Judas Everett | National Research University Higher School of Economics (original) (raw)
Papers by Judas Everett
Studies in East European thought, Feb 12, 2024
The Review of European Affairs, 2020
The Cold War was a confrontation dominated by dogmatic ideology; the rise of Gorbachev and his at... more The Cold War was a confrontation dominated by dogmatic ideology; the rise of Gorbachev and his attempts to inject new thinking into the Soviet Union were critical in ending that standoff. Generally, Gorbachev was successful in the field of foreign policy and many of his ideas and actions created lasting legacies which have shaped the world today. However, one idea which failed to gain much traction was his proposal regarding a Common European Home. The aim of this paper is to examine how this opportunity was missed or why hasn't it been taken advantage of, before moving on to analyse whether shared aims, freedoms, values and responsibilities exist between Russia and the EU today. Opinion polling shows that Russian values and opinions are complex, but often similar to other post-communist countries that have successfully become European Union member states. The issue of NATO expansion stands out as more problematic than a lack of shared values between the EU and Russian citizens.
New Perspectives, Mar 23, 2023
This article addresses the contradictory behaviour of the Russian Federation in reacting to the e... more This article addresses the contradictory behaviour of the Russian Federation in reacting to the events of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. The Russian response saw significant aggression, but also seemingly involving inaction or even restraint in other areas. The question is what are some plausible explanations for this contradictory behaviour. In order to answer this question, relevant terminology is defined, then the subnational level is focused on and Most Similar System Design is utilised. Then cases involving significant aggression are considered, before moving on to those seemingly involving inaction or even restraint. Finally, these two elements are reconciled, producing a clear picture of the overall similarities, the inconsistencies and the crucial differences. The article finds the crucial differences to be the level of loyalty to the Kremlin and willingness to engage in collaboration or cooperation. The focus on loyalty to the Kremlin and the issue of willingness to collaborate is revealing.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jul 13, 2022
This article focuses on Wałbrzych as a microcosm of post-communist transition, taking inspiration... more This article focuses on Wałbrzych as a microcosm of post-communist transition, taking inspiration from Microcosm: Portrait of a Central European City by Norman Davies and Roger Moorhouse, which focused on Wroclaw. The research questions are what problems the city faced in the post-communist transition and how the city tackled these problems. The city faced my challenges, not least its deeply problematic reputation and being unfashionable. This, as well the city's competitive disadvantage, drove outward migration, both to other cities in Poland and abroad. Moreover, the city's industrial, developed according to communist ideals, was ill suited to the modern era and had also led to a misskilled labour force. In attempting to tackle these issues the city relied on tactics such as special economic zones, which may themselves lead to further problems in the future. While the percentage of unemployed remained higher than the rest of Silesia and Poland, the city did succeed in cutting it to a very reasonable level, as well as attracting migrants from abroad, mainly Ukraine. Despite managing to tackle some of the issues it faced, Wałbrzych will never be as popular or prestigious as some cities, which is exactly what makes it such an interesting case studyas many cities across the post-communist space face issues and increasingly seem to be finding similar responses.
Advances in information security, privacy, and ethics book series, 2021
The issue of migration to Europe is one which has experienced increased salience in recent years.... more The issue of migration to Europe is one which has experienced increased salience in recent years. The symbol of this is undoubtedly the image of small, often improvised, vessels attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. In some cases, there have even been attempts to traverse the English Channel. The issue of securitisation is one which can best be understood through the work of the Copenhagen School and particularly the work of Bary Buzan. Therefore, this chapter analyses the various legal regimes applicable to the different NATO countries whilst operating on the high seas where the application of such regimes is more questionable. Based on the analysis of relevant areas of law, it appears that the US is better situated, at least from a legal perspective, to conduct naval operations for the protection of the European southern border than the European states themselves. However, what is legally possible is only part of the consideration, as the political will is also an important consideration.
