It’s not just the rise of the far right parties that could make cobbling together a tough Russia policy a difficult proposition for Europe. Many EU states have close ties with Russia—and Vladimir Putin knows this.

The blue model approach that New York State’s Democrats have been pushing has done nothing for upstate New York’s job prospects.

China has a leader who understands the importance of military power, grasps that China’s backwards and corrupt military structure can’t serve as the foundation for true great power status, and has the power, the money and the will to do something about it.

Good afternoon, TAI readers! We hope your Memorial Day holiday is going well so far, whether you’re relaxing at home or exploring new places this long weekend. Take the time to look back on what you may have missed during the past week:

Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said Friday that Russia’s new gas deal with its eastern neighbor China will affect gas prices in Europe. The point may be obvious, but it bears repeating: Putin just shored up his position vis-a-vis the West with this $400 billion contract.

Kiev has de facto lost control over Crimea and parts of its east. The way forward is not to fight to get them back by force, however, but to win them back by demonstrating that a pro-EU orientation brings with it prosperity. The West must help make this a reality.

Here’s proof of the madness that is America’s biofuel policy in one graph. According to the EIA’s latest Annual Energy Outlook, our projected ethanol consumption will remain well, well below the levels required by the 2007 Renewable Fuel Standard.

Two start-ups have hatched plans to pair community college students with employers looking for in-demand skills, by providing companies with guarantees of students’ qualifications.

India’s Congress party endured a devastating defeat in the recent elections. Will they be able to make the changes necessary for an eventual comeback?

The GOP could become the “party of innovation,” writes Derek Khanna in the American Conservative. The first step is to revamp its approach to championing small businesses.