By Jacob Levitan Before becoming Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky had a TV show, Servant of the People, in which he played Vasyl Holoborodko, a humble teacher who becomes Ukraine’s President. In the season one finale, Holoborodko has an aside with Ivan the Terrible. Ivan cannot comprehend Holoborodko’s assertions that Ukraine does not want Russia to... Continue Reading →
The State of Sanctions Against Russia
By Mary Hopkins As the situation on the ground in Ukraine changes from day to day, so too must the U.S. response. In the absence of direct military engagement – which the U.S. is keen to avoid – the Biden administration has worked with the EU, the U.K., Canada, and Australia to create the largest... Continue Reading →
Putin’s Russia is Hitting its High-Water Mark
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb4z78azLYU In this video, Staff Writer Jacob Levitan discusses his recent article about the lead-up to the Ukraine crisis and war.
Putin’s Russia is Approaching its High-Water Mark, and He Shot the Post-War World Order Getting There
By Jacob Levitan The television or the refrigerator is the Soviet twist on Rome’s panem et circenses method of placating the people. The regime can offer either thrilling television of Russia’s exploits or provide a full refrigerator, but not both. Since the Arab Spring, Russian TVs have shown Russian forces challenging the U.S.-led, rules-based world... Continue Reading →
A Conversation About Nagorno-Karabakh
By Mary Hopkins and Jacob Levitan On Nov. 10, 2020, Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders met in Moscow to sign a Russian-mediated ceasefire that ended the 2nd Nagorno-Karabakh War. One year on, two Johns Hopkins SAIS organizations -- the Global Security and Conflict Management Club and the Central Asia and Caucasus Club -- organized a panel... Continue Reading →
“On Creating a Catalan Future” with Mary Hopkins
In this video, staff writer Mary Hopkins discusses her recent article and interview with Dr. Victoria Alsina, Minister of Foreign Action and Open Government in Catalonia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5heTmL7SaU
On Creating a Catalan Future: An Interview with Dr. Victòria Alsina, Minister of Foreign Action and Open Government in Catalonia
By Mary Hopkins In the aftermath of another tumultuous and violent crisis over Catalan independence, the government of Catalonia now looks abroad for support. After leading the Catalan delegation to the United States, Dr. Victòria Alsina was appointed the Minister of Foreign Action and Open Government in Catalonia in May 2021. Born in Barcelona, Alsina... Continue Reading →
Macron is Selling European Strategic Autonomy. Is Anyone Buying?
By Jacob Levitan The issue of European strategic autonomy came up once again after the surprise announcement of the AUKUS Pact between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The Pact involved the (somewhat) surprise cancellation of Australia’s $66 billion deal for the supply of diesel-powered submarines with the French defense company Naval Group.... Continue Reading →
Italy adopts new climate change requirement in education system
By Adam DuBard BOLOGNA, Italy – In early November 2019, Italy became the first country to implement mandatory climate change and sustainability lessons in their school curriculum. Education Minister Lorenzo Fioramanti of the Five Star party, one of Italy’s major parties known for its anti-establishment rhetoric and populist policies, announced a new requirement that all... Continue Reading →
European Union welcomes new Commission after delay
By Will Marshall December 1, 2019 BOLOGNA, Italy – The European Commission of President Ursula von der Leyen assumed office on December 1 after clearing a final hurdle in the European Parliament. On November 27, Members of the European Parliament (MEP) approved the 27-member College of Commissioners in an uneventful 461 to 157 vote despite... Continue Reading →