Russian-Belarusian Relations: Back to Being Brothers?

Russian-Belarusian Relations: Back to Being Brothers?

Several recent developments in Russian-Belarusian relations — in particular, Belarus’ return of 32 suspected Wagner mercenaries to Russia, Belarusian opposition leader Tsepkalo’s departure from Russia, and the two phone calls between Presidents Putin and Lukashenko — hint that bilateral ties might soon return to their formerly fraternal level, though the fact of the matter is…

How and Why is Japan Expanding its Influence in the Indian Ocean?

How and Why is Japan Expanding its Influence in the Indian Ocean?

Many political scientists could not but notice and weigh in on a trend on the global arena – Japan is not particularly quickly yet steadfastly gaining a foothold in the Indian Ocean (and not only in the regions of the Middle East and North Africa). This process appears to be shaping, in a gradual manner,…

Washington’s Supposed Gift to President Putin

Washington’s Supposed Gift to President Putin

One of the comments made following Trump’s decision to relocate some 12,000 troops from Germany was made by retired Admiral James (‘Zorba’) Stavridis, who in 2009-2013 was U.S. Supreme Allied Commander Europe (the military commander of Nato). He declared that the action, among other things, “hurts NATO solidarity and is a gift to Putin.” This…

Managing the Narrative – Corporations and Government Use Internet to Control Information

Managing the Narrative – Corporations and Government Use Internet to Control Information

Some Americans continue to believe that when they go to the internet they will get a free flow of useful information that will guide them in making decisions or coming to conclusions about the state of the world. That conceit might have been true to an extent twenty years ago, but the growth and consolidation…

Israeli-Emirati Peace Deal Is a Major Blow to Turkey’s Regional Ambitions

Israeli-Emirati Peace Deal Is a Major Blow to Turkey’s Regional Ambitions

On August 15, one of the most unexpected geopolitical manoeuvres took place that no one was expecting. U.S. President Donald Trump went to Twitter to announce that Washington’s “two GREAT friends, Israel and the United Arab Emirates” made a “Historic Peace Agreement.” In years past, there would have been widespread condemnation across the Muslim world…