IGI Global eBooks, 2020
Rather than seeing recent Russian actions as part of a grand strategy or master plan, it is worth... more Rather than seeing recent Russian actions as part of a grand strategy or master plan, it is worth taking a moment to consider the opposite – that such actions may be reactive measures from a regime more lacking grand strategies than is generally supposed. Focusing on the issue of Russian minorities in Ukraine, it is clear that while Putin has been most assertive in his utilisation of Russian minorities as a pretext to interfere with Ukraine, the threat to do so is nothing new. Ever since the prospect of an independent Ukraine arose, during the rule of Gorbachev, Russian elites have made implicit and explicit threats which utilised the Russian minority in Ukraine. The fact that Ukrainian compliance had been achieved without having to resort to such measures, which are likely to prove destructive in the long term, should not be taken as part of a grand master plan. Rather, they should be seen as desperate reactive measures of a regime that must have seen less and less available options.
IGI Global eBooks, 2020
The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over five years, despite the best attempts o... more The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over five years, despite the best attempts of the international community to help resolve it. Rather than the EU, UN, or NATO, it is in fact the Normandy Format talks or the Normandy contact group, which is composed of Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and France, which has taken the lead. This chapter considers historical evidence and problems before continuing to analyse the aims of the actors in the conflict, the Normandy Format talks, the ‘Steinmeier Formula', and whether this represents a solution that can satisfy all the actors. The importance of the wider reforms as part of strengthening Ukraine's ability to fulfil its aims and direct its own policy path is noted as essential, as is uncertainty from all actors over longer term prospects for the fulfilment of their aims once a peace agreement has been enacted.
New Perspectives, Jan 13, 2022
There has been much debate surrounding the classification of the kind of regime which developed i... more There has been much debate surrounding the classification of the kind of regime which developed in Russia following the collapse of communism and this has only intensified during the Putin era. This article considers whether the concept of bureaucratic-authoritarianism is really applicable in the case of Russia. Lilia Shevtsova was the first to tentatively state that Russia is a case of bureaucratic-authoritarianism. However, to provide more assured acceptance or rejection of the concept, this article returns to the paradigm’s roots. The concept of bureaucratic-authoritarianism was developed by Guillermo O’Donnell and thus the characteristics he outlined are applied to the case of Russia in the Putin era. Doing so allows for a level of precision and depth in concluding that bureaucratic-authoritarianism is a relevant paradigm. Confirmatory evidence for all seven of the characteristics enumerated by O’Donnell is found, suggesting that Russia in the Putin era can be considered a case of bureaucratic-authoritarianism.
Vestnik Rossijskogo universiteta družby narodov, Aug 31, 2021
This study focuses on the role of Poland and Hungary in the shifting European political landscape... more This study focuses on the role of Poland and Hungary in the shifting European political landscape, especially considering their recent democratic backsliding. Methodologically, the impact of domestic factors, specifically those involved in democratic backsliding, are qualitatively considered as a source of Poland and Hungary's international policy, focusing on European politics. There is significant literature available on the waves and counter waves of democratic change in the world, which is used to provide context for the cases at hand. Then, the theory of consolidation of democracy is considered, including whether Poland and Hungary were really cases of consolidated democracies. The developing Polish-Hungarian coalition, in the European context, is then considered. The two nations' role in driving the EU towards a more restrictive migration policy during the migration crisis is discussed, as is the future EU role of Poland and Hungary. The article finds that whether through extreme pressure, setting the agenda or leading the way, as during the migrant crisis, or forming a new European political grouping, Poland and Hungary look set to actively attempt to mould the EU, and European politics more generally, to their liking.
New Perspectives
This article addresses the contradictory behaviour of the Russian Federation in reacting to the e... more This article addresses the contradictory behaviour of the Russian Federation in reacting to the events of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. The Russian response saw significant aggression, but also seemingly involving inaction or even restraint in other areas. The question is what are some plausible explanations for this contradictory behaviour. In order to answer this question, relevant terminology is defined, then the subnational level is focused on and Most Similar System Design is utilised. Then cases involving significant aggression are considered, before moving on to those seemingly involving inaction or even restraint. Finally, these two elements are reconciled, producing a clear picture of the overall similarities, the inconsistencies and the crucial differences. The article finds the crucial differences to be the level of loyalty to the Kremlin and willingness to engage in collaboration or cooperation. The focus on loyalty to the Kremlin and the issue of willingness to collabo...
