Text resize: A A
Change contrast

Author: Paweł Pieniążek

How to set up your own para-state

Reflecting on the recent examples of para-state-building, it raises the question how possible is it to build a new entity that would survive the tumultuous winds of history. As history suggests, in order to emerge and endure para-states need to follow a well-trodden path to independence and several simple rules.

The 1980s saw the gradual erosion of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia which, in consequence, led to the disintegration of both states. As they began to burst at the seams, a wave of armed conflicts swept through these territories with different groups looking to regain control over disputed lands. Within the former Soviet republics, separatist entities began to declare independence. In the 1990s alone, ten para-states emerged in the former Soviet bloc, out of which four have survived to this day.

April 26, 2018 - Paweł Pieniążek

Russia’s Middle East crusade

Russia’s growing influence in the Middle East is a result of the United States’ lack of strategy in the region. Through its engagement in Syria, Moscow seeks a return to the first league of global players.

In mid-December 2017 Vladimir Putin unexpectedly visited the Hmeimim air base, southwest of the Syrian city of Latakia. He was the first president of a major power to visit the war-torn Syria since the conflict began seven years ago. The visit resembled a victory parade. While the level of triumphalism was clearly over the top, as Syria is still immersed in the fight against the self-proclaimed Islamic State, Putin, two years after sending his troops, can deem his endeavour a success.

February 26, 2018 - Paweł Pieniążek

Poroshenko’s Plan

June 7th was one of most anticipated days in the last few months in Ukraine. With the inauguration of the new president, Petro Poroshenko, came many hopes and the atmosphere was festive and like a holiday.

June 11, 2014 - Paweł Pieniążek

UDAR After E-Day

The recent elections in Ukraine were a difficult test for its established parliamentary parties. There is no doubt that they are all in crisis, except one – Vitali Klitschko's UDAR. After the May 25th elections, UDAR is supported by the new president, Petro Poroshenko, the mayor of the Ukrainian capital and the largest block of deputies in Kyiv’s city council. At the same time they are not engaged in the national government, which is more and more criticised. If there will be early parliament elections this year, UDAR probably will most likely come out on top.

June 2, 2014 - Paweł Pieniążek

Expectations High for the Chocolate King

There were no doubts that the presidential elections, held on May 25th, were won by oligarch Petro Poroshenko. No other candidate could compete with him. In a distant second place was the former prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, with four times less votes than him.

May 26, 2014 - Paweł Pieniążek

Is Everything Going According to Plan?

The destabilisation of south-eastern Ukraine has not been so successful. From eight regions where the pro-Russian mood prevailed, only two remain under control of separatist forces - Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts.

May 14, 2014 - Paweł Pieniążek

In Sloviansk, There is Only One Truth

In the Donetsk oblast, journalists don’t have it easy. Unless they work for the “right” media from “brotherly states”.

April 23, 2014 - Paweł Pieniążek

Poroshenko Versus Who?

On May 25th, the Ukrainians will elect a new president. Although as recently as late 2013 Petro Poroshenko was seen as potential candidate for president his chances were seen as bleak. Today, few believe that he cannot win.

April 4, 2014 - Paweł Pieniążek

Last Chance for European Values

The conflict in Ukraine is probably the last chance to stop the Russian imperialistic “appetite”. If the European Union does not take serious steps, it could be too late. Now is the time to answer the question: Is there still a belief in the power and necessity of European Values or only in economic interests?

March 22, 2014 - Paweł Pieniążek

The Evolution of the Maidan

For more than 80 days, the Ukrainians have been occupying the streets and so far nothing seems to suggest that the situation will stabilise. An unending extension of the sessions of the Verkhovna Rada and a lack of real compromises on the part of the authorities can at any moment lead to new social unrest. Now they fear not only a mass mobilisation but also the use of force.

February 11, 2014 - Paweł Pieniążek

Why Do Eastern Europeans Need the Internet?

The internet as a medium is essentially neutral; it might provide us both with pro-government, opposition and independent content. In this regard it slightly differs from other media.

November 17, 2013 - Paweł Pieniążek

Why Do Eastern Europeans Need the Internet?

The internet as a medium is essentially neutral; it might provide us both with pro-government, opposition and independent content. In this regard it slightly differs from other media.

November 17, 2013 - Paweł Pieniążek

Partners

Terms of Use | Cookie policy | Copyryight 2024 Kolegium Europy Wschodniej im. Jana Nowaka-Jeziorańskiego 31-153 Kraków
Agencja digital: hauerpower studio krakow.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. View more
Cookies settings
Accept
Decline
Privacy & Cookie policy
Privacy & Cookies policy
Cookie name Active
Poniższa Polityka Prywatności – klauzule informacyjne dotyczące przetwarzania danych osobowych w związku z korzystaniem z serwisu internetowego https://neweasterneurope.eu/ lub usług dostępnych za jego pośrednictwem Polityka Prywatności zawiera informacje wymagane przez przepisy Rozporządzenia Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady 2016/679 w sprawie ochrony osób fizycznych w związku z przetwarzaniem danych osobowych i w sprawie swobodnego przepływu takich danych oraz uchylenia dyrektywy 95/46/WE (RODO). Całość do przeczytania pod tym linkiem
Save settings
Cookies settings