Brian Taylor
@bdtaylor-su.bsky.social
Professor @SUpolisci and Director of the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs, Maxwell School, Syracuse University. Latest book: Russian Politics: A Very Short Introduction. http://amzn.to/3gdhiFe
Pinned
Brian Taylor
@bdtaylor-su.bsky.social
· Feb 13
5 Must-Read Books To Understand Russia And The War In Ukraine
Recently published books can help readers better understand Russia and the war in Ukraine. Here is a list of must-read books.
www.forbes.com
Honored to be on this list from @forbes.com.
"Taylor packs a wealth of analysis and interesting facts into a compact book.. The book is ideal for anyone who wants a better context for understanding news reports about Putin and Russia."
www.forbes.com/sites/stuart...
"Taylor packs a wealth of analysis and interesting facts into a compact book.. The book is ideal for anyone who wants a better context for understanding news reports about Putin and Russia."
www.forbes.com/sites/stuart...
One local Syracuse story about how Trump & Miller are cruelly and pointlessly destroying people's lives.
"Friends, activists, politicians and a network of total strangers collaborated to keep one Syracuse husband from the clutches of an increasingly heartless federal government."
"Friends, activists, politicians and a network of total strangers collaborated to keep one Syracuse husband from the clutches of an increasingly heartless federal government."
So beautiful to see the community rally around those who are under threat; so infuriating that we have to do it, day after day. Monday night we rallied for two workers at Upstate hospital who were taken, Tuesday we came together for Jeremy & Rick. Let's make it stop! www.syracuse.com/news/2025/11...
When ICE came for Jeremy, Syracuse’s underground railroad helped him escape the country
Friends and family helped a well-known Syracuse man elude detention and flee to France
www.syracuse.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:42 PM
One local Syracuse story about how Trump & Miller are cruelly and pointlessly destroying people's lives.
"Friends, activists, politicians and a network of total strangers collaborated to keep one Syracuse husband from the clutches of an increasingly heartless federal government."
"Friends, activists, politicians and a network of total strangers collaborated to keep one Syracuse husband from the clutches of an increasingly heartless federal government."
I reminisced about my son getting stitches in Altai
The indefatigable Steven Fisher, formerly of Citibank Russia and Citibank Ukraine, has assembled this collection of remembrances from former expats in Russia. There is so much here, so many memories of a Russia vanished. I reminisced about riding the rails ( scottgehlbach.net/posts/4055-r...).
Once Upon a Russia: Voices From a Vanished Era
Amazon.com: Once Upon a Russia: Voices From a Vanished Era: 9781737766346: Fisher, Steven A.: Books
www.amazon.com
November 15, 2025 at 3:58 AM
I reminisced about my son getting stitches in Altai
🚨New book alert!🚨
"Once Upon a Russia: Voices From a Vanished Era," edited by
Steven Fisher.
"Over one hundred vivid, personal accounts from foreigners who lived, worked, or wandered through Russia during a time that now feels irretrievably past." (Including 1 by me.)
At the usual outlets.
"Once Upon a Russia: Voices From a Vanished Era," edited by
Steven Fisher.
"Over one hundred vivid, personal accounts from foreigners who lived, worked, or wandered through Russia during a time that now feels irretrievably past." (Including 1 by me.)
At the usual outlets.
November 14, 2025 at 9:14 PM
🚨New book alert!🚨
"Once Upon a Russia: Voices From a Vanished Era," edited by
Steven Fisher.
"Over one hundred vivid, personal accounts from foreigners who lived, worked, or wandered through Russia during a time that now feels irretrievably past." (Including 1 by me.)
At the usual outlets.
"Once Upon a Russia: Voices From a Vanished Era," edited by
Steven Fisher.
"Over one hundred vivid, personal accounts from foreigners who lived, worked, or wandered through Russia during a time that now feels irretrievably past." (Including 1 by me.)
At the usual outlets.
Reposted by Brian Taylor
Last night was the worst bombing I have experienced in Kyiv since the war began. 7 hours of non stop aerial attacks across the city.
November 14, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Last night was the worst bombing I have experienced in Kyiv since the war began. 7 hours of non stop aerial attacks across the city.