Research Anthology on Modern Violence and Its Impact on Society
The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over five years, despite the best attempts o... more The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over five years, despite the best attempts of the international community to help resolve it. Rather than the EU, UN, or NATO, it is in fact the Normandy Format talks or the Normandy contact group, which is composed of Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and France, which has taken the lead. This chapter considers historical evidence and problems before continuing to analyse the aims of the actors in the conflict, the Normandy Format talks, the ‘Steinmeier Formula', and whether this represents a solution that can satisfy all the actors. The importance of the wider reforms as part of strengthening Ukraine's ability to fulfil its aims and direct its own policy path is noted as essential, as is uncertainty from all actors over longer term prospects for the fulfilment of their aims once a peace agreement has been enacted.
Politics in Central Europe, 2020
This review of the historical studies of cleavages and seeks to bridge the gap between the histor... more This review of the historical studies of cleavages and seeks to bridge the gap between the historical study of cleavages and frozen cleavage theory and the post-communist states of Europe which have transitioned to democracy. The study identifies the literature on frozen cleavages and new divides which have arisen transition, as well as the primary actors in their political representation and issue positioning. The key literature in the development of studies on cleavages was provided by Lipset and Rok-kan, but their work focused mostly on Western democracies and did not include any of the countries which were behind the iron curtain at the time. However, the transition of the post-communist nations of Europe are now several decades old. Since the demise of communist regimes in Europe, much literature has been produced on the newly democratic regimes developing there. This article provides a broad overview of general trends in cleavage literature and more specific developments for B...
New Perspectives
There has been much debate surrounding the classification of the kind of regime which developed i... more There has been much debate surrounding the classification of the kind of regime which developed in Russia following the collapse of communism and this has only intensified during the Putin era. This article considers whether the concept of bureaucratic-authoritarianism is really applicable in the case of Russia. Lilia Shevtsova was the first to tentatively state that Russia is a case of bureaucratic-authoritarianism. However, to provide more assured acceptance or rejection of the concept, this article returns to the paradigm’s roots. The concept of bureaucratic-authoritarianism was developed by Guillermo O’Donnell and thus the characteristics he outlined are applied to the case of Russia in the Putin era. Doing so allows for a level of precision and depth in concluding that bureaucratic-authoritarianism is a relevant paradigm. Confirmatory evidence for all seven of the characteristics enumerated by O’Donnell is found, suggesting that Russia in the Putin era can be considered a case ...
RUDN Journal of Political Science
This study focuses on the role of Poland and Hungary in the shifting European political landscape... more This study focuses on the role of Poland and Hungary in the shifting European political landscape, especially considering their recent democratic backsliding. Methodologically, the impact of domestic factors, specifically those involved in democratic backsliding, are qualitatively considered as a source of Poland and Hungarys international policy, focusing on European politics. There is significant literature available on the waves and counter waves of democratic change in the world, which is used to provide context for the cases at hand. Then, the theory of consolidation of democracy is considered, including whether Poland and Hungary were really cases of consolidated democracies. The developing Polish-Hungarian coalition, in the European context, is then considered. The two nations role in driving the EU towards a more restrictive migration policy during the migration crisis is discussed, as is the future EU role of Poland and Hungary. The article finds that whether through extrem...
Analyzing Political Tensions Between Ukraine, Russia, and the EU
The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over five years, despite the best attempts o... more The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over five years, despite the best attempts of the international community to help resolve it. Rather than the EU, UN, or NATO, it is in fact the Normandy Format talks or the Normandy contact group, which is composed of Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and France, which has taken the lead. This chapter considers historical evidence and problems before continuing to analyse the aims of the actors in the conflict, the Normandy Format talks, the ‘Steinmeier Formula', and whether this represents a solution that can satisfy all the actors. The importance of the wider reforms as part of strengthening Ukraine's ability to fulfil its aims and direct its own policy path is noted as essential, as is uncertainty from all actors over longer term prospects for the fulfilment of their aims once a peace agreement has been enacted.
