On the Crimean Referendum

More on the pending referendum and some thoughts on elections in authoritarian contexts.

Divisions in Crimea

Crimea is more divided than Russia would have the world believe. Plus: the Crimean government has no legitimacy at the moment.

Ukraine, NATO, and the EU

The West owes Ukraine nothing.

Yanukovych Out in Ukraine?

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has been forced out of Kyiv—and possibly out of power entirely.

Foreign Journalists Harassing Russian Gays More Than Putin?

Some perspective from Sochi.

“Fuck The EU,” Says America’s Top Europe Diplomat

Victoria Nuland, Asistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, pithily expressed her frustrations about the European Union.

Euro Zone Jobless Rate Remains At 12.5%, Solutions Seem Out Of Reach

The economy of the Euro Zone remains in quiet dire straits, unless you’re lucky enough to live in Germany.

German Exit Polls

How Times Have Changed: France, Not England, Joins US Coalition of Willing

Could anyone have imagined a decade ago a scenario when the United States would go to war with France by our side and England on the sidelines?

Brits v. the Yanks

An Example of How Institutions Matter.

Former Obama Adviser Goes To Work For British Conservatives

The architect of President Obama’s re-election campaign is going to work for the Tories.

French Decry U.S. Surveillance Programs, Are Discovered To Have Their Own Surveillance Program

The French were indignant about reports of the NSA’s surveillance programs. Now we know they have own of their own.

Autobahn Sniper Shot 762 Vehicles

A German truck driver has the worst documented case of road rage in history.

Some Context on Turkey

Turkey has had along and ongoing struggle with democratic consolidation.

Turkey On The Brink?

Has the Arab Spring come to Turkey?

French Dip

The French economy has drifted into recession for the second time in four years.