Putin rolls the dice for war

Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons after it won its freedom from the Soviet Union in return for Russia respecting its independence – an agreement Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is now flagrantly disregarding as he inches ever closer to plunging the world into war in an effort to shore up his authoritarian regime.

Will sanctions stop Russia?

While the process of imposing economic sanctions is firmly institutionalised in the US and increasingly so in other Western nations, there’s little empirical research into their effectiveness.

Russia looks beyond Ukraine to the Asia-Pacific

The ongoing European security crisis is much bigger than Ukraine as Russia continues to expand its malign and bullying influence in the Asia-Pacific as well as intimidate and invade its fearful neighbours.

Russia’s secret war against Ukraine

The risks of all out combat with the West over Ukraine may stay Russia’s hand, but its tactics of hybrid warfare to extend its power and influence – as employed by China in Asia – are already underway.

Ukraine’s long fight for freedom

Ukrainians do not want democracy because they are being “subverted” by the West, as Russia claims. Ukrainians want freedom because they are proud of living in a sovereign state, rather than an imperial Russian borderland.

Shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine

Australia should maintain solidarity with Ukraine and the wider democratic world in efforts to deter Russia from launching a new attack.

Beyond Ukraine: Three security challenges that must set Biden’s agenda

While the dark shadow of Russia looms over Ukraine, US President Joe Biden must also keep in mind a wider range of internal, external and existential challenges at home and abroad.

A brief history of sanctions

Economic and diplomatic sanctions against other nations have been used in lieu of war for many centuries, although their effectiveness in curbing the excesses of others is mixed.

Last chance saloon

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin remains intent on invading Ukraine, but offering him a way out without losing face, while underlining the high price of war could still avert conflict.

The west must stand up for Ukraine

The West needs to stand up against Putin’s bullying of Ukraine and show determination, unity, and a serious commitment to uphold international legal norms and defend freedom and democracy against Russia’s authoritarian and neo-imperial designs.

Understanding Putin’s threat to Ukraine

Vladimir Putin’s military build-up on the Ukraine border threatens to plunge Europe into a wider war, and appeasement or acquiescence will only bolster his dreams of restoring the Soviet empire.