Analyzing Political Tensions Between Ukraine, Russia, and the EU
Rather than seeing recent Russian actions as part of a grand strategy or master plan, it is worth... more Rather than seeing recent Russian actions as part of a grand strategy or master plan, it is worth taking a moment to consider the opposite – that such actions may be reactive measures from a regime more lacking grand strategies than is generally supposed. Focusing on the issue of Russian minorities in Ukraine, it is clear that while Putin has been most assertive in his utilisation of Russian minorities as a pretext to interfere with Ukraine, the threat to do so is nothing new. Ever since the prospect of an independent Ukraine arose, during the rule of Gorbachev, Russian elites have made implicit and explicit threats which utilised the Russian minority in Ukraine. The fact that Ukrainian compliance had been achieved without having to resort to such measures, which are likely to prove destructive in the long term, should not be taken as part of a grand master plan. Rather, they should be seen as desperate reactive measures of a regime that must have seen less and less available options.
NATO and the Future of European and Asian Security
Hybrid warfare has become increasingly prominent since the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. T... more Hybrid warfare has become increasingly prominent since the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. The phenomenon may become more and more of a concern for security and defense. This chapter provides some explanation of what the phenomenon itself is, a mode of warfare which embraces conventional capabilities, as well as irregular forces, irregular tactics, and formations, but also includes information warfare and involves both state and nonstate actors. It also outlines some of the steps which NATO and NATO member states have taken since the annexation of Crimea and considers some of the potential future hybrid threats and how they could be defended against. It is noted that in order to counter many threats of hybrid warfare a societal level response is required.
NATO and the Future of European and Asian Security
The issue of migration to Europe is one which has experienced increased salience in recent years.... more The issue of migration to Europe is one which has experienced increased salience in recent years. The symbol of this is undoubtedly the image of small, often improvised, vessels attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. In some cases, there have even been attempts to traverse the English Channel. The issue of securitisation is one which can best be understood through the work of the Copenhagen School and particularly the work of Bary Buzan. Therefore, this chapter analyses the various legal regimes applicable to the different NATO countries whilst operating on the high seas where the application of such regimes is more questionable. Based on the analysis of relevant areas of law, it appears that the US is better situated, at least from a legal perspective, to conduct naval operations for the protection of the European southern border than the European states themselves. However, what is legally possible is only part of the consideration, as the political will is also an important c...
NATO and the Future of European and Asian Security, 2021
The issue of migration to Europe is one which has experienced increased salience in recent years.... more The issue of migration to Europe is one which has experienced increased salience in recent years. The symbol of this is undoubtedly the image of small, often improvised, vessels attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. In some cases, there have even been attempts to traverse the English Channel. The issue of securitisation is one which can best be understood through the work of the Copenhagen School and particularly the work of Bary Buzan. Therefore, this chapter analyses the various legal regimes applicable to the different NATO countries whilst operating on the high seas where the application of such regimes is more questionable. Based on the analysis of relevant areas of law, it appears that the US is better situated, at least from a legal perspective, to conduct naval operations for the protection of the European southern border than the European states themselves. However, what is legally possible is only part of the consideration, as the political will is also an important c...
The Review of European Affairs
The Cold War was a confrontation dominated by dogmatic ideology; the rise of Gorbachev and his at... more The Cold War was a confrontation dominated by dogmatic ideology; the rise of Gorbachev and his attempts to inject new thinking into the Soviet Union were critical in ending that standoff. Generally, Gorbachev was successful in the field of foreign policy and many of his ideas and actions created lasting legacies which have shaped the world today. However, one idea which failed to gain much traction was his proposal regarding a Common European Home. The aim of this paper is to examine how this opportunity was missed or why hasn’t it been taken advantage of, before moving on to analyse whether shared aims, freedoms, values and responsibilities exist between Russia and the EU today. Opinion polling shows that Russian values and opinions are complex, but often similar to other post-communist countries that have successfully become European Union member states. The issue of NATO expansion stands out as more problematic than a lack of shared values between the EU and Russian citizens.
