Carnegie Moscow Center
Putin interprets the victory of the Maidan in Ukraine as a victory of anti-Russian and pro-Western forces. He is very concerned about the possibility of having an anti-Russian state right on the Russian border.
The crisis in Crimea is the most dangerous moment since the end of the Cold War, with the risk of not only an escalation of tension between Ukraine and Russia, but also between Russia and NATO.
Moscow needs to play its hands wisely and avoid supporting the separatist movement in Ukraine, which could give Kyiv a pretext to send in troops to restore constitutional order.
The Chinese Dream, an idea floated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, has far-reaching implications for every part of society in China.
In his New York Times op-ed, Vladimir Putin asserts that Russia is not supporting Assad as an ally, but it is supporting the world order, centered on the U.N. Security Council.
The current state of the affairs between Russia and China is most positive in their history. This relationship is built primarily on an economic pragmatism.
Russia’s decision to offer Edward Snowden asylum stems from Vladimir Putin’s desire to maintain a global image as the one major power that can resist U.S. pressure.
A 60-year dispute between Russia and Japan could be resolved if Russia gives up the South Kuril Islands. Also, both countries should de-militarize the area as they work toward a solution.
The United States is coming closer to a resolution of the Syrian issue, either through diplomatic channels by forging an accord with Russia or, if that fails, by means of military aid to the opposition.
Putin’s visit to China is important for both China and Russia, but if the two countries wish to strengthen their bilateral relations, Moscow and Beijing need to work to enhance trust and build a long-term strategy of mutual cooperation.