Author: Valerie Hopkins

September 19, 2026 Valerie Hopkins

The Kremlin Has Put Lots of Veterans on the Ballot. Could It Backfire?

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia has said veterans are the “new elite,” but selecting them as candidates is a risk.

Defense and Military Forces Elections Legislatures and Parliaments Politics and Government Putin, Vladimir V Russia Russian Invasion of Ukraine (2022)Yabloko (Russian Political Party

September 16, 2026 Valerie Hopkins

Russia’s Election Result Won’t Be a Shock. What Comes Next Could Be.

Russians are braced for what may follow for the military and economy after a parliamentary election that the Kremlin sees as a means of legitimizing its policies.

Human Rights and Human Rights Violations John Coale Lukashenko, Aleksandr G Political Prisoners Putin, Vladimir V Russian Invasion of Ukraine (2022)Trump, Donald J

August 22, 2026 Valerie Hopkins

How a Trump Envoy Uses Vodka and Dirty Jokes to Conduct U.S. Diplomacy

The diplomat, John Coale, says his personalized approach gets results and matches the president’s style. Critics contend he is giving up too much to an authoritarian leader.