Studies in East European thought, Feb 12, 2024
The Review of European Affairs, 2020
The Cold War was a confrontation dominated by dogmatic ideology; the rise of Gorbachev and his at... more The Cold War was a confrontation dominated by dogmatic ideology; the rise of Gorbachev and his attempts to inject new thinking into the Soviet Union were critical in ending that standoff. Generally, Gorbachev was successful in the field of foreign policy and many of his ideas and actions created lasting legacies which have shaped the world today. However, one idea which failed to gain much traction was his proposal regarding a Common European Home. The aim of this paper is to examine how this opportunity was missed or why hasn't it been taken advantage of, before moving on to analyse whether shared aims, freedoms, values and responsibilities exist between Russia and the EU today. Opinion polling shows that Russian values and opinions are complex, but often similar to other post-communist countries that have successfully become European Union member states. The issue of NATO expansion stands out as more problematic than a lack of shared values between the EU and Russian citizens.
New Perspectives, Mar 23, 2023
This article addresses the contradictory behaviour of the Russian Federation in reacting to the e... more This article addresses the contradictory behaviour of the Russian Federation in reacting to the events of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. The Russian response saw significant aggression, but also seemingly involving inaction or even restraint in other areas. The question is what are some plausible explanations for this contradictory behaviour. In order to answer this question, relevant terminology is defined, then the subnational level is focused on and Most Similar System Design is utilised. Then cases involving significant aggression are considered, before moving on to those seemingly involving inaction or even restraint. Finally, these two elements are reconciled, producing a clear picture of the overall similarities, the inconsistencies and the crucial differences. The article finds the crucial differences to be the level of loyalty to the Kremlin and willingness to engage in collaboration or cooperation. The focus on loyalty to the Kremlin and the issue of willingness to collaborate is revealing.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jul 13, 2022
This article focuses on Wałbrzych as a microcosm of post-communist transition, taking inspiration... more This article focuses on Wałbrzych as a microcosm of post-communist transition, taking inspiration from Microcosm: Portrait of a Central European City by Norman Davies and Roger Moorhouse, which focused on Wroclaw. The research questions are what problems the city faced in the post-communist transition and how the city tackled these problems. The city faced my challenges, not least its deeply problematic reputation and being unfashionable. This, as well the city's competitive disadvantage, drove outward migration, both to other cities in Poland and abroad. Moreover, the city's industrial, developed according to communist ideals, was ill suited to the modern era and had also led to a misskilled labour force. In attempting to tackle these issues the city relied on tactics such as special economic zones, which may themselves lead to further problems in the future. While the percentage of unemployed remained higher than the rest of Silesia and Poland, the city did succeed in cutting it to a very reasonable level, as well as attracting migrants from abroad, mainly Ukraine. Despite managing to tackle some of the issues it faced, Wałbrzych will never be as popular or prestigious as some cities, which is exactly what makes it such an interesting case studyas many cities across the post-communist space face issues and increasingly seem to be finding similar responses.
Advances in information security, privacy, and ethics book series, 2021
The issue of migration to Europe is one which has experienced increased salience in recent years.... more The issue of migration to Europe is one which has experienced increased salience in recent years. The symbol of this is undoubtedly the image of small, often improvised, vessels attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. In some cases, there have even been attempts to traverse the English Channel. The issue of securitisation is one which can best be understood through the work of the Copenhagen School and particularly the work of Bary Buzan. Therefore, this chapter analyses the various legal regimes applicable to the different NATO countries whilst operating on the high seas where the application of such regimes is more questionable. Based on the analysis of relevant areas of law, it appears that the US is better situated, at least from a legal perspective, to conduct naval operations for the protection of the European southern border than the European states themselves. However, what is legally possible is only part of the consideration, as the political will is also an important consideration.
