by Shigeki Hakamada (AJISS-Commentary No.137) PM Putin prepares for the second presidency A good six months before the actual presidential election, it was virtually certain that Vladimir Putin would return to the presidency. Such is the strange “democracy” of Russia. The announcement was followed by Putin’s call to create a Eurasian Union. The plan, unveiled [...]

In the following article David I Steinberg has a major point: Why, if sanctions did not work for decades a prolongation of sanctions will ? Good valuable read !! ————————- PacNet #40 Monday, August 1, 2011 Burma/Myanmar: The Folly of Consistency by David I. Steinberg David I. Steinberg [steinbdi@georgetown.edu] is a Distinguished Professor of Asian [...]

HDFF Weekly Thailand Review 11/7 – 17/7 Summary Thailand remains stable and peaceful this week. The expected future ruling Pheu Thai Party (PTP) is gearing up to take over and has both the media and citizens speculating over future decision making. Ms. Yingluck has announced some of her preparations including policy planning and cabinet formation [...]

HDFF Weekly Thailand Review 04/7 – 10/7 Summary July 3rd has come and gone, displaying the Thai’s ability to hold and participate in peaceful, democratic and overall successful elections. Yingluck Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party won by a large majority and Thailand will soon see the formation of a new cabinet. The economy has [...]

HDFF Weekly Thailand Review 27/6 – 03/7 Summary The Pheu Thai and Democrat parties will wrap up a spirited campaign on Friday with massive Bangkok rallies in front of tens of thousands and broadcast live on satellite TV and streamed online. Then, it’s time for the election. Some 2.6 million people, including 1.07 million in [...]