BARRIE IN THE USSR- БАРРИ В СССР
WARNING/ВНИМАНИЕ: This blog has one simple aim - to provide people with an easy-access location to explore the Former USSR that the mass media misses. It includes links to national statistics websites, media,travel information and other sources for research or general interest. It is biased and subjective; it could be no other way. Please feel free to sign the guest map on the right to help the FSU achieve its global reach.
STEPPING THROUGH MOSCOW
SOVIET PARADISE
суббота, марта 22, 2014
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.
Ярлыки:
Crimea,
Separation,
Sergei Kurshchev,
USA Foreign Policy
пятница, марта 21, 2014
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.
Ярлыки:
Oil politics,
Revolution,
Ukraine,
US interests
четверг, марта 20, 2014
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.
Ярлыки:
Kiev,
Maidan,
post-revolution,
Regime Change
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.
Ярлыки:
Crimea,
Investment Climate,
Russia,
State Intervention
среда, марта 19, 2014
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.
понедельник, марта 17, 2014
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.
Ярлыки:
Revolution,
Soft Power,
Ukraine,
USA spending
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.
Ярлыки:
Contest,
Foreign Policy,
Ukraine,
USA
пятница, февраля 22, 2013
Hitchens v Hitchens Debate
This is a great debate between the Hitchens brothers over the Iraq War, namely was it a just war?
Советский документальный фильм о вреде рок-н-ролла
This is an old documentary film from the Soviet Era highlighting the harm that can be caused by listening to Rock and Roll
вторник, апреля 03, 2012
THE CORPORATION
This is a great documentary covering what a corporation is, how it works, and the consequences on society this type of organization has. It is highly relevant for Former Soviet Republics when trying to figure out how to adjust public policy responses to balance out the pluses and the minuses in order to protect as effectively as possible the public interest.
Ярлыки:
Former USSR,
privatization,
The Corporation
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