Vladimir Putin

Insight into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mindset may help the West anticipate and respond to his next moves in the crisis.

The primary tools have been diplomatic condemnation, sanctions, and weapons shipments to Ukraine. More possibilities exist.

Instead of buying Putin's claimed sense of military threat, theorists of realism should see the driver in his disdain for democracy.

Despite the sullen Kremlin attitude so far, there may be more room to advance the diplomatic track with a combination of carrots and sticks.

Censors haven't yet blocked the rhetorical attack from the assembly of hardline veterans, giving the message space and time to spread.

An over-fixation on alliance enlargement in responding to Russia’s buildup will not create lasting stability. The catalysts are more complex.

Even without the oft-discussed scenario of a simultaneous Chinese attack on Taiwan, Putin at least needs Xi's support for a new Ukraine invasion

The US, with Europe, should push back against Russia's aggression while looking for ways to address legitimate grievances.

The US will face many such challenges from Russia and China in the future, so it must learn how to suppress threats like this one.

His five-point plan shows he is ready to fight and optimistic that something can be done, including with Biden's Summit for Democracy.

Continued violence by the Belarus strongman against dissidents and opponents demands a forceful response from the West.

Their summit is pivotal to begin reducing the growing risk of nuclear conflict and get back on track to pare excessive, dangerous stockpiles,