Stephen Crowley

Stephen Crowley is a professor of politics at Oberlin College. His latest book is Putin’s Labor Dilemma: Russian Politics between Stability and Stagnation (Cornell University Press, 2021). His writings have appeared in Foreign Affairs, Newsweek, The Guardian, The Nation, War on the Rocks, and The Washington Post.

A small protest takes place outside the US embassy on February 26, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

No, Donald: The US Owes Ukraine No, Donald: The US Owes Ukraine

Not the other way around.

Feb 28, 2025 / Stephen Crowley

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds his annual end-of-year press conference in Moscow on December 19, 2024.

Needed: A Sober Assessment of Putin’s Russia to Help End the War Needed: A Sober Assessment of Putin’s Russia to Help End the War

Putin’s ultimate goal isn’t recreating empire or seeking war with NATO—it’s staying in power.

Jan 16, 2025 / Stephen Crowley

Republican presidential nominee, former president Donald Trump, takes the stage for his last rally of the election year at Van Andel Arena on November 5, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

What Explains Trumpism? What Explains Trumpism?

It’s capitalism, and it’s global.

Nov 25, 2024 / Stephen Crowley

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Bahrain's King at the Kremlin in Moscow on May 23, 2024.

Does Putin Want to End the War in Ukraine? Does Putin Want to End the War in Ukraine?

It’s time to find out.

May 29, 2024 / Stephen Crowley

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with Russia's Government members via video link in Moscow, on January 17, 2024.

In Russia, Clear Signs of War Fatigue In Russia, Clear Signs of War Fatigue

Recent protests by mothers and wives of deployed soldiers are one sign.

Jan 18, 2024 / Stephen Crowley

The Factory Joins the Square: Putin’s Nightmare Unfolds in Belarus

The Factory Joins the Square: Putin’s Nightmare Unfolds in Belarus The Factory Joins the Square: Putin’s Nightmare Unfolds in Belarus

To overcome further economic stagnation that could lead to unrest, Russia will have to wrestle with a sizable Soviet legacy.

Aug 18, 2020 / Stephen Crowley