Reposted by Brian Taylor
"Sure, our plagiarism machine ingests enormous amounts of copyrighted material without anyone's permission, but it's the users of the machine who are the 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 criminals, your honor." 🙄🙄
Just unbelievable levels of chutzpah.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Just unbelievable levels of chutzpah.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
November 14, 2025 at 2:39 AM
"Sure, our plagiarism machine ingests enormous amounts of copyrighted material without anyone's permission, but it's the users of the machine who are the 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 criminals, your honor." 🙄🙄
Just unbelievable levels of chutzpah.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Just unbelievable levels of chutzpah.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
This "terrorist and extremist" was a member of the Russian Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights as recently as 2019 and was named one of the "Women of the Year" by the Russian version of Glamour in 2020.
November 13, 2025 at 3:17 PM
This "terrorist and extremist" was a member of the Russian Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights as recently as 2019 and was named one of the "Women of the Year" by the Russian version of Glamour in 2020.
Reposted by Brian Taylor
Levada Center Russia survey: "Would you be more likely to approve or disapprove if a member of your family or loved one signed a contract to participate in the special military operation?"
May 23: 52% approve, 41% disapprove
Apr 24: 47% app, 44% dis
Oct 24: 40% app, 42% dis
Oct 25: 30% app, 55% dis
May 23: 52% approve, 41% disapprove
Apr 24: 47% app, 44% dis
Oct 24: 40% app, 42% dis
Oct 25: 30% app, 55% dis
November 13, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Levada Center Russia survey: "Would you be more likely to approve or disapprove if a member of your family or loved one signed a contract to participate in the special military operation?"
May 23: 52% approve, 41% disapprove
Apr 24: 47% app, 44% dis
Oct 24: 40% app, 42% dis
Oct 25: 30% app, 55% dis
May 23: 52% approve, 41% disapprove
Apr 24: 47% app, 44% dis
Oct 24: 40% app, 42% dis
Oct 25: 30% app, 55% dis
Levada Center Russia survey: "Would you be more likely to approve or disapprove if a member of your family or loved one signed a contract to participate in the special military operation?"
May 23: 52% approve, 41% disapprove
Apr 24: 47% app, 44% dis
Oct 24: 40% app, 42% dis
Oct 25: 30% app, 55% dis
May 23: 52% approve, 41% disapprove
Apr 24: 47% app, 44% dis
Oct 24: 40% app, 42% dis
Oct 25: 30% app, 55% dis
November 13, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Levada Center Russia survey: "Would you be more likely to approve or disapprove if a member of your family or loved one signed a contract to participate in the special military operation?"
May 23: 52% approve, 41% disapprove
Apr 24: 47% app, 44% dis
Oct 24: 40% app, 42% dis
Oct 25: 30% app, 55% dis
May 23: 52% approve, 41% disapprove
Apr 24: 47% app, 44% dis
Oct 24: 40% app, 42% dis
Oct 25: 30% app, 55% dis
Reposted by Brian Taylor
Evidence that new US sanctions on Russian oil are starting to bite:
"China's state oil companies and some Indian refiners are avoiding buying Russian oil due to concerns about falling foul of secondary sanctions."
Link: www.msn.com/en-us/money/...
"China's state oil companies and some Indian refiners are avoiding buying Russian oil due to concerns about falling foul of secondary sanctions."
Link: www.msn.com/en-us/money/...
November 12, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Evidence that new US sanctions on Russian oil are starting to bite:
"China's state oil companies and some Indian refiners are avoiding buying Russian oil due to concerns about falling foul of secondary sanctions."
Link: www.msn.com/en-us/money/...
"China's state oil companies and some Indian refiners are avoiding buying Russian oil due to concerns about falling foul of secondary sanctions."
Link: www.msn.com/en-us/money/...
The same could be said of the US, with the dismantling of the Department of Education International and Foreign Language Education office and terminating its programs that have sustained foreign language learning, and similar trends at many individual schools to cut back on foreign languages.
