China’s PLA troops in Venezuela is game changer

(Chinese PLA personnel pose with members of Venezuela’s National Bolivarian Armed Forces, March 29, 2019) The reported arrival of Chinese military personnel in Venezuela last weekend is undoubtedly a major event in world politics.  Unlike Russia, which has a history of force projection abroad, this is an extremely rare Chinese move. Although vital Chinese interests …

US, Israel punish Turkey’s Erdogan

(President Erdogan’s supporters celebrate election victory, Ankara, April 1, 2019) “Turkey is a global “swing state.” It has a large and growing economy, a strategic location, a democratic government, and mixed views about prevailing international arrangements. Like the other three global swing states — Brazil, India, and Indonesia — Turkey’s choices will influence whether today’s …