In a Wine Cellar in Lvov, Ukraine

This was taken in a wine cellar in Lvov/Lviv after a long day at the Catholic University discussing the association agreement with the EU and the main question of whether Ukraine should look East or West. Despite being far away, in this cellar it was difficult for me to not know I was not in France.

Krushchev Junior's View on Crimea, Part II

The link here is to an article in Al Jazeera by Sergei Krushchev, the son of Nikita Kruschev, with some background on the peninsula, international relations, with implications for the current situation.

The Gas link between Ukraine, the West and the Recent Turmoil

This article in the Guardian provides a different perspective on the recent events in Ukraine. In particular, uncovering more of the west's involvement in the events.

Post-Maidan

This article in the Atlantic provides a brief overview of some of the side effects felt by protesters still active on Maidan in Kiev after the change in regime.

Gorbachev's View on Crimea's Recent Split from Ukraine

Former Premier of the USSR, Gorbachev, more liked in the West than in the CIS, thinks it is good that Crimea has been given the chance to decide its own fate. He also makes insightful comments about the state of the US's foreign policy. Whatever one might think of his opinions, the view from a person who experienced the decline of the Soviet empire and was directly involved has the potential to provide a longer term narrative and perspective than is possible in the current sound bite media.

Potential Blowback on Investments in Russia after Crimea

This linked article provides a view on the potential impact stronger state controls in Russia's economy in addition to the recent Crimea take over might be having on investors and major companies, as well as consumers, in Russia. At this stage, it is too early to separate out the specific impact on specific factors from the fallout over Crimea on Russia, her producers and consumers. For the past several years, capital outflows have been trending upwards. This has probably been in part due to a weakening in various aspects of Russia's business climate, perceptions and expectations changing over the country's potential, but also the economic situation in the West; many investors and western banks have been pulling finances out of riskier markets globally to shore up reserves to deal with the recent financial crisis.

Why Russia no Longer Fears the West by Ben Judah: Linked Article

This article provides an overview about why the author thinks Russia no longer fears the West and grabbed Crimea. Although the author could be right, that his vision or interpretation explains why what actually happened took place, he could also be wrong. The drawback of the article is that it only provides a slight mix of facts and relies instead on one possible story that could explain them. There is no comparative analysis, testing against other possible explanations. Its interesting to read, but likely incorrect; there are lots of other plausible and possible reasons for the grab other than this story. For example, the Georgia conflict alone cited in the article is far more nuanced and involves many other factors that could explain what took place other than simply testing the West's reaction in 2008.

Soft Power: Some Evidence of USA Spending on Political Related Activities in Ukraine

The National Endowment for Democracy, a non-profit organization, receives the bulk of its funding from Congress. It supports various programmes, projects and organizations around the globe that are involved in promoting or strengthening democracy. However, many of the activities actually supported would, in most Western countries or democracies, be considered foreign intervention in domestic affairs (politics). I have attached a list here of spending programmes in Ukraine from NED's Annual report. The latest one is not yet apparently available for the 2013 year, but I wait to see what was included.

On USA's Mistaken Foreign Policy Initiative in Ukraine

This article in Foreign Policy provides a sober review of the contest between the USA and Russia in Ukraine in 2013-2014 following the U-turn away fromt he association agreement with the EU, social protests, and regime change.

NeoCons and Global Regime Change: Essential Reading for Understanding the FSU