Author: Paulius Razukevicius

Paulius Razukevicius a Foreign and Defense Policy Writer Intern at Our National Conversation (ONC), specializing in global security, international relations, and defense strategy

The United Nations (UN) once symbolized the promise of a world united for peace and security – bulwark against the atrocities of war. Now, it faces unprecedented scrutiny. With the UN’s Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s recent attendance at the BRICS summit – where he met figures widely condemned for their roles in global conflicts – questions have risen about the UN’s capacity to uphold its mission and moral authority. When the organization’s highest representative meets with leaders accused of war crimes, it begs the question: Is the UN still fit for purpose? A Diplomatic Misstep that Challenges Credibility For Guterres,…

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NATO’s Eastern borders are under siege –not by tanks and missiles, but by a far more insidious threat: Russian Irregular Warfare. From disinformation campaigns that erode trust in democratic institutions to covert operations that destabilize border regions, these tactics strike at the heart of NATO’s unity and resilience. If NATO fails to adapt to this shadow war, it risks losing not only its credibility but also the security of the millions it is sworn to protect.  Russia’s Strategic Playbook Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy has emerged as a calculated response to its power asymmetry with Western nations. It leverages non-military tools…

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NATO’s Eastern borders are under siege –not by tanks and missiles, but by a far more insidious threat: Russian Irregular Warfare. From disinformation campaigns that erode trust in democratic institutions to covert operations that destabilize border regions, these tactics strike at the heart of NATO’s unity and resilience. If NATO fails to adapt to this shadow war, it risks losing not only its credibility but also the security of the millions it is sworn to protect. Russia’s Strategic Playbook Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy has emerged as a calculated response to its power asymmetry with Western nations. It leverages non-military tools…

Read More

The United Nations (UN) once symbolized the promise of a world united for peace and security – bulwark against the atrocities of war. Now, it faces unprecedented scrutiny. With the UN’s Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s recent attendance at the BRICS summit – where he met figures widely condemned for their roles in global conflicts – questions have risen about the UN’s capacity to uphold its mission and moral authority. When the organization’s highest representative meets with leaders accused of war crimes, it begs the question: Is the UN still fit for purpose? A Diplomatic Misstep that Challenges Credibility For Guterres,…

Read More

Space is no longer just about exploration – it has become the new battleground for geopolitical dominance. With the U.S., China and Russia competing to control strategic assets in space, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This new “space race” is about more than just technological advancements – it also entails who will set the rules and reap the rewards. The U.S. must not only participate, but also lead in this new era of space competition or risk falling behind both economically and militarily. Guarding the New Battleground The modern space race is much more than just planting flags on…

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The United States military’s presence on NATO’s Eastern Flank is the linchpin of European security, deterring Russian aggression and safeguarding the future of the transatlantic alliance. Removing or even reducing this presence would risk destabilizing a region that cannot afford to stand alone.  Strength in Numbers and Fire Power Currently, around 100,000 U.S. service members are stationed across Europe, with 20,000 surging to Eastern Europe following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Though not directly engaged in combat, U.S. forces play a crucial role in stabilizing the region and supporting Eastern European allies. The U.S. response involved repositioning forces across Europe,…

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The United States military’s presence on NATO’s Eastern Flank is the linchpin of European security, deterring Russian aggression and safeguarding the future of the transatlantic alliance. Removing or even reducing this presence would risk destabilizing a region that cannot afford to stand alone.  Strength in Numbers and Fire Power Currently, around 100,000 U.S. service members are stationed across Europe, with 20,000 surging to Eastern Europe following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Though not directly engaged in combat, U.S. forces play a crucial role in stabilizing the region and supporting Eastern European allies. The U.S. response involved repositioning forces across Europe,…

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