The UN’s peacekeeping missions are in danger of failing because too much is expected of them. Not only have their mandates become more complex, but they’re also expected to minimise casualties and to work within increasingly tight budgets. Alexandra Novosseloff argues that peacekeeping has fallen into the same traps again and again because the UN has shied away from recognising these contradictions.

There were some very important developments in Russia last week. President Vladimir Putin announced plans to radically change the nation’s constitution. At first glance it sort of looked like he was giving himself less power. But, explains Richard Sakwa, Putin is actually finding canny ways to ensure his influence continues.