Category: Analysis
-
Analysis: Thermobaric Weapons Explainer
Earlier this week, I recorded an explainer about fuel-air explosives with my colleagues at lotuseaters.com. While the term ‘thermobaric weapons’ has been used for decades, it’s recently been ginned up by the media in order to excite people into a state of irrational fear. You can access the full clip here. In summary, thermobaric weapons…
-
Analysis: Ukrainian Military Performance
Now ten days into the conflict, the Ukrainian military appears to be holding firm on all combat fronts. How have they achieved this? Expectations Much of the conversation surrounding the buildup to a possible invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Army dwelt on the assumption that Ukraine would capitulate rapidly. This pessimism was likely informed…
-
Analysis: Russian Military Performance
It has already been a full week since the invasion of Ukraine began. Let us recap the events on the ground, and conclude with analysis of the performance of the Russian and Ukrainian militaries. (The Ukrainian military analysis will follow in tomorrow’s analysis). Progress of the Invasion Russia has made incursions into Ukraine along several…
-
Analysis: Never Go Full Pravda
It has been a remarkable week. Within five days, a new craze has completely conquered the West, a sort of Beatlemania for battle. Coronavirus lies forgotten in the dusty recesses of distant memory. Climate change and LGBT rights have receded from the public discussion, much to the frustration of those who are particularly distressed by…
-
Analysis: The Future of Ukraine
What should happen in Ukraine? The conflict is a humanitarian disaster, and a catastrophe for both the Russian and Ukrainian people. Clearly, a quick peace would be in many people’s interest. However, there are outside powers who would benefit from a long and destructive war. The conflict in Ukraine may develop in a number of…
-
Why Is This War Happening?
We present two different expert opinions on why the war in Ukraine is happening. These opinions provide some context to the short-termist speculations of Western journalists which currently saturate the information ecosystem. Corporate media is currently taking the ‘Iraq line’, namely: Russia is an evil, autocratic empire, Ukraine is a democracy, and if Western policy…
-
Analysis: Sanctions, Media, NATO
22:00, 26th February Many different countries have responded to the invasion by issuing sanctions, and listing all of their statements would be both tedious and inconsequential. The major players in this field are America, Germany, and NATO, while the UK deserves a mention. Japan has also issued sanctions. Germany has suspended the certification process of the…