Introduction

What are the parallels between Putinist Russia and Syria of Bashar al-Assad? Why is the cult of violence widespread in both countries? Targeting hospitals, humanitarian corridors, and civilian infrastructure - how have Russian tactics in Syria and Ukraine been similar? What are the parallels between the Arab Spring and Ukrainian Maidans? Why is Ukraine important for the Middle East today? UkraineWorld’s chief editor Volodymyr Yermolenko invites Jean-Pierre Filiu, a professor at Sciences Po (Paris), a specialist in the Middle East, and author of the books Apocalypse in Islam and Arab Revolution: Ten lessons from the Democratic Uprising. We held our conversation in Kyiv, where professor Filiu came to teach at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Ukraine’s oldest university. Support us at patreon.com/ukraineworld. Support our humanitarian trips to the frontline areas: Paypal - ukraine.resisting@gmail.com