In The Media
Petr Topychkanov
{
"authors": [
"Petr Topychkanov"
],
"type": "legacyinthemedia",
"centerAffiliationAll": "",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center",
"Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center"
],
"collections": [],
"englishNewsletterAll": "",
"nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
"primaryCenter": "Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center",
"programAffiliation": "",
"programs": [],
"projects": [
"Eurasia in Transition"
],
"regions": [
"Levant",
"Middle East",
"Syria",
"Russia"
],
"topics": [
"Security",
"Foreign Policy",
"Global Governance"
]
}
Source: Getty
In The Media
Putin Says He Wants Concrete Proof Before Deciding on Syria
Although Putin’s statements have been seen as flexible rhetoric, Russia’s policy toward Syria has not changed.
Published on Sep 5, 2013
Source: RFI's World News Explained
RFI spoke to Petr Topychkanov, an analyst at the Carnegie Moscow Center, who says Putin's comments are an about-turn from his previous rhetoric supporting Assad. However, despite Putin’s statements, which have been seen as pivoting and flexible rhetoric, Topychkanov maintained that Russia’s policy toward Syria has not changed.
Topychkanov said that the sticking point remains the evidence and confirmation of the use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime or possibly another party, information required by Russia prior to renewed engagement or an alternative course of action. Russia's influence, leadership, and continued support of Assad is a key determinate of the balance of power in the conflict, and as such will prove a major factor in its outcome. The primary juncture on the horizon remains the prospect of a unilateral strike, without UN approval, by the West against regime targets in Syria—this continues to be the main point of concern in relations between Putin's Russia and the West, Topychkanov concluded.
About the Author
Petr Topychkanov
Former Fellow, Nonproliferation Program, Moscow Center
Topychkanov was a fellow in the Carnegie Moscow Center’s Nonproliferation Program.
- Iranian and Russian Perspectives on the Global System
- Premonition of Nuclear ThreatIn The Media
Petr Topychkanov
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
More Work from Carnegie China
- Trump and Xi Are Angling for Three Years of StabilityCommentary
But their "principal to principal" model will only be as effective as the political strength of each leader back home.
Damien Ma
- China Sells Stability Amid American VolatilityCommentary
U.S. unpredictability has allowed China to capitalize on its positioning as the “responsible great power”. Paradoxically, the more China wins the perception game, the more likely expectations will rise for Beijing to deliver not just words but to demonstrate with its deeds.
Chong Ja Ian
- Why Vietnam Is Swinging in China’s DirectionCommentary
Hanoi and Beijing have long treated each other as distant cousins rather than comrades in arms. That might be changing as both sides draw closer to hedge against uncertainty and America’s erratic behavior.
Nguyễn Khắc Giang
- China’s Energy Security Doesn’t Run Through Hormuz but Through the Electrification of EverythingCommentary
Across Asia, China is better positioned to withstand energy shocks from the fallout of the Iran war. Its abundant coal capacity can ensure stability in the near term. Yet at the same time, the country’s energy transition away from coal will make it even less vulnerable during the next shock.
Damien Ma
- Malaysia’s Year as ASEAN Chair: Managing DisorderCommentary
Malaysia’s chairmanship sought to fend off short-term challenges while laying the groundwork for minimizing ASEAN’s longer-term exposure to external stresses.
Elina Noor
