Tag: Journalism

The Case for Nordic and NATO Realism

~ Robert Skidelsky

To be a realist in international relations is to accept that some states are more sovereign than others. “Strict realism” now requires that Sweden and Finland pause before rushing into NATO’s arms, and that the Alliance take a step back before accepting them. LONDON – Finland and Sweden have announced that they will apply for NATO membership. But joining … Continue reading The Case for Nordic and NATO Realism

The False Promise of Democratic Peace

~ Robert Skidelsky

Clinging to the assumption that only dictatorships start military conflicts, proponents of democratization believed that the global success of their project would usher in a world without war. But this theory lacks a sound foundation and has produced one disaster after another when put into practice. LONDON – Through persuasion, exhortation, legal processes, economic pressure, … Continue reading The False Promise of Democratic Peace

Times letters: The tough act of following Cressida Dick

~ Robert Skidelsky

UKRAINE DIPLOMACY Sir, In discussing the possible “Finlandisation” of Ukraine, your leading article (“Kyiv’s Cause”, Feb 11) correctly states that it would unacceptable for great powers to enforce such a policy on Ukraine. In his brilliant book The Ambassadors, Sir Robert Cooper explains that Finland’s neutrality was not “enforced” by great powers but was decided by … Continue reading Times letters: The tough act of following Cressida Dick

Exchange of the week: Did the West create the monster?

~ Robert Skidelsky

To the Financial Times Martin Wolf is right to say that Vladimir Putin has ignited an indefensible war against Ukraine. That it is worse than a crime is highlighted by your report on Kharkiv, described as "another Stalingrad". You do not call Ukrainians your brothers then bomb them into submission. Whatever the war's immediate results, … Continue reading Exchange of the week: Did the West create the monster?