A combination of internal and external factors makes Europe the most dangerous player in international affairs at the beginning of the second quarter of the 21st century
A combination of internal and external factors makes Europe the most dangerous player in international affairs at the beginning of the second quarter of the 21
st
century, writes Valdai Club Programme Director
Timofei Bordachev
.
Few relatively knowledgeable observers of international relations doubt that Europe today once again...
The nuclear factor has once again begun to play a significant role in international relations
Autumn is usually a busy season in the nuclear sphere, and 2025 was no exception. In October, NATO held its Steadfast Noon nuclear exercises, followed by the U.S. Global Thunder drills and Russia’s strategic nuclear forces exercises. Developments did not end there: against the backdrop of these exercises, Russia
announced
tests of the
Burevestnik
nuclear-powered cruise missile and the
Poseidon
nuclear-powered...
On November 6, 2025, the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) held another City Breakfast, on the theme “The U.S.–Japan–Republic of Korea Triangle in the Face of New Challenges,” at the F.M. Dostoevsky Library
On November 6, 2025, the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) held another City Breakfast, on the theme “The U.S.–Japan–Republic of Korea Triangle in the Face of New Challenges,” at the F.M. Dostoevsky Library. Participants discussed the history of the triangle’s formation...
... in the region—even as a potential competitor—and subordinated the politically empowered security apparatus, led by Saleh’s close relatives, to the oversight of US counterparts.
In 2004, President Saleh declared war on the Houthis after their refusal to cease chanting the slogan “Death to America! Death to Israel! Curse the Jews! Victory to Islam!”— a phrase that had become both a symbol of the movement and the quintessential expression of the political ideology of Houthism.
[1]
The bloody ...
The “rules-based order” is dead and Washington now acts without boundaries
A year has passed since November 2024, when Donald Trump won the US presidential election for the second time. And it makes more sense to start the clock there, rather than on Inauguration Day. The political and psychological shift began immediately. From that moment, the American agenda started to mutate, revealing what in US behavior is anchored in institutions and what is simply the product of personality.
Trump’s personality...
The world is entering a critical phase where the legitimacy of sanctions, the integrity of international law, and the resilience of global energy systems are under scrutiny
The recent imposition of sanctions by the United States on two of Russia’s major oil companies has once again highlighted the counterproductive nature of unilateral economic restrictions. The targeted firms—Rosneft and Lukoil—are cornerstones of the Russian energy sector, not only underpinning the country’s economy but also...
Ukraine will have to pay the price for the hawks’ triumph
A new wave of sanctions against Russia has captured global attention, with the European Union’s 19
th
package taking centre stage. Brussels had been working on it for a long time; Slovakia blocked its adoption back in late September, and Hungary also voiced objections. However, a new version of the package was ultimately adopted.
The impact of these measures is unlikely to be catastrophic for the Russian economy. Moreover, the target of...
... Europe's history is filled with war. On this relatively small expanse of land, numerous small countries exist, engaged in intrigues and power struggles, with never-ending conflicts between monarchies, families, religions, states, and great powers. For thousands of years, wars have been occurring continuously and without interruption. The formation of a unified Europe has changed this situation, and the interrelationships among European countries have thus undergone significant changes, evolving from independent ...
Even if Israel completely abandons the former foundation of its statehood – the “island” of the West in the Middle East – its place in regional affairs will remain unchanged
Even if Israel completely abandons the former foundation of its statehood – the “island” of the West in the Middle East – its place in regional affairs will remain unchanged. However, it will no longer be determined by Israel’s own priorities, but by the role assigned to it by other participants in the eventful Middle East...
The path from declarations of intent to real peace remains difficult
The peace summit held in Egypt on resolving the conflict in the Gaza Strip was a large-scale event involving a number of regional and extra-regional actors, with strong participation from European countries. Its outcomes, however, were largely declarative. One of the main reasons for this was the absence of one of the key players at the negotiating table — Israel.
Ibragim Ibragimov:
The Blockade’s Toll: How War Is Deepening the...
