The Ukrainian Situation: I Yam What I Yam
There are lots of different ways of looking at the situation in Ukraine—historical, game theoretical, and interpersonal perspectives.
On the Crimean Referendum
More on the pending referendum and some thoughts on elections in authoritarian contexts.
Why Do Dictators Like Kim Jong Un Bother To Hold Fake Elections?
Why do dictators feel the need to pretend that they have the consent of the people over whom they rule?
Rand Paul The GOP Frontrunner?
Calling anyone a front-runner in a race where we’re still two years away from anyone casting votes is silly. Nonetheless, Rand Paul is an interesting guy to watch for those wondering if the GOP has actually changed.
Divisions in Crimea
Crimea is more divided than Russia would have the world believe. Plus: the Crimean government has no legitimacy at the moment.
If Benghazi Doesn’t Damage Hillary Clinton Politically, What Would?
Is there anything that could stop the Clinton juggernaut?
Overselling the Stakes in Crimea
My first piece for The Hill, “Crimea is not Armageddon,” posted this morning.
Western ‘Security Guarantees’ to Ukraine Don’t Say What Commentators Think
The Budapest Memorandums pertain solely to nuclear attacks.
Preliminary Thoughts on the Ukraine Situation
Russian invasion or legitimate secessionist movement? And does it matter?
Yanukovych Out in Ukraine?
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has been forced out of Kyiv—and possibly out of power entirely.
Explaining The Conservative Love Affair With Vladimir Putin: It’s All About Opposing Obama
The bizarre conservative love affair with Vladimir Putin continues.
Americans Have Mostly Negative View Of Putin And Russia
The Cold War may be over, but the negative opinions in the U.S. regarding Russia and its leadership seem to have continued.
“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.
TSA Touts Toothpaste Tube Terror Threat
Just when it became safe to keep your shoes and tablets on, a new threat to the friendly skies has emerged: toothpaste.
New York Times: Time To Grant Clemency to Edward Snowden
The “paper of record” joins the call for some kind of deal with Edward Snowden.
Edward Snowden Declares ‘Mission Accomplished’
In a new interview, Edward Snowden explains his motives for absconding from the country with NSA secrets.
The Cultural Conservative Love Affair With Vladimir Putin Is Quite Odd
Vladimir Putin seems to be getting a lot of love from cultural conservatives in the United States.
Obama Sends Message with Sochi Delegation
The U.S. delegation to Russia’s Sochi Olympics will feature no high profile politicians and several openly gay athletes.
No Previously Published Works Will Enter Into US Public Domain Between Now and 2019
No previously published works have entered the US Public Domain since 1978. And none are scheduled to enter until 1923. So what are we missing?
Time To Play “Let’s Make A Deal” With Edward Snowden?
Without a deal of some kind, it’s quite likely that Edward Snowden will remain beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement or some time to come.
No Fighter Escorts For Santa
You know the Defense budget is getting tight when we can’t spare a few measly fighter planes to escort an imaginary character.
American Public Prefers A Less Interventionist U.S. Foreign Policy
A new poll finds the American public far less supportive of the idea of the U.S. as the world’s policeman.