Russia Monitor Monthly 7/23
Content
USA versus China: Rivalry for influence in Central and Eastern Europe
On April 22nd, 2020, the editorial office of The Warsaw Institute Review organized an expert debate titled “USA versus China: Rivalry for influence in Central and Eastern Europe”. The event took place in the form of live broadcasts, allowing viewership and active involvement in the debate through social media in the face of the pandemic.
USA kontra Chiny: Rywalizacja o wpływy w Europie Środkowo-Wschodniej
22 kwietnia 2020 roku redakcja The Warsaw Institute Review zorganizowała debatę ekspercką „USA kontra Chiny: Rywalizacja o wpływy w Europie Środkowo-Wschodniej”. Wydarzenie zostało przeprowadzone w formie transmisji live, w obliczu pandemii umożliwiając oglądalność i aktywnie zaangażowanie za pośrednictwem mediów społecznościowych.
Russia Confronts Serious Technical Problems on the Pathway to Curb Crude Output
In line with the OPEC+ agreement struck in mid-April, Russia is bound to reduce its crude output by nearly 25 percent from May 1 onwards. But Moscow could be inept for such a large drop in production in just a two-week time.
China’s medical diplomacy – success or failure?
The Chinese authorities’ reaction to the appearance of the new coronavirus was delayed, as the decision to close down Wuhan, a city with over 11 million inhabitants, was not taken until January 23.
The impacts of Brexit on the security and the defence industry in the European Union and the United Kingdom
On the 31st of January 2020 Brexit became a fact. Now with the help of a special transition period both the UK and the EU are actively preparing for the new reality apart from each other.
Brexit – consequences for Poland and America
Brexit is undoubtfully a true phenomenon in the contemporary European history. Never before have a state completely left the structures of the European Union. What is more, this ‘divorce’ has been fully democratic and based on a popular referendum where Britons could freely voice their opinion about the British membership in the EU.
Ambassador of Poland to the U.S.: In spite of the ongoing coronavirus crisis Poland and the United States will remain strategic partners
The coronavirus pandemic has spread to virtually all corners of the world, with the United States as its new epicenter. How is America faring? How do society and the authorities across the pond view the developing crisis?
Who Will Complete Nord Stream 2?
In December last year, the U.S. Congress voted to impose sanctions against any company that helps Russia go ahead with the last section of its Nord Stream energy pipeline. Thus, Russia has been left with no choice as the only way to complete the project is to finish pipelaying works beneath the Baltic Sea on its own.
China and Africa – “marriage of convenience”?
In the first half of April, recordings of immigrants from Africa camping on the streets of Guangzhou, who were to be evicted, tested and quarantined, were published on the Internet.
Russian Oil Companies Squabble Over New OPEC Deal
A new deal struck in mid-April between major oil-producing nations to slash production is hugely unfavorable for Russia. But with this may come the closure of some of the country’s fields. No wonder that Russian oil companies are now wrangling over how to share out the state’s vowed reductions.
In the Balkans, TurkStream Pipeline Sees Further Delays
TurkStream, a brand-new gas pipeline running from Russia to Turkey, has been in operation since January, yet only partially. There is one string carrying Russian natural gas to Turkey.
The Chinese “window of opportunity” in Serbia
Since Aleksandar Vučić became President in 2017, bilateral contacts with the PRC have clearly intensified, resulting in a number of joint projects and infrastructure investments. Since 2005, their total amount has exceeded USD 10 billion, which is five times more than in the case of Poland (USD 2.18 billion).
Russia’s Shoigu Goes to a Monument War with the Czech Republic
Russia has been at odds with Prague municipal officials over the recent removal of a controversial statue of a Soviet World War II marshal in the Czech capital.
Russia Wages Spy War with Ukraine
The Ukrainian counterintelligence services have detained a security service general on accusations of working for Russia as a spy.
Coronavirus Crisis Hits Hard Russia’s Healthcare, Business and Military
The epidemic outbreak is sending new shockwaves across Russia. On April 14, the country confirmed 2,774 new coronavirus infections, bringing its official figure to 21,000 and marking a one-day record in new cases.
The Chinese display of power near Taiwan
Recently, the Chinese Navy (PLAN – People’s Liberation Army Navy), has been demonstrating its strength in the waters to which it claims the right. On Sunday, April 12, the Chinese flotilla, headed by the first aircraft carrier, sailed along the east and south coasts of Taiwan to carry out exercises.
Small Russian Oil Firms Ask Prime Minister for Help
Deprived of both big resources and state aid, small oil companies are more affected by plummeting oil prices worldwide, which prompted them to call the government for help.
Iran: a system on the verge of its capacity
Iran is one of the most affected countries in the world by the coronavirus pandemic. For a long time, the authorities have not taken drastic steps and considered the manifesto of national unity, such as the celebration of the 41st anniversary of the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the parliamentary elections, as more important. Despite the global crisis, the conflict with the United States has not lost its relevance either.
Coronavirus in Russia: Nationwide Paid Holidays Deliver Severe Blow to Economy
Vladimir Putin’s latest decision to prolong the non-working period in the country to April 30 poses a grave problem to many Russian companies. Business circles have not yet got further policies or a broad stimulus package to support the economy and businesses.
Geopolitics Unmasked: The Curse of Interesting Times
The Chinese phrase May you live in interesting times is not a proverb, but rather a curse. In the United States of America, the new epicentre of COVID-19, even the Great Depression Era may ultimately pale in comparison with the new pandemic aftermath.
Warsaw Institute
