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Articles by Nigel Gould-Davies

opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

The Global Threat of Russia's International Partnerships

There are no clear limits on how far Moscow can push. But nor is there any sign that the West has the leadership to respond.
3 Min read
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Seize the Moment, Seize Russian Assets for Ukraine

If the West does not act, it risks a grand strategic failure. While its professed commitment to Ukraine remains strong, meeting the moment.
5 Min read
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Russia's Updated Foreign Policy Strategy is Revealingly Delusional

As Russia’s first systematic foreign policy statement since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the concept is significant.
4 Min read
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

From Authoritarianism to Totalitarianism: How the War Has Changed Russia

The Kremlin's demand for active support, rather than mere acquiescence, marks a fundamental shift in its social contract with the Russian people.
4 Min read
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

After Mobilization, the Kremlin Is Turning to 'Dirty Bomb' Diplomacy

Russia has ramped up the claim, internationally and domestically, that Ukraine is preparing to use a ‘dirty bomb’. This is a major escalation...
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Visa Ban: The Sanction the West Should Impose

If economic sanctions against Russia affect everyone, why shouldn't a visa ban?
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Asia and the War in Ukraine

Europe loomed large during Asia’s premier defense summit, the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue.
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

We Are All Ukrainians Now

The case for the West helping Ukraine defeat Russia is not only ethical but impeccably self-interested.
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

The Strategic Meaning of Russian War Crimes in Ukraine

War crimes have strategic consequences that will shape the course of the war.
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Corporate Rejection of Russia Marks New Era of Political Risk

The widespread withdrawal of Western companies from their Russian operations has major implications for political risk.
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Putin’s Strategic Failure and the Risk of Escalation

As the situation becomes more volatile and less predictable, is escalation the only way forward for a weakened Putin?
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Western Diplomacy on Russia Must Serve Deterrence

The U.S. and Europe need to maintain the agreed negotiating format while planning for the worst case to show Russia it will face a severe response to aggression...
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

The Dangerous Instability of Europe’s Borderlands

A volatile mix of revanchism, insecurity, irrationality and military force is fueling tension and turbulence in the EU’s east.
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Putin’s People vs ‘Putin’s People’

A London libel case over a book about the rise of Russia’s president and his circle has far-reaching implications for freedom of expression.
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Europe Urgently Needs a Geopolitical Purpose

The weaknesses and contradictions within the EU have emboldened Russia in its policy regarding Ukraine.
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

A Fortnight That Shook Russia … And What Next

Alexei Navalny’s jail sentence, and a further impending case, will probably see him imprisoned until after the next presidential election. But he has...
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Russia Policy Priorities for a Biden Presidency

A Biden administration would see a major shift in presidential attitudes towards Russia and Putin personally, which is unlikely to be welcome in Moscow...
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Putin and the Belarusian Question

Putin will seek to do as much as possible, but as little as necessary, to suppress peaceful change in Belarus.
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Belarus in the Balance: Attrition or Showdown?

Fourteen days have shaken Belarus. The only certainty is that more change will come in the country.
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Belarus Is an Exceptional Case

The people are driving the movement that could force out longtime leader Lukashenko.
opinion Nigel Gould-Davies

Europe and the Belarusian Moment

Belarus has not seen protest on this scale before, but Europe did in the “miracle year” of 1989.