Hu Jintao Removed From National Congress of the CCP (2022)

During the National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party , former president Hu Jintao was removed. The incident generated much international attention in 2022. The explanation was that Hu Jintao was feeling unwell. The escorting of the former president was thought to be political removal. President Xi Jinping has become one of China's most powerful head of state. Making Hu Jintao retire or no longer participate in the National Congress demonstrates a change in political direction. During the Hu Jintao era, China was expanding its foreign relations and opening up to more foreign investment. The 2000s was the period of being more open, which was demonstrated by the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The era of  coexistence and understanding was ended with the Asia pivot. President Xi Jinping responded to the sudden anti-China foreign policy from North America and Europe. When President Hu Jintao left office in 2013, relations were already in deterioration due to the rebalancing to the Pacific. Hu Jintao no longer has a large role in the CCP. His removal during the National Congress session demonstrates that President Xi Jinping wants move the CCP away from the influence of senior leaders. 

North Korean Involvement in The Russia-Ukraine War

 

Reports have been circulating that North Korea has sent Russia troops to Ukraine. Russia and North Korea have become more close over the years. Despite the fact Russia abandoned communism in 1991, North Korea sees the Russia alliance as critical. North Korea has been forced into isolation through sanctions and the United Nations. Video was also posted showing North Korean soldiers putting on gear with Russian soldiers. The North Korean forces are allegedly active in Kursk. Ukraine launched attacks inside of Russia. As the proxy war expands, more countries will get involved. North Korea's motivation could be a way to prevent future attacks by NATO. North Korea could be subject to a NATO intervention. Another motive is to get access to Ukraine's wheat. North Korea struggles with food security. Getting access to Ukrainian wheat could solve this problem. South Korea might react by supporting Ukraine with troops. North Korea and South Korea have been in a state of war since the Cold War. That would mean the tension on the Korean peninsula would spill over into Eastern Europe. NATO and South Korea have given conflicting numbers about the total number of North Korean forces. South Korea has stated it could be a total of 12,000 North Korean forces. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte put the number at 10,000. The numbers might be exaggerated for other reasons. It might be used as a justification for EU countries to attack North Korea. North Korea entering the war does not change the status in Eastern Europe. The Russian Federation is getting closer to winning the conflict. North Korea most likely is acting as a substitute for Belarus. Belarus did not send its forces to Ukraine. North Korea possibly going there as minor auxiliary support.   

The Paris Peace Conference (1919)

 

After World War I, the Allies carved up the colonies of the Central Powers. The German Empire, The Ottoman Empire, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire no longer existed. New states emerged in Europe. The Russian Empire transformed into the Soviet Union after the Russian Revolution. Asian and African colonies of Germany and Turkey were taken over by France and the British Empire. The mistake of the Paris Peace Conference was that it kept European colonial  imperialism intact. The British Empire and France saw  the conference as a way to expand their territory. France insisted on harsh punishment for Germany. The War Guilt Clause placed most of the blame on Germany. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was more responsible for the outbreak due to its actions in Serbia. The footage shows the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. It went into effect in 1920. Italy even though it fought with the Allies got little of what it was promised. African and Asian independence movements were ignored and not invited to the Paris Peace Conference. Racism and European domination of the globe was to be preserved. The penalties of the Treaty of  Versailles and economic crisis created an atmosphere for fascism to rise. The war to end all wars would lead to another violent conflict in 1939.    

The Rise of Paetongtarn Shinawatra

 

The Shinawatra dynasty appears to be resilient. Thailand has made Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Coups have not stopped the family from having political influence. Much of their power resides with the royal elites. Some question the new prime minister's credentials.  Paetongtarn Shinawatra background is mostly in business, not government. The change in government means a shift in foreign policy. What this means for neighbors such as Myanmar and Laos is unknown. Thailand has since 2014 seen political instability and corruption. Both Yinluck and Thaksin Shinawatra were deposed by coups. There is the fear that Paetongtarn could have a similar fate. Her promise to boost economic growth may make some Thai citizens optimistic. However, such promises have been made before. The return of the Shinwatras demonstrate the decline into an illiberal state. The alliance with conservatives and royal elites undermines the democratic system. Coups and a corrupt Thai Constitutional Court prevent anyone from making needed changes to the political system. The military and judiciary need reforms. The royalty  has an abnormal amount of influence, which should not be in a constitutional monarchy. Paetongtarn Shinawatra might be a puppet to the conservative and royal political factions. The youth are growing more frustrated with the lack of substantive change. Paetongtarn Shinawatra could face both public discord and internal confrontation in government.     

