Russian president Vladimir Putin draws upon the imperial symbols of the Byzantine Empire to position Russia as the “third Rome.” Meanwhile, Byzantium is erased by western history books.
The result of Russia’s upcoming election is already known: President Vladimir Putin will be re-elected. Will he be content to be a lame duck, or will he undermine democracy to suit his ambition?
Despite a devastating toll in the seven-year conflict, which has seen 400,000 people killed and six million displaced, there is no end in sight for the people of Syria.
Russia is a major global power in outlook and reach, locked in a values-based confrontation with the West. But it still lacks all elements of a developed superpower.
Mounting evidence suggests we are so mesmerised by the theatre around Donald Trump that we have lost sight of how the US security establishment wields power.
As tensions between the US and Russia escalate, both sides are developing technological capabilities, including artificial intelligence that could be used in conflict.
Trump generates chaos every day yet there is scant information in any of it Nonetheless, there are hints about his mental health, the consequences of the Russia probe and the power of women in 2018.
Because the Kremlin hopes to project strength and unity, history isn’t used as much to inform as it is to inspire, with events cherry-picked to fit within a fuzzy framework of ‘Russian greatness.’
Former Trump associates face charges including conspiracy to launder money, failure to register as a foreign agent and lying to the FBI. A law professor explains what it means and what happens next.