Blog Post from Asia Dispatches
“Cultivating a sense of pride in North Korea’s weapons program is a policy priority under Kim Jong Un, who has used bombs and missiles to build up his standing at home as a military strategist and to muscle his way onto the world stage,” writes Korea Center Director Jean Lee.
Blog Post from The Russia File
“What strikes observers is the culture of public action that has emerged in Russia during the past several years. A common feature of all kinds of protests—those against hazardous landfills near cities, against construction in public spaces, or for access to elections—is the absence of violence. Most of the demonstrations these days do not have clear leaders, yet they are self-disciplined, calm, and goal-oriented,” writes Maxim Trudolyubov.
Commentary
Writing for the Latin American Program, Mumbai-based researcher Hari Seshasayee explores the actions of the two Indian companies who are importers of Venezuelan oil. He illustrates that, in response to previous U.S. sanctions on Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA, Reliance Industries has quickly slashed imports. However, Nayara Energy (formerly Essar Oil), now owned by Russia's Rosneft, has gradually increased imports.
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