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Gets 51% of The Vote

 

The National Electoral Council stated that President Nicolas Maduro won 51 % of the vote. The NEC also revealed that Edmundo Gonzalez got 44%. The opposition has made the claim of electoral fraud, but has not produced evidence. The Maduro administration has faced external inference and internal discord. Much of the internal dispute comes from right-wing political factions. President Nicolas Maduro's administration has presided over a struggling economy. The reason is sanctions imposed by other countries. Venezuela has some of the largest oil reserves in the world. This makes the country a target of larger powers. Nicolas Maduro wants to continue the revolutionary Bolivarianism of Hugo Chavez. The challenge is he lacks the charisma and skill of the former president. What works in his favor is survival. President Maduro has been able to avoid being victim of regime change or internal intrigue. The administration has been in power 11 years. The reason Venezuela survives is because it allies itself with other leftist governments. Nicaragua and Cuba are two countries that are essential to Venezuela's regional diplomatic ties. Brazil and Colombia are also going to become more important to Venezuela overtime. The best chance of fighting sanctions is expanding connections with African and Asian nations. Turbulence in the Middle East could elevate the importance Venezuelan oil. The US might have to normalize relations and lift sanctions to get access to it. President Nicolas Maduro still has to navigate regional hostility, threats from the EU, and right-wing plots.      

Crisis In Bolivia

 

Bolivia almost had another coup. Compounded by economic challenges it has not maintained stability. This has been the case since 2019. The overthrow of Evo Morales left Bolivia subject to a far-right turn in politics. Although the attempted coup was thwarted, questions remain. These events are going to have an impact on the 2025 presidential election. The coup attempted has been traced to general Juan Jose Zuniga. Others have accused President Luis Arce of trying to do a self coup. This is not new to South America. President Alberto Fujimori of Peru did this in 1992.  So far, there is no evidence to prove this claim. The biggest concern is the growing split in the Movement for Socialism. Evo Morales wants to run for office once more, but the Constitutional Court is barring him. The motivation is a political one. The changes made under former president Jeanine Anez remain in place. The election of Luis Arce was a sign of a return to normalcy. Inflation and other economic concerns are the center of attention. The average Bolivian is being harmed by slow economic growth. Arce only presented the illusion of a return to a stable nation. Bolivia is experiencing a shortage of US dollars, a decrease in foreign reserves, and a fiscal  deficit. One reason general Zuniga attempted a coup was that he accused the government of impoverishing Bolivia. President Luis Arce was an economist and was appointed economic minister in 2006 by Evo Morales. The assumption was that he would be able to solve Bolivia economic hardship. Bolivia is rich in natural resources and should be able to generate more business. Slow economic growth contributes to coups and political factionalism in MAS. If these concerns are not address Bolivia could lapse into greater instability.  

Imran Khan's Imprisonment

 

Pakistan is facing another political crisis. Imran Khan is now imprisoned on charges that observers believe has a political motivation. Removed from office in 2022, some would claim this was another coup. Pakistan has a long history of coups and Khan may have been victim to one. It is no coincidence that Nawaz Sharif has emerged. His intent is to form a coalition government. The Pakistan Tehreek -e-Insaf  Party is popular and polls predict a victory in the elections. Nawaz Sharif is favored by the military establishment and might intervene on his behalf. The Pakistan Muslim League needs a coalition to attain power. Even though other political parties and organizations are being suppressed, the PLM-N cannot assert full control. The Pakistan People's Party is also a major factor in elections. The two political dynasties which include the Sharifs and the Bhuttos are part of the political establishment. Keeping Khan imprisoned appears to be a means of stopping another political force emerging in the country. The Supreme Court should provide evidence and legal justifications for punishment. Otherwise Pakistan will resemble past military regimes . If Imran Khan were to be free, it is possible he could return to power. The military and Nawaz Sharif do not want him released, because Imran Khan would be a formidable political opponent. The dedication to the status quo has created more polarization in Pakistani society. Imran Khan's imprisonment is a reminder of how the military undermines the democratic institutions of Pakistan. 

