Volunteer battalions: From offense to (territorial) defense?

The high degree of personalization of the Russian regime, coupled with the vast size and diversity of the country, precludes the possibility of a systematic approach to solving complex problems. When everything goes wrong, the authorities begin to frantically rush about and plug holes.

Foreign Fighters in Ukraine: What Concerns Should Really Be on the Agenda?

When the simmering conflict between Russia and Ukraine turned into a full-scale war in February, a flurry of media articles followed, anticipating a large influx of foreign fighters on Ukrainian battlefields and debating their potential dangers. A solid body of research had already explored the global rise in violent extremism and radicalization after battle-hardened fighters had returned home from the Middle East. Initially, there were concerns about similar cases radiating out from Ukraine, with a shade of right-wing extremism.

Zamach na córkę ideologa wojny w Ukrainie. Kim była Daria Dugina?

Daria Płatonowa Dugina nie była przypadkową ofiarą nie tylko przez pokrewieństwo z naczelnym ideologiem Kremla. Od wczesnej młodości angażowała się w działalność organizacji swego ojca.

20 sierpnia o godz. 21:30 niedaleko wsi Bolszoje Wiazjomy, 20 km od Moskwy, rozległ się wybuch tak głośny, że z okien okolicznych domów wyleciały szyby. Ładunek wysadził w powietrze samochód terenowy Toyota Land Cruiser, który po eksplozji uderzył jeszcze w płot i stanął w płomieniach. Za kierownicą siedziała 30-letnia Daria Płatonowa Dugina. Zginęła na miejscu.

Terrorism is Less of an Existential Threat than Russia and China

MI5 Director General Ken McCallum’s joint address with the FBI Chief on 6 July saw a welcome rebalancing of the security service’s focus towards nation-state threats. Counterterrorism is an important function, but it was allowed to dominate for two decades while Russia, China and other belligerent states were insufficiently monitored.

The Russia–China Alliance versus the West: What about the Rest?

As evidence mounts that the Global South is leaning closer to the Russia–China position over Ukraine, the West needs to think hard about how to regain the initiative in the narrative battle.

The Ukraine war has further entrenched and exacerbated the geopolitical rivalry between the West and the Russia–China camp. This new ‘Superpower Plus’ clash leaves the so-called ‘Rest’ in a difficult position, with some countries feeling pressure to choose sides, and others trying to remain neutral. Worryingly, many are leaning closer to the Russia–China position than the West.

Iranian-Russian Offer to Turkey: Targeting Kurdish Leaders in Exchange for Halting Military Operation

Turkish forces escalated their air attacks in areas under the control of the SDF, according to al-Modon.

Syrian opposition sources revealed to al-Modon that the pledges made by Turkey’s partners in the Astana track are to discourage Ankara from launching a new military operation against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria, including providing it with information that facilitates targeting leaders of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) –based in the north and northeastern Syria. Its Western NATO partners have already pledged this.

Shrouded in secrecy for years, Russia’s Wagner Group opens up

The mysterious network of mercenaries is embracing an ever-public image as the war on Ukraine drags on.

On paper, the Wagner Group, a Russian network providing fighters for hire, does not exist.

It does not file tax returns, its alleged backers deny any connection to it and officially, private military companies (PMCs) are illegal in Russia.

China and Russia—With Help from Biden—Attack the Dollar

Russia and China have launched another attempt to develop a “new global reserve currency.” In other words, they are again attacking the dollar.

There is only one country that can dethrone the dollar, and it is not a BRICS nation. It is the United States. President Joe Biden is China’s and Russia’s biggest ally in “dedollarizing” the world.

Erdogan, Putin, and the Complicated History Between Turkey and Russia

Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan have had a love-hate relationship over the decades, but their ties are undeniably strong.

The Russian and Turkish presidents have also become known for their antagonistic relationship, particularly when it comes to geopolitics. While both leaders have been accused of clamping down on civil liberties at home, they’ve also positioned themselves as world leaders who can stand up to Western liberal democracies. The tension between these two men is not new, however.