IGI Global eBooks, 2020
Rather than seeing recent Russian actions as part of a grand strategy or master plan, it is worth... more Rather than seeing recent Russian actions as part of a grand strategy or master plan, it is worth taking a moment to consider the opposite – that such actions may be reactive measures from a regime more lacking grand strategies than is generally supposed. Focusing on the issue of Russian minorities in Ukraine, it is clear that while Putin has been most assertive in his utilisation of Russian minorities as a pretext to interfere with Ukraine, the threat to do so is nothing new. Ever since the prospect of an independent Ukraine arose, during the rule of Gorbachev, Russian elites have made implicit and explicit threats which utilised the Russian minority in Ukraine. The fact that Ukrainian compliance had been achieved without having to resort to such measures, which are likely to prove destructive in the long term, should not be taken as part of a grand master plan. Rather, they should be seen as desperate reactive measures of a regime that must have seen less and less available options.
IGI Global eBooks, 2020
The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over five years, despite the best attempts o... more The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over five years, despite the best attempts of the international community to help resolve it. Rather than the EU, UN, or NATO, it is in fact the Normandy Format talks or the Normandy contact group, which is composed of Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and France, which has taken the lead. This chapter considers historical evidence and problems before continuing to analyse the aims of the actors in the conflict, the Normandy Format talks, the ‘Steinmeier Formula', and whether this represents a solution that can satisfy all the actors. The importance of the wider reforms as part of strengthening Ukraine's ability to fulfil its aims and direct its own policy path is noted as essential, as is uncertainty from all actors over longer term prospects for the fulfilment of their aims once a peace agreement has been enacted.
New Perspectives, Jan 13, 2022
There has been much debate surrounding the classification of the kind of regime which developed i... more There has been much debate surrounding the classification of the kind of regime which developed in Russia following the collapse of communism and this has only intensified during the Putin era. This article considers whether the concept of bureaucratic-authoritarianism is really applicable in the case of Russia. Lilia Shevtsova was the first to tentatively state that Russia is a case of bureaucratic-authoritarianism. However, to provide more assured acceptance or rejection of the concept, this article returns to the paradigm’s roots. The concept of bureaucratic-authoritarianism was developed by Guillermo O’Donnell and thus the characteristics he outlined are applied to the case of Russia in the Putin era. Doing so allows for a level of precision and depth in concluding that bureaucratic-authoritarianism is a relevant paradigm. Confirmatory evidence for all seven of the characteristics enumerated by O’Donnell is found, suggesting that Russia in the Putin era can be considered a case of bureaucratic-authoritarianism.
Vestnik Rossijskogo universiteta družby narodov, Aug 31, 2021
This study focuses on the role of Poland and Hungary in the shifting European political landscape... more This study focuses on the role of Poland and Hungary in the shifting European political landscape, especially considering their recent democratic backsliding. Methodologically, the impact of domestic factors, specifically those involved in democratic backsliding, are qualitatively considered as a source of Poland and Hungary's international policy, focusing on European politics. There is significant literature available on the waves and counter waves of democratic change in the world, which is used to provide context for the cases at hand. Then, the theory of consolidation of democracy is considered, including whether Poland and Hungary were really cases of consolidated democracies. The developing Polish-Hungarian coalition, in the European context, is then considered. The two nations' role in driving the EU towards a more restrictive migration policy during the migration crisis is discussed, as is the future EU role of Poland and Hungary. The article finds that whether through extreme pressure, setting the agenda or leading the way, as during the migrant crisis, or forming a new European political grouping, Poland and Hungary look set to actively attempt to mould the EU, and European politics more generally, to their liking.
New Perspectives
This article addresses the contradictory behaviour of the Russian Federation in reacting to the e... more This article addresses the contradictory behaviour of the Russian Federation in reacting to the events of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. The Russian response saw significant aggression, but also seemingly involving inaction or even restraint in other areas. The question is what are some plausible explanations for this contradictory behaviour. In order to answer this question, relevant terminology is defined, then the subnational level is focused on and Most Similar System Design is utilised. Then cases involving significant aggression are considered, before moving on to those seemingly involving inaction or even restraint. Finally, these two elements are reconciled, producing a clear picture of the overall similarities, the inconsistencies and the crucial differences. The article finds the crucial differences to be the level of loyalty to the Kremlin and willingness to engage in collaboration or cooperation. The focus on loyalty to the Kremlin and the issue of willingness to collabo...