Kim Ju-ae And North Korea

 

Kim Ju-ae  is the daughter of  supreme leader Kim Jong Un. It is assumed that the head of state has three children. They rare make public appearances. Kim Ju-ae made was first seen in public in 2023. It was at a missile launch, which is not common. Images of Kim Jong Un's kids are rare. Not being seen in public could be a security measure. Kim Ju-ae being seen with her father makes some observers speculate about her being a future successor. The public appearances are more than just for propaganda. The image of a happy family can be useful to the regime. The Kim family has ruled North Korea since 1948. To a degree it is more of a dynastic monarchy, rather than a one party communist state. The Kim family does not consider itself royalty and never officially declared the government to be. The office of supreme leader is inherited. While Kim Ju-ae is still a child, Kim Jong Un could be positioning her to be the next supreme leader. The complications from this could be from siblings or a military that wants to takeover. Transitions of power might become more unstable as time goes on. If there was a collapse of North Korea, then refugees would be the result. South Korea and Japan would not be willing to provide safety. If Kim Ju-ae does become supreme leader in the future, uncertainty remains about domestic affairs and North Korea's foreign policy. 

Syria's Growing Diplomatic Relations With China

 

Syria and China are expanding their diplomatic relations. The motivation for Syria is to circumvent France, the UK, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, US, and Qatar. These countries were aiding terrorist organizations and armed groups during the civil war. Seeking a stronger alliance is a means of deterring a possible NATO intervention. Syria is now back in the Arab League. This demonstrates that Syria was able to avoid being isolated in the West Asian region. Syria has not been isolated in the Global South. It will no longer have positive relations with the West considering the sanctions and attempts to overthrow the government. China could be a useful investor in a country that requires reconstruction. Bombings from Israel and the civil war has damaged infrastructure. China wants to have more extensive diplomatic relations with the Arab world. Then there is the concern about China's access to oil. Chinese firms could return to Syria, but the US occupation of certain areas and terrorist organizations are security concerns.  The Chinese energy firms Sinopec Corp, Sinochem, and CNPC were forced to leave. The civil war made it impossible to operate. The firms invested $3 billion in Syria between 2008 and 2009. President Xi Jingping appears to want to reverse a decade long absence of investment in Syria. President Assad was able to survive with Russian military assistance. Now Syria is getting economic aid. Now that Syria is a member of the Belt and Road Initiative  it could get greater access to the East Asian economy. 

Haiti Could Be Invaded By Kenya

 

An African nation could be invading a Latin American country. The United States has convinced Kenya to sign a defense agreement to deploy troops in Haiti. The justification of  stopping gang violence and lawlessness has been used for an invasion. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed the agreement with Kenya's Defense Minister Aden Dulae. Kenya would be leading the mission into Haiti. The multinational force is not about restoring order or human rights protection. The United States is using other nations to be regional enforcers in Latin America. The intent is to keep an unpopular regime in power. Prime Minister Ariel Henry requested assistance from the international community to save his government. The United Nations has been supportive of military intervention. All the the UN missions in Haiti have left the country in a worse condition. The reason military intervention has not occurred sooner is because few countries want to volunteer. The only way to stop a military strike is if the UN Security Council does not approve a mandate. The way of hiding imperial designs is by having Global South nations engage in most of the fighting. The optics of  European countries occupying Haiti would increase suspicion of intent. Kenya has been involved in missions in Kosovo, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is why the US reached out to Kenya. The interest in Haiti is in the untapped naturals resources in its territory. Iridium and gold are present in the country. Haiti has oil, but all of the sites are not fully explored. Natural gas potential has not been unlocked either. The reason Haiti is attacked by various nations is due to its wealth. Destabilization, corrupt government, and foreign occupation hinder economic development. A Kenyan led military mission will cause another humanitarian crisis in which Haiti cannot not recover from. What Kenya does in Haiti could cause controversy on the African continent itself.      

