NATO at 75

NATO’s visibility has waxed and waned, but Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine has put the alliance firmly in the spotlight and may be its greatest challenge to date.

Party of one

China faces myriad challenges, from a sluggish economy, a huge property bubble and a demographic time bomb to deeply indebted local governments. But the fact that it is run by one man who is unwilling either to share power or to designate a successor may yet prove to be its biggest problem.

Overreach

In her new book, Susan Shirk sets out to explain how relations between China and the West have deteriorated, noting that China went into imperial overdrive well before Xi came to wield sole power.

Putin’s wars

Vladimir Putin expected Ukraine to surrender without a fight, NATO to hesitate and Europe splinter. A new book traces the roots of his epic miscalculation and how his attempt to destroy the international rules based order has failed.

The sorry story of Russia

A new book places Putin is his historical context, noting that Russia has always been an imperialist, expansionist power, determined to conquer as much territory as its brutal, backward, authoritarian culture will allow.

Chip wars

A new book, “Chip War” is essential reading for anyone who would like to understand the importance of semi-conductor supplies in modern geopolitics.

Welcome to the danger zone

China appears to be on collision course with the West, given its aggressive rhetoric and actions, but conflict is not inevitable.

Dr. Evil

Russia had a chance to embrace freedom and peace after the collapse of communism, but KGB operative Vladimir Putin – now the longest serving Russian dictator since Stalin – has dedicated his life to restoring the iron fist of tyranny.

Sanctions busting

The West has a long history of imposing economic sanctions on aggressor states, and aggressor states have an equally long history of ignoring them completely.

Making Russia pay for Ukraine

Three months into its three day war, Russia still struggles to secure its grip on Eastern Ukraine, but the death and devastation it has brought to the country cannot be denied and must be paid for.

From Mao to now

David Shambaugh’s new book is essential reading for anyone interested in the power plays which shape the Chinese Communist party.

China crisis

Could Xi Jinping be toppled by a coup d’état? In China coup, Roger Garside describes precisely such a scenario.