Research Anthology on Modern Violence and Its Impact on Society
The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over five years, despite the best attempts o... more The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over five years, despite the best attempts of the international community to help resolve it. Rather than the EU, UN, or NATO, it is in fact the Normandy Format talks or the Normandy contact group, which is composed of Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and France, which has taken the lead. This chapter considers historical evidence and problems before continuing to analyse the aims of the actors in the conflict, the Normandy Format talks, the ‘Steinmeier Formula', and whether this represents a solution that can satisfy all the actors. The importance of the wider reforms as part of strengthening Ukraine's ability to fulfil its aims and direct its own policy path is noted as essential, as is uncertainty from all actors over longer term prospects for the fulfilment of their aims once a peace agreement has been enacted.
Politics in Central Europe, 2020
This review of the historical studies of cleavages and seeks to bridge the gap between the histor... more This review of the historical studies of cleavages and seeks to bridge the gap between the historical study of cleavages and frozen cleavage theory and the post-communist states of Europe which have transitioned to democracy. The study identifies the literature on frozen cleavages and new divides which have arisen transition, as well as the primary actors in their political representation and issue positioning. The key literature in the development of studies on cleavages was provided by Lipset and Rok-kan, but their work focused mostly on Western democracies and did not include any of the countries which were behind the iron curtain at the time. However, the transition of the post-communist nations of Europe are now several decades old. Since the demise of communist regimes in Europe, much literature has been produced on the newly democratic regimes developing there. This article provides a broad overview of general trends in cleavage literature and more specific developments for B...
New Perspectives
There has been much debate surrounding the classification of the kind of regime which developed i... more There has been much debate surrounding the classification of the kind of regime which developed in Russia following the collapse of communism and this has only intensified during the Putin era. This article considers whether the concept of bureaucratic-authoritarianism is really applicable in the case of Russia. Lilia Shevtsova was the first to tentatively state that Russia is a case of bureaucratic-authoritarianism. However, to provide more assured acceptance or rejection of the concept, this article returns to the paradigm’s roots. The concept of bureaucratic-authoritarianism was developed by Guillermo O’Donnell and thus the characteristics he outlined are applied to the case of Russia in the Putin era. Doing so allows for a level of precision and depth in concluding that bureaucratic-authoritarianism is a relevant paradigm. Confirmatory evidence for all seven of the characteristics enumerated by O’Donnell is found, suggesting that Russia in the Putin era can be considered a case ...
RUDN Journal of Political Science
This study focuses on the role of Poland and Hungary in the shifting European political landscape... more This study focuses on the role of Poland and Hungary in the shifting European political landscape, especially considering their recent democratic backsliding. Methodologically, the impact of domestic factors, specifically those involved in democratic backsliding, are qualitatively considered as a source of Poland and Hungarys international policy, focusing on European politics. There is significant literature available on the waves and counter waves of democratic change in the world, which is used to provide context for the cases at hand. Then, the theory of consolidation of democracy is considered, including whether Poland and Hungary were really cases of consolidated democracies. The developing Polish-Hungarian coalition, in the European context, is then considered. The two nations role in driving the EU towards a more restrictive migration policy during the migration crisis is discussed, as is the future EU role of Poland and Hungary. The article finds that whether through extrem...
Analyzing Political Tensions Between Ukraine, Russia, and the EU
The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over five years, despite the best attempts o... more The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for over five years, despite the best attempts of the international community to help resolve it. Rather than the EU, UN, or NATO, it is in fact the Normandy Format talks or the Normandy contact group, which is composed of Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and France, which has taken the lead. This chapter considers historical evidence and problems before continuing to analyse the aims of the actors in the conflict, the Normandy Format talks, the ‘Steinmeier Formula', and whether this represents a solution that can satisfy all the actors. The importance of the wider reforms as part of strengthening Ukraine's ability to fulfil its aims and direct its own policy path is noted as essential, as is uncertainty from all actors over longer term prospects for the fulfilment of their aims once a peace agreement has been enacted.