Paul Kagame Seeking A Fourth Term

 

President Paul Kagame is going to run for a fourth term. Doing this is no shock considering the 2015 constitutional amendment . For two decades Rwandan politics has been dominated by one president.  The difference now is the African continent has been turning against longtime leaders and those deemed as puppets of  the West. Gabon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Sudan have seen leaders deposed. Rwanda has had the same president since the year 2000. The presidential terms are seven years. This means Paul Kagame could remain in office up until 2034. Some suspect that another constitutional amendment could be made in the coming years. The end of presidential term limits would mean Paul Kagame could be president for life. The Green Party seeks to defeat him at the polls, but the Rwandan Patriotic Party has a powerful grip on the political system. Frank Habineza is seeking to become Rwanda's next president. The invention in Mozambique, the Rwandan asylum plan, and the status of relations with Uganda are going to be pivotal topics in the election. There is considerable controversy about the Rwandan government's support for the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of The Congo. The concern is that Ugandan and Rwandan involvement in the DRC could create a wider regional conflict. The DRC and Ugandan forces have fought the Allied Democratic Forces. Armed groups and longtime leaders are making the region more unstable. There is the fear of what  would happen with the end of  the Paul Kagame era. This explains why voters might support him, even with  growing diplomatic concerns and military engagements.  

Gabon's Government Says Ali Bongo Is Free From House Arrest

 

Ali Bongo according to the government is allowed to move freely. The president of Gabon prior to this released a video in which he asked for assistance. The video was not a political prisoner asking for help, rather an indirect message for military intervention. Ali Bongo assumed that France would come to restore him to office. France is the reason the Bongo family has remained in power for half a century. The government states that he was released on medical grounds. Ali Bongo is free to go abroad for medical check-ups. What it sounds like is that the government is encouraging exile. Some might have the desire to see the Bongo family prosecuted for crimes that took place for the past 55 years. The country is not entire free of the family. The current president Brice Nguema is a cousin of Bongo. This is the reason why Ali Bongo might not be charged or remain incarcerated. Ali Bongo does have health concerns considering he did suffer a stroke five years ago. The Nguema government does not want to be accused of trying to worsen Ali Bongo's health. The coup was a bloodless one and there is no desire to have a civil war. A trial might not happen. Enough evidence has to be gathered to expose wrong doing. While there is evidence of kleptocracy, Bongo loyalists might still have an influence on the criminal justice system. Ali Bongo could remain free and unpunished. The Bongos could face charges such as embezzlement, electoral fraud, and  human rights abuse. 

The Status of Togo

 

The change in government in Gabon will have an influence over Togo. Togo also shares a border with Burkina Faso, which has a new military regime. President Faure Gnassingbe has been the Togolese head of state since 2005. Since 1967 one family has ruled Togo. Gabon and Togo are similar in this regard. The sons inherited the presidency from their fathers. The northern region has become more unstable with infiltration of terrorist groups. Part of this was the reason for the drastic change in state security. The ministry of the armed forces became part of the presidency. The intent is not about fighting terrorist organizations or armed groups. The policy established in 2022 was designed to secure the power of the Gnassingbe family. The measure was a presidential decree to ensure President Faure Gnassingbe remains in power. The state will become more authoritarian in the face of changing governments in the region. Political opposition is not strong enough to vote President Faure Gnassingbe out of office. Demonstrations were held in 2017 and 2018. These had little effect on the government. If ECOWAS actually does intervene in Niger, Togo would probably support it. The hope is that if there was a coup in Togo, ECOWAS would come to the aid of President Gnassingbe. A conflict would draw Benin in as well, while destabilizing Ghana and Nigeria. The parliament approved the constitutional change which would allow Faure to remain in office to 2030. The next election would be in 2025 and terms are a total of five years. President Faure Gnassingbe could  convince the parliament to eliminate term limits completely. Considering the changes to the security apparatus, it appears Faure will not be subject to removal like other longtime leaders in West Africa. The presidential election of 2025 could tear the Togo apart. The Gnassingbe family's grip on power is similar to the governments  of Syria, North Korea, Chad,  and Cambodia. One family has dominance over the nation's politics. Togo as the years pass could be built up as a bulwark against the newly formed military regimes in West Africa.    

