The Slings and Arrows of Defending a Church in Wartime Ukraine

It’s probably not a good use of time responding to Twitter users such as @officejjsmart @JayinKyiv et al., but these people are simply not telling the truth. Lies and dishonesty sometimes should be confronted instead of ignored. I’m no “pal” of Tucker Carlson. The ony time I’ve ever spoken with him was during that interview. […]

Departures Podcast featuring Nicolai Petro, author of ‘The Tragedy of Ukraine’

As the war in Ukraine rages on into its second year, there remains little consensus or understanding of how the conflict could be resolved outside of military outcomes, and a persisting misunderstanding on behalf of the West regarding Ukraine’s own internal preexisting social divisions. This week we’re pleased to have a special guest, Dr. Nicolai […]

Departures Podcast featuring Karl Schlögel, author of “The Soviet Century: Archaeology of a Lost World”

From the Russian Revolution of 1917 to the chaotic disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, there is a dazzling and disorienting array of histories. While many books detail the lives and politics of Soviet leaders, Karl Schlögel invites us to better understand the experience of the country through the lives lived by more common […]

New White Paper Details Attacks on Religious Freedom in Ukraine; Urges Washington to Oppose Controversial Draft Law

The following press release was distributed to media today: WASHINGTON DC, JANUARY 3, 2024 – Warning of the Ukrainian government’s imminent passage of the controversial Draft Law 8371, the law firm of Amsterdam & Partners LLP is today releasing a new white paper detailing sweeping abuses of human rights and violations of religious freedom by […]

Departures Podcast featuring Yale Law Professor Samuel Moyn

Following the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists, President Joe Biden began to refer to America’s support for the Israeli offensive into Gaza as one that was equally aligned with US support for the war in Ukraine. This was a narrative that proposed that in both cases evil forces had attacked the innocent, […]

Departures Podcast featuring Maximilian Hess, author of ‘Economic War’

As Russia’s conflict with Ukraine grinds deep into year 2, there are signals of impatience and exhaustion among the country’s key supporters in the United States and Europe, and increasing chatter about “stalemate” and pushing Kyiv to the negotiating table. But even for the staunch isolationists who view the outcome of the conflict through the […]

Open Letter to the Verkhovna Rada on Draft Law 8371 Attacking Religious Freedom

The following letter was distributed to all members of Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, ahead of the second reading and expected passage of Draft Law 8371 by Robert Amsterdam of Amsterdam & Partners LLP. Amsterdam & Partners LLP represents the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Ruslan Stefanchuk Chairman, Verkhovna Rada Ukrainy Oleksandr Kornienko, 1st Deputy Chairman, Verkhovna […]

Law Targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is a Disgraceful Transgression of Civil Rights

The following press release was distributed to media today. Ukrainian Orthodox Church Appoints Amsterdam & Partners LLP to Defend Against Attack on Religious Freedoms The Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has announced the appointment of international lawyer Robert Amsterdam of Amsterdam & Partners LLP to assist the international response to escalating attacks by the Government of […]

Departures Podcast featuring Jade McGlynn, author of ‘Memory Makers’

As Russia’s catastrophic war in Ukraine lurches its way toward another winter, an interesting debate is emerging regarding some of the fundamental ideas of Russian nationalism which has underpinned Vladimir Putin’s casus belli, often including specifically misleading characterizations of history being used as a mobilizing force. In considering the relative complacency if not broad support […]

Departures Podcast with Samuel Ramani, author of ‘Russia in Africa’

Amid a slew of headlines highlighting Vladimir Putin’s efforts to expand Russia’s footprint in Africa since the beginning of the Ukraine war, a certain narrative is emerging regarding Moscow’s aims, tactics, and results in this crucial but often neglected region. Is Russia’s presence in Africa a threatening menace or merely an empty gesture? As it […]