Outline & Annotated Bibliography: Alexander Litvinenko ✓ Solved

Outline & Annotated Bibliography "Alexander Litvinenko: Profile

This assignment requires creating an outline and an annotated bibliography focusing on the topic of Alexander Litvinenko, a murdered Russian spy, and analyzing the impact of his assassination on UK-Russian relations.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

The assassination of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006 poisoned UK-Russian relations, leading to increased tensions that persist into contemporary geopolitics. Living in Europe during the time of the assassination, I vividly recall the intense media coverage and public outrage surrounding the event. Litvinenko, a former officer of the FSB (Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation), was a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin’s government. His murder, through the lethal ingestion of polonium-210, raised urgent questions regarding state-sponsored violence and the extent of Russia's influence in the UK. This paper explores the implications of Litvinenko’s assassination, examining the deterioration of diplomatic relations between the UK and Russia and the ongoing relevance of his case within the context of international security.

Body

Section 1: The Importance of Alexander Litvinenko

Litvinenko was not only a former spy but also a whistleblower who exposed corruption within the Russian government, particularly accusations about the FSB's involvement in organized crime and political assassinations. His works and public statements challenged the narrative put forth by the Kremlin and drew attention to human rights abuses in Russia. As a dual citizen of both Russia and the UK, his unique position heightened the stakes in international relations.

Section 2: The Assassination and its Immediate Outcomes

The manner of Litvinenko's death, due to acute radiation syndrome from polonium-210, raised alarm about the lengths to which the Russian government might go to silence dissent. The UK's investigation into his murder revealed intelligence suggesting that the assassination had been ordered at the highest levels of the