Niger Under Threat Of Military Intervention

 

The military coup in Niger has created a regional crisis. Now Niger faces threats of military intervention. ECOWAS stated that it will invade Niger if diplomatic efforts fail. At the moment a stand by force is being made ready for a military operation. This is not the first time ECOWAS invaded another state. Gambia was subject to invasion when President Yahya Jammeh refused to give up power. What this military operation would be is to restore President Mohamad Bazoum to office. France also seeks to strike Niger. America's longtime involvement in the country has been known. Interfering in the internal matters of another state will cause complications. A war in Niger will certainly cause challenges for Algeria, Libya. and Nigeria. Nigerians would not tolerate a occupying force in their country. ECOWAS cites that intervention in Liberia and Gambia was a success. However, Niger is a different situation. The African Union appears to prefer a diplomatic approach. Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Cape Verde might come to the aid of Niger. These countries have military governments and came to power around the late 2010s to 2020s. ECOWAS would not be fighting one country, but multiple West African states. Talks of intervention only make the military junta more popular in Niger. Since the treason charge of President Mohamad Bazoum, more international condemnation came. The United Nations and European Union  expressed concern about his condition. The motives of the major world powers are to have more influence in Africa and gain more of its natural resources. Fighting terrorism or restoring constitutional order are just excuses to invade. The Nigerians  should be the ones to determine who leads the country. Instead ECOWAS and France are going to decide that matter.  

Hun Sen Will Hand Power To Hun Manet

 

Hun Sen is one of the longest serving heads of state in the world. The longtime Cambodian prime minister made the announcement he will resign. Hun Sen's son Hun Manet will be his successor . This was a surprise considering that the Cambodian People's Party has remained dominant. The election victory has been questioned as many cite the political opposition was unable to operate. A 38 year reign of Hun Sen continued enabled by an autocratic state apparatus. The National Rescue Party was in no position to challenge the rule of the Hun family. Prime Minister Hun Sen will not retire from public life. He will maintain involvement in the government. The National Election Committee has the ability to prevent certain political parties from running. Hun Manet has an advantage coming into office. He is chief of Cambodia's army. This means the military has loyalty to him and can be used to suppress revolts. Cambodia's political system resembles that of Thailand and North Korea. The military has large amounts of influence in Thailand. North Korea has a dynastic system of succession under a one party state. Countries like Syria, Togo, and Chad share this trait even though they are not monarchies. Hun Sen's term is five years, but he did not specify a date for the transfer of power. No specific reason was made public for making the change. Laos and Vietnam are going to have more interest in what happens in Cambodia. Myanmar might find an ally in a Hun Manet regime.   

The Breakdown Of Peace Talks In Yugoslavia (1991)

 

Yugoslavia was facing civil war and ethnic conflict. Around 1991 Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia were on the verge of a massive war. The truce talks broke down between Serbia and Slovenia. The biggest concern was about border crossings into western Europe. Customs fees were the dispute and there was a proposal that Slovenia could run the border on the behalf of the Yugoslav government. Economics was playing a role in the tension and hatreds. Slobodan Milosevic no longer was opposing the break-up of the country, but wanted all Serbs united in a single state. The problem was that Serbs were in enclaves located in Croatia and Slovenia. The European Community and the U.S.S.R came to act as mediators in the dispute. It was clear that the EC was not really trying to stabilize the situation. If that were the case Croatia and Slovenia would not have been given recognition as independent states. A unified Germany wanted influence in the Balkans and recognition of Croatia was the first step. Recognition of Slovenia was to follow. Germany's push to recognize both break away republics in 1992 only exacerbated the conflict. The result was a war on European soil not seen since World War II and ethnic cleansing.  

The State of Thai-Burmese Relations

 

The military regime in Myanmar has caused a change in relations with Thailand. The influx of refugees in Thailand has also impacted domestic politics of Thailand. Both countries are under the influence of the military having involvement in political affairs. Thailand had a military coup in 2014 and Myanmar's democratically elected government was deposed in 2021. While Thailand did have elections, the military influence was still present. What happens in Thailand's elections will have an effect on Myanmar. The policy is to support the military regime of Min Aung Hlaing. Both governments are dependent on one another for survival. The case with Thailand is that political opposition has more freedom, but is not effective enough to make dramatic change. The Thai monarchy holds respect among the population and acts as a unifying force in the country. A military regime in Thailand would never try to abolish it, but for the most part it is ceremonial. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha realizes that the junta in Myanmar secures his position in Thailand. As Myanmar slides further into a state of civil war, the possibility of Thai intervention becomes greater. Thailand might not want more refugees to come into their country. Thailand's Myanmar policy increases tension with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Myanmar and Thailand could become isolated in their own region due to certain actions taken domestically and beyond their borders. Depending on what government is in power in Thailand, the Min Aung Hlaing regime has a close ally.  

