The Cold War demonstrated that expulsions of diplomats produce no positive results whatsoever
For several centuries, the Ottoman Empire had a fairly peculiar custom. Each time the Sublime Porte had a falling out with another country, and war became imminent, the hostile state’s envoy would be thrown into the Ambassador’s Tower of Yedikule Fortress, or the Dungeons of the Seven Towers, which had the sinister reputation of being Istanbul’s Bastille. The envoy would be kept in the tower for months...
Four key questions about the substances collectively known as Novichok, how they are produced, and tracking possibilities
The poisoning of double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter and the ensuing accusations leveled against Russia by the UK have reignited interest in so-called Novichok nerve agents.
All the information currently being made available about Novichok agents mainly comes from the media and politicians and is based on chemist Vil Mirzayanov’s article, book, and assorted interviews...
... against individuals are not likely to scare the Russian leadership. In fact, the Kremlin might even profit from these sanctions – they can assist the current state policy of trying to bring Russian money and Russian businesses back to Russia. If the United Kingdom is no longer perceived as a safe haven for Russian fat cats, the cosmopolitan faction of the Russian economic elite might be forced to seek protection back home. However, a new level of EU sectoral sanctions against Russia, affecting finances,...
On March 12–13, 2018 the British Royal Institute of International Affairs — Chatham House — is holding an international conference «Security and Defense 2018 — New Realities, New Rules».
On March 12–13, 2018 the British Royal Institute of International Affairs — Chatham House — is holding an international conference «Security and Defense 2018 — New Realities, New Rules».
Leading experts on foreign affairs from the UK and other countries, officers from MFA and other British ministries, representatives...
On February 2, 2018, the residence of the British Ambassador to Russia hosted a meeting for Karen Pierce, the British Foreign Office Political Director, Andrey Kortunov, RIAC Director General, Anton Khlopkov, RIAC Member, Center for Energy and Security Studies Director, Editor-in-Chief of Nuclear Club journal, Victor Mizin and Sergey Oznobyshev, RIAC experts.
On February 2, 2018, the residence of the British Ambassador to Russia hosted a meeting for Karen Pierce, the British Foreign Office Political...
.... The ministers emphasized the obvious fact that there are quite a few areas where the interests of the two countries dictate the need for cooperation, despite the existing differences.
As permanent members of the UN Security Council, Russia and the United Kingdom have a special responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, and this circumstance alone obliges them to engage in cooperation and coordination, as both parties noted. The challenges and security threats the two countries ...
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that the "UK will remain unconditionally committed to maintaining Europe’s security,” in face of Russia and other states which seek to “undermine” “free societies.” Theresa May is falling back on a refrain that has defined much of the United Kingdom’s foreign policy for the last two centuries. Lord Palmerston’s Britain stood as the cradle of liberalism, defending other nations against the barbaric East, embodied by the Russian Empire. Today, the Russian enemy still stands, and ...
As Europe marks today (29 September) another anniversary of the 1938 Munich agreement, the Permanent Representative of Russia to the EU Ambassador, Vladimir Chizhov, reminds what he calls “some noteworthy historical parallels”.
As Europe marks today (29 September) another anniversary of the 1938 Munich agreement, the Permanent Representative of Russia to the EU Ambassador, Vladimir Chizhov, reminds what he calls “some noteworthy historical parallels”.
Vladimir Chizhov is a career diplomat. Before...
An exclusive interview with Count Nikolai Tolstoy, the head of the senior branch of the Tolstoy family
Count Nikolai Tolstoy
July 2016 at Yasnaya Polyana
(photograph by Dmitri Sergeievich Tolstoy)
First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for inviting me to your home, as well as to emphasize that it is an absolute honor for me to have this very unique opportunity to have this conversation.
Although you are heir of the senior line of the Tolstoy family in the male...
With Brexit and UK-EU talks all over news, everyone is worried about what is to come for Great Britain in both domestic and foreign dimensions. Kathy Leach, Joint Head at Policy Unit of Foreign and Commonwealth Office, shares her views on the possible foreign policy priorities, challenges Brexit entails and Russia-UK cultural ties.
What is your opinion on UK foreign policy priorities for the upcoming years?
For the obvious reasons, the most important priority is to negotiate exit from the European...
