Tuula Koponen has a very interesting account of Poland’s troubled relationship with the European Union in Diplomaatia.ee. It seems like a love-hate relationship where Poland is in opposition to almost everything that the EU stands for, yet the EU is extremely popular among Poles with an 88 percent approval rating. Kaczyński’s policy in Poland is […]
Military strategy and politics
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Why don’t Russians revolt?
Aimar Ventsel asks the reasonable question Why Don’t Russians Revolt? on Diplomaatia.ee. He gives a good account of the deteriorating socio-economic situation in Russia and some interesting explanations why this does not lead to a revolt, including: Vladimir Putin has a magnificent image as a benevolent leader. The notion is that the president is not […]
Finns like NATO less and Russia more compared to last year
Every year the Finnish Advisory Board of Defence Information conducts a survey of the public opinion on defense related issues. Pauli Järvenpää from ICDS has found a few interesting results: [M]ore and more Finns seem to believe in common defense through the country’s EU membership. This year, as many as 70 per cent of those […]
Why does Russia lie about sizes of military exercises?
Lee Litzenberger in War On The Rocks on the possible reasons for Russia to avoid foreign observers at military exercises: Russia pursues this destabilizing behavior, possibly out of a belief that its interests are served by being provocative. There may be several reasons for this. First, Russia may believe that the lack of transparency keeps […]
Book review: War With Russia
General Sir Richard Shirreff’s book is important and educational, but it is mostly for those with an interest in military affairs.
Former NATO chief Rasmussen calls Nord Stream 2 a trap for Germany
Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen to Bild: “Of course, everyone knows the direct link between Mr Schröder and Gazprom but I think the SPD’s view on Nord Stream goes back to Willy Brandt’s Ostpolitik and a view that cross-border commerce can help to build a rapprochement between estranged states. This is a noble […]
Historic procurement of Nordic Combat Uniforms reaches prequalification
The Nordic Combat Uniform (NCU) project is moving ahead with an official invitation to possible candidates for prequalification. The goal is that Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden will buy new combat uniforms together, albeit with national variations in colors and camouflage patterns. By making the procurement together the Nordic countries hope to attract big players […]
Russia continues military line with 2018-2027 armament program
Dmitry Gorenburg in a policy memo for PONARS Eurasia: By the end of 2017, Russian President Vladimir Putin will approve Russia’s State Armament Program for 2018-2027. […] Based on these plans, Russia seems primed to stay ahead of its competitors in some capabilities (anti-ship missiles, electronic warfare, air defenses), narrow the gap in areas such […]
Lithuania gives old weapons to Ukraine
Lithuania has decided to give some of its old weapons to Ukraine. This is some 7000 Kalashnikovs, machine guns, mortars, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment including ammunition. The total value of the weapons is just a little short of €2 million. This is the third time that Lithuania supplies weapons to Ukraine. The first time […]
Lithuania hopes for NATO air defense agreement in 2018
Lithuanian defense minister Raimundas Karoblis says he hopes that the NATO countries can reach an agreement in 2018 on the principles for a comprehensive air defense concept for the Baltic region, writes Delfi.lt. According to the Lithuanian minister the problem is political, as the technical details are mostly worked out. He therefore hopes that air […]