Languages education at all levels, especially higher, is under existential threat in the UK. It is an impoverished society which produces so few students interested in languages & a shortsighted state that cannot subsidise this public good through tough times. Pls consider signing.
c.org/qQMPqxcLCD
c.org/qQMPqxcLCD
We Can Make an Impact.
Stop the removal of Modern Languages courses at the University of Nottingham!
c.org
November 12, 2025 at 3:19 PM
The same could be said of the US, with the dismantling of the Department of Education International and Foreign Language Education office and terminating its programs that have sustained foreign language learning, and similar trends at many individual schools to cut back on foreign languages.
Reposted by Brian Taylor
The US Administration is, as it announced several months ago, preparing to severely restrict Optional Practical Training—the most important path for international students to stay and contribute to the US economy after graduation.
New Immigration Rule Will End Or Restrict Student Practical Training
An upcoming Trump administration rule is expected to end or restrict Optional Practical Training for international students.
www.forbes.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The US Administration is, as it announced several months ago, preparing to severely restrict Optional Practical Training—the most important path for international students to stay and contribute to the US economy after graduation.
TIL that Kant started his professor career teaching an 8-8, later cut back to a 5-5, and didn’t have leave in 41 years. Managed to publish pretty well too, although I haven’t checked his h-index.*
* New Yorker, November 3
* New Yorker, November 3
November 11, 2025 at 11:50 PM
TIL that Kant started his professor career teaching an 8-8, later cut back to a 5-5, and didn’t have leave in 41 years. Managed to publish pretty well too, although I haven’t checked his h-index.*
* New Yorker, November 3
* New Yorker, November 3
Reposted by Brian Taylor
3 years ago today, the armed forces of Ukraine liberated Kherson.
Ever since, Russia has done everything in its power to make the city uninhabitable.
From across the river, they relentlessly bombard Kherson with glide bombs, artillery, and drones.
Ever since, Russia has done everything in its power to make the city uninhabitable.
From across the river, they relentlessly bombard Kherson with glide bombs, artillery, and drones.
November 11, 2025 at 5:16 PM
3 years ago today, the armed forces of Ukraine liberated Kherson.
Ever since, Russia has done everything in its power to make the city uninhabitable.
From across the river, they relentlessly bombard Kherson with glide bombs, artillery, and drones.
Ever since, Russia has done everything in its power to make the city uninhabitable.
From across the river, they relentlessly bombard Kherson with glide bombs, artillery, and drones.
Reposted by Brian Taylor
Siding with Russia at the UN earlier this year was a terrible choice by the Trump administration that only emboldened Putin to continue his war on Ukraine. The United States shouldn't repeat that mistake.
Trump Administration Pushes to Weaken Ukraine Resolution on Russian Occupation at UN, Sources Tell Kyiv Post
Western allies are warning that the White House push to strip references to “territorial integrity” and “aggression” will undermine the international consensus.
www.kyivpost.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Siding with Russia at the UN earlier this year was a terrible choice by the Trump administration that only emboldened Putin to continue his war on Ukraine. The United States shouldn't repeat that mistake.
Reposted by Brian Taylor
I’m thrilled that the Kennan Institute is back as an independent institution and delighted to have joined as a non-resident fellow www.kennaninstitute.org
Kennan Institute | Advancing Scholarship and Statecraft
Explore expert analysis on Russia, Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. Stay informed with the latest research, events, and policy insights from The Kennan Institute.
www.kennaninstitute.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM
I’m thrilled that the Kennan Institute is back as an independent institution and delighted to have joined as a non-resident fellow www.kennaninstitute.org
Tomorrow (Monday) at 6 in NYC.
NYC folks interested in Ukraine, Russia, & human rights law. Very excited about this special Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs @maxwellsu.bsky.social event Monday November 10 at 6 pm. Featuring Judge Ioannis Ktistakis of the ECHR.
Register at link. In person.
www.maxwell.syr.edu/events/2025/...
Register at link. In person.
www.maxwell.syr.edu/events/2025/...
November 9, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Tomorrow (Monday) at 6 in NYC.
