The Intelligence from The Economist

Bear necessities: learning to handle Russia

Jun 29, 2021
Tensions in the Black Sea escalate as NATO's military exercises draw international attention. While some leaders push for tougher measures against Russia, others advocate for dialogue. In South Korea, a rising conservative leader captures the voice of disaffected young men rejecting feminist values. Meanwhile, in football, players are redefining self-expression through daring haircuts, illustrating how personal appearance can impact confidence and performance on the field. The complex interplay of global politics, gender dynamics, and grooming trends makes for a riveting discussion.
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INSIGHT

Western Approaches to Russia

  • Western politicians have been divided on how to approach Russia's hard power.
  • Some favor dialogue, while others advocate for a tougher stance.
ANECDOTE

Naval Tensions in Crimea

  • Russia responded aggressively to the British warship HMS Defender challenging its claim in Crimean waters.
  • Russian propaganda relished the confrontation, emphasizing Western encirclement.
INSIGHT

European Divisions on Dialogue

  • While some Western nations favor dialogue with Putin, others, particularly those bordering Russia, prefer a more cautious approach.
  • This division creates nervousness in Europe about a potential split with the US.
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