Analyzing Political Tensions Between Ukraine, Russia, and the EU
Rather than seeing recent Russian actions as part of a grand strategy or master plan, it is worth... more Rather than seeing recent Russian actions as part of a grand strategy or master plan, it is worth taking a moment to consider the opposite – that such actions may be reactive measures from a regime more lacking grand strategies than is generally supposed. Focusing on the issue of Russian minorities in Ukraine, it is clear that while Putin has been most assertive in his utilisation of Russian minorities as a pretext to interfere with Ukraine, the threat to do so is nothing new. Ever since the prospect of an independent Ukraine arose, during the rule of Gorbachev, Russian elites have made implicit and explicit threats which utilised the Russian minority in Ukraine. The fact that Ukrainian compliance had been achieved without having to resort to such measures, which are likely to prove destructive in the long term, should not be taken as part of a grand master plan. Rather, they should be seen as desperate reactive measures of a regime that must have seen less and less available options.
NATO and the Future of European and Asian Security
Hybrid warfare has become increasingly prominent since the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. T... more Hybrid warfare has become increasingly prominent since the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. The phenomenon may become more and more of a concern for security and defense. This chapter provides some explanation of what the phenomenon itself is, a mode of warfare which embraces conventional capabilities, as well as irregular forces, irregular tactics, and formations, but also includes information warfare and involves both state and nonstate actors. It also outlines some of the steps which NATO and NATO member states have taken since the annexation of Crimea and considers some of the potential future hybrid threats and how they could be defended against. It is noted that in order to counter many threats of hybrid warfare a societal level response is required.
NATO and the Future of European and Asian Security
The issue of migration to Europe is one which has experienced increased salience in recent years.... more The issue of migration to Europe is one which has experienced increased salience in recent years. The symbol of this is undoubtedly the image of small, often improvised, vessels attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. In some cases, there have even been attempts to traverse the English Channel. The issue of securitisation is one which can best be understood through the work of the Copenhagen School and particularly the work of Bary Buzan. Therefore, this chapter analyses the various legal regimes applicable to the different NATO countries whilst operating on the high seas where the application of such regimes is more questionable. Based on the analysis of relevant areas of law, it appears that the US is better situated, at least from a legal perspective, to conduct naval operations for the protection of the European southern border than the European states themselves. However, what is legally possible is only part of the consideration, as the political will is also an important c...
NATO and the Future of European and Asian Security, 2021
The issue of migration to Europe is one which has experienced increased salience in recent years.... more The issue of migration to Europe is one which has experienced increased salience in recent years. The symbol of this is undoubtedly the image of small, often improvised, vessels attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. In some cases, there have even been attempts to traverse the English Channel. The issue of securitisation is one which can best be understood through the work of the Copenhagen School and particularly the work of Bary Buzan. Therefore, this chapter analyses the various legal regimes applicable to the different NATO countries whilst operating on the high seas where the application of such regimes is more questionable. Based on the analysis of relevant areas of law, it appears that the US is better situated, at least from a legal perspective, to conduct naval operations for the protection of the European southern border than the European states themselves. However, what is legally possible is only part of the consideration, as the political will is also an important c...
The Review of European Affairs
The Cold War was a confrontation dominated by dogmatic ideology; the rise of Gorbachev and his at... more The Cold War was a confrontation dominated by dogmatic ideology; the rise of Gorbachev and his attempts to inject new thinking into the Soviet Union were critical in ending that standoff. Generally, Gorbachev was successful in the field of foreign policy and many of his ideas and actions created lasting legacies which have shaped the world today. However, one idea which failed to gain much traction was his proposal regarding a Common European Home. The aim of this paper is to examine how this opportunity was missed or why hasn’t it been taken advantage of, before moving on to analyse whether shared aims, freedoms, values and responsibilities exist between Russia and the EU today. Opinion polling shows that Russian values and opinions are complex, but often similar to other post-communist countries that have successfully become European Union member states. The issue of NATO expansion stands out as more problematic than a lack of shared values between the EU and Russian citizens.