A developing theme

A theme is developing in my posts, that of Russia and international security. This is partly intentional as I find the security situation that Russia (and the world as a result) currently finds itself in as utterly fascinating.

As the ultimate practitioners of realpolitik the Russian state, steered by the siloviki who control it's upper echelons, has awoken from the slow-times endured during the 1990's and appears to be 'back in the game'. Although countless UK/US commentators would have you think otherwise, a strong Russia is not necessarily a malign Russia. The country's slide towards authoritarianism over the past 8 years is well documented and doubtlessly a cause for concern. But we should remember, this is Russia! Previously a world super power, with the largest land mass on earth, 25% of fossil fuel reserves, the second largest nuclear arsenal on the planet and widely accepted as having produced the finest, although at times unscrupulous, intelligence service of the modern age. With all this power apparatus under it's control, you better believe that after sitting on the bench for over a decade Russia wants back in the game.

So in this blog I will be charting Russia's continuing rise, and possible stagnation, on a daily basis. This not to say I will be writing solely on this topic, far from it. I will be addressing topics like cyber-security, online and digital culture, Middle Eastern security, and the global private security industry. But if you are expecting 15 posts per day on Sarah 'Whiskey Tango' Palin's family, you may find yourself disappointed.