of the entire Russian economy. With the current reality of a COVID-induced economic recession, the Russian government finds itself in a precarious position where they must balance the risk of releasing Nalvany and allowing him to organize protests, versus the economic consequences and metaphorical martyrdom of sending him to serve out his prison sentence.”

Read More
GlobalDeep UpadhyayRussia, Putin, NalvanyComment
The Possibilities of Foreign Interference in the 2020 Election
The Possibilities of Foreign Interference in the 2020 Election

“Other methods of foreign interference are much more subtle, such as state-sponsored forms of media that can reach and misinform voters. William Evanina, Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, released a statement in early August in which he states that the governments of China, Russia, and Iran are attempting to interfere with the 2020 Presidential Election. When asked about the report, President Trump said that his administration would look “very closely” into it.”

Read More
2020 ElectionLejla BrkaRussia, Iran, MisinformationComment
Kremlin Endgame Uncertain in Aftermath of Belarus Election
Kremlin Endgame Uncertain in Aftermath of Belarus Election

“Unlike previous revolutions in Georgia and Ukraine, a lack of influence from the West prevents Russian leadership from blaming the uprising on external agitators. Additionally, most Belarusians harbor pro-Russian sentiment, complicating Russia’s position even further: How can the Kremlin support an unpopular leader without stoking the same anger and opposition they saw in Ukraine?”

Read More
GlobalLindsey OldtRussia, Belarus, ProtestsComment