President Erdogan Wins Another Five Year Term

 

President Erdogan was reelected president of Turkey. Despite the challenges from the earthquake and the civil war in Syria. What the recent developments show is that Erdogan will be a longtime presence in Turkish politics. The concern for Syrian refugees is being deported back to a war torn nation. Kurds still face considerable discrimination and the Erdogan administration has been known to have an anti-Kurdish sentiment. The emphasis on a conservative Islamic society, makes some concerned about the restriction of freedoms. Press freedom has been reduce for the past decade. Islamic nationalism is not enough to solve Turkey's domestic concerns. The earthquakes caused considerable damage and homelessness was a result of that. Infrastructure and economic stabilization should be priorities. Turkey is both a NATO member and has good relations with the Russian Federation. President Erdogan's policy is mediation as a solution to the Russia-Ukraine War. The direction of Turkey's foreign policy has made him a major international figure. Arabs of the Middle East do have a more pressing matter related to President Recep Erdogan's reelection. New Ottomanism shows that Turkey wants to have more influence in the Gulf region. This will not just be in the Middle East, but in North and East Africa. The new Turkish nationalism comes with a religious fervor and refusal to acknowledge past history. Turkey refuses to come to terms with the Armenian genocide. Turkey has long sought to be a part of the European Union, but authoritarian policies in the country prevent that. Considering disagreements related to the recognition of Cyprus and Sweden's entry into NATO EU membership remains stalled. President Erdogan is seeking more power both domestically and on the international stage. 

Tensions in Kosovo

 

Kosovo has seen an increase of tensions between the Serbian and Albanian populations. The NATO intervention in 1999 cased instability in the Balkans. Serbia was attempting to stop a separatist movement active in Kosovo. The end of Yugoslavia came about through civil war and ethnic cleansing. NATO has been present in Kosovo since 1999. Kosovo then announced it was an independent nation nine years later. A NATO force remained. Kosovo could  morph into a puppet state of  the NATO alliance. Serbia declared the 2008 declaration of independence as illegal. The majority of European Union members recognize Kosovo. The Serbs living in Kosovo are concerned about poor treatment from an Albanian majority. Kosovo some Serbs believe is still a part of Serbia. Prime Minister Albin Kurti called for a larger NATO led peacekeeping force. The motivation of the EU is to undermine Serbia's Russian alliance. These two nations have close relations and the conflict in Ukraine strengthened them. The attempt for Kosovo  to get complete international recognition is part of the reason for recent tensions. Then the occupation of the Kosovo Force adds to the complications. The NATO led peacekeeping force has done little to stabilize the Balkans. The process of Balkanization has not stopped. President Aleksandar Vucic expressed his support for Serbs in Kosovo. Being the president of Serbia he views them as citizens of the country. The Brussels Agreement is at risk of collapse. Since 2013 both Serbia and Kosovo agreed to normalize relations. Ethnic conflict and NATO could disrupt the peace.  

Mikhail Gorbachev BBC Interview (2019)

 

Mikhail Gorbachev (1931-2022)  gave an interview to  the BBC in 2019. What was discussed were the tensions between teh Russian Federation and the West. Gorbachev cited nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction as creating causing more hostility between nations. The tension will always bet there if the US and Russia continue to expand their arsenals. What he also condemned was America's nuclear attack on Japan during World War II. To him, it was more about threatening other countries rather than a fast end to the war. Russians do not favor war nor are they seeking another large conflict. Mikhail Gorbachev as General Secretary found out that most of the Soviet citizens were more concerned about a confrontation with the United States compared to other problems. The tension between the EU and Russia now is not another Cold War. The world is falling into a network of proxy wars and a shift to multipolarity. The  choice not to intervene in Eastern Europe in 1989 was out concern for a mass conflict. Gorbachev reveals some were opposed to German reunification, even those who celebrated the fall of  the Berlin Wall. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was not supportive of German reunification. His thoughts on President Putin explain why he is popular among the Russian citizens. The turbulence of the 1990s created a desire for some order. Vladimir Putin is viewed as a stabilizing force. The price paid for that is a more authoritarian system  based around one individual. Gorbachev shows an astute understanding of Russian politics and foreign policy in the interview. The concerns mentioned should be taken seriously by every world leader.