In Foreign Policy, Christian Caryl writes that Putin’s policy decisions are governed less by realism and more by his determination to retain power. Also, in Bloomberg View, Marc Champion writes that Ukrainian reformers have kept up their work even as the spotlight has shifted to Syria.
Vladimir Putin Barack Obama hold a meeting on the sidelines of the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Photo: Sergei Guneyev / TASS
Realists, Beware of Russians Making Deals
Christian Caryl, Foreign Policy
Many realists view Russia’s actions as responses to Western moves, such as the expansion of NATO, and say that Putin is merely acting in the interests of his country. But a kleptocracy does not play by realist rules. In fact, had Putin been a realist, he would have adopted drastically different policies in Ukraine, says Caryl.
Leave It to Vlad (and the Supreme Leader)
David Rothkopf, Foreign Policy
Rothkopf attributes the lack of a cohesive American plan in Syria to a lack of political will on Capitol Hill to engage more actively in Syria. Is the U.S. at risk of losing influence in the Middle East in the long term? How involved should the U.S. be in Syria?
Why Putin Wants the West to Forget Ukraine
Marc Champion, Bloomberg View
Whether intentional or not, Russia’s military pivot to Syria has distracted attention away from Ukraine. Reformers in Ukraine, including former Georgian President and current Odessa Governor Mikheil Saakashvili, are racing to implement new policies and stay relevant in the eyes of the West, while the hope for change remains alive among Ukrainians.
Putin and Obama Go Head-to-Head
Edward P. Joseph, Foreign Affairs
Russia is making a big mistake in Syria by alienating the Sunnis and thinking that Assad can be part of a peaceful solution, says Joseph. If the U.S. wants peace in Syria, it must learn from its experience in Iraq.
Putin in Syria Is Just Like Putin in Ukraine
Leonid Bershidsky, Bloomberg View
Putin’s tactics in Syria are not particularly different from those he implemented in Ukraine, Bershidky argues. Just as Putin felt no need to capture all of eastern Ukraine, he may not need to help Assad recapture all of Syria in order to get what he wants.
