February 3, 2009
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
Well, that could be one way of diffusing the ongoing EU/CIS standoff over EUropean energy supplies that recently saw death and destruction in Georgia and much of southern/eastern Europe lose gas supplies in the middle of winter. EurActiv reports that … Continue reading
January 1, 2009
by Nosemonkey
3 Comments
Nothing changes, it seems. Just like 2008, 2009 promises to bring yet more Russian sabre-rattling and European fears about the continent’s long-term energy security. Also time to welcome in the Czech EU presidency. With the Czech Republic currently being run … Continue reading
December 8, 2008
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
Without an honest, open understanding of our pasts – both individual and collective – how can we possibly hope to build a better future? Continue reading
November 22, 2008
by Nosemonkey
2 Comments
A few bits and bobs that have caught my eye over the last week or so: Robert Amsterdam on Donald Rumsfeld’s legacy to Europe: he was the original master artist of disaggregation – a man who saw and skillfully exploited … Continue reading
September 12, 2008
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
Two articles well worth a gander, both trying to work out the “new post-Cold War world order” that increasing numbers are identifying in the wake of the Georgia crisis, and slowly trying to define. First up, from The Economist, this … Continue reading
September 11, 2008
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on US response to Russia’s invasion of Georgia
This will bear close analysis, even with the imminent change of regime in Washington. Running, as it does, to nearly 6,000 words, I don’t have the time just now, but will hopefully return to this on the morrow. For now, … Continue reading
September 4, 2008
by Nosemonkey
7 Comments
With the East/West standoff spreading to Ukraine, there’s an obvious solution to that country’s ills… Continue reading
September 3, 2008
by Nosemonkey
2 Comments
So, where are we after the EU’s summit on the Georgia crisis? Exactly where we were before the summit. A few vague tutting sounds in the general direction of Russia, a bit of hyperbole (Hans-Gert Pottering, who should know better, … Continue reading
August 29, 2008
by Nosemonkey
6 Comments
One of the major theories behind the formation of the EU – and one of the successes that has always been claimed – is that by intertwining European economies as closely as we can, future conflict will become impossible. All … Continue reading
August 28, 2008
by Nosemonkey
10 Comments
With the limiting/cutting off of the wealthy European markets for her products that any isolation / “new Cold War” would imply, her economy will end up even more screwed than it is already, further isolating the government from the people. … Continue reading
August 27, 2008
by Nosemonkey
14 Comments
Believe it or not, from time to time people actually ask me for my opinion on things, rather than me just spouting out unsolicited words into the electronic ether and hoping that someone may spot them and correct my mistakes. … Continue reading
August 27, 2008
by Nosemonkey
9 Comments
It seems that Russia’s new post-Cold War strategy is based on the urban myth that if you’re approached by a group of muggers you should act like a lunatic, as that’ll confuse them and make them go away. How else … Continue reading
August 22, 2008
by Nosemonkey
15 Comments
Two interesting – and thematically related – pieces look at past conflicts in relation the the Georgia / Russia spat over the last couple of days have prompted some thoughts along the old comparative history line (always an interesting intellectual … Continue reading
August 20, 2008
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
There’s a rather good look at blogland’s attempts to cover strange going ons in faraway lands of which they know little from the chap behind tip-top Central Asia blog Registan, which is well worth reading in full: “Elite bloggers often … Continue reading