It’s about coalitions and ideas. In the multi-polar world Putin sees emerging, Russia needs a stable of pliant allies, who rely on a robust set of norms legitimating autocratic rule.

Is there more than messianic delusion to the Kremlin’s confidence that oil prices will rebound soon? And could Vladimir Putin’s Syria adventure have something to do with it?

Republicans want America to lead again. What happens if the EU’s migration crisis decimates the EU—and our closest allies are neither capable nor willing to follow?

“Middle class” is defined differently in India, Brazil, and South Africa, but all three countries share the same need: for a second wave of reforms to make their middles classes less state-oriented and more entrepreneurial.

All religion is an attempt to answer the question whether we insignificant beings are alone in the universe.

Accepting austerity may not lead to political oblivion, Portugal’s elections show. The government of Mariano Rajoy in Spain is resting easy.

On the advent of a new column here at The American Interest—an homage to Churchill and a reflection on his strengths, not the least of which was whimsy.

The largest audience for Putin’s Syrian concerto isn’t in the Middle East or the U.S. but in Europe.

Sweden’s non-aligned ambiguity is no longer a sound or sensible policy.

President Obama may not have a coherent strategy. But maybe it’s too soon to judge with confidence how the end result of his contradictory, floundering policies might play out—in the Middle East and in the world at large.