Painful and infuriating read
'It's like they're coming out of a cult': Ukraine tackles Russian indoctrination of repatriated children
To date, 1,762 Ukrainian children have been repatriated after being forcibly transferred by Moscow. Ukrainians are working to de-indoctrinate them and are warning that today, all children living under...
www.lemonde.fr
November 9, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Painful and infuriating read
Reading this from the tarmac before takeoff
Understaffed FAA Recommends Pilots Just Go With Their Gut https://theonion.com/understaffed-faa-recommends-pilots-just-go-with-their-gut/
November 9, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Reading this from the tarmac before takeoff
Reposted by Brian Taylor
Angelina Jolie used her Instagram platform to shed light on Russia’s so-called ‘human safari’ in Kherson. It is a deeply important and much-appreciated gesture.
November 9, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Angelina Jolie used her Instagram platform to shed light on Russia’s so-called ‘human safari’ in Kherson. It is a deeply important and much-appreciated gesture.
Reposted by Brian Taylor
As the situation in Pokrovsk becomes critical, and AFU reinforces the pocket to stabilize the flanks, there's considerable attention now to how this battle is unfolding. A few thoughts on the situation. 1/ (DeepStateMap)
November 7, 2025 at 9:14 PM
As the situation in Pokrovsk becomes critical, and AFU reinforces the pocket to stabilize the flanks, there's considerable attention now to how this battle is unfolding. A few thoughts on the situation. 1/ (DeepStateMap)
Shoigu has a great idea. Best way to realize the development of Siberia is to stop trying to seize someone else's land in the west, stop sending men off to die when they could be put to work inside Russia, and stop spending 40% of your budget on a costly war that is doing l-t damage to the economy.
Shoigu Calls for ‘New Industrialization’ in Siberia to Revive Russia’s East - The Moscow Times
Russia aims to turn Siberia into the center of a new industrialization push and attract workers eastward, Security Council Secretary and former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Thursday.
www.themoscowtimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Shoigu has a great idea. Best way to realize the development of Siberia is to stop trying to seize someone else's land in the west, stop sending men off to die when they could be put to work inside Russia, and stop spending 40% of your budget on a costly war that is doing l-t damage to the economy.
Reposted by Brian Taylor
Whole situation is deranged and is a perfect encapsulation of how to lose a war due to lawyers
In other words, the whole legal and political hassle of taking the money from Euroclear (via an EU bond), and handing the money to Ukraine could be avoided by just issuing an EU bond, handing *that* money to Ukraine, and servicing it from the returns on Euroclear's assets.
November 7, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Whole situation is deranged and is a perfect encapsulation of how to lose a war due to lawyers
Putin envoy Dmitriev claims in his most recent meeting with Trump envoy Witkoff they discussed "the US proposal to prohibit nazi ideology in Ukraine."
This means 2 things:
1) "Denazification" (ie regime change) is still on the agenda for Russia, not just territory;
2) Witkoff remains an idiot.
This means 2 things:
1) "Denazification" (ie regime change) is still on the agenda for Russia, not just territory;
2) Witkoff remains an idiot.
November 7, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Putin envoy Dmitriev claims in his most recent meeting with Trump envoy Witkoff they discussed "the US proposal to prohibit nazi ideology in Ukraine."
This means 2 things:
1) "Denazification" (ie regime change) is still on the agenda for Russia, not just territory;
2) Witkoff remains an idiot.
This means 2 things:
1) "Denazification" (ie regime change) is still on the agenda for Russia, not just territory;
2) Witkoff remains an idiot.
Reposted by Brian Taylor
OTD in 1917 the Red Revolution. An illegal, foreign backed coup aimed at constraining & breaking Russia apart, overthrew the legitimate government in the first "color revolution".
November 7, 2025 at 10:24 AM
OTD in 1917 the Red Revolution. An illegal, foreign backed coup aimed at constraining & breaking Russia apart, overthrew the legitimate government in the first "color revolution".
Reposted by Brian Taylor
"World's first potential trillionaire has killed 600,000 people, including 400,000 children" is the only headline that anyone should ever read about Elon Musk
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 7, 2025 at 1:33 AM
"World's first potential trillionaire has killed 600,000 people, including 400,000 children" is the only headline that anyone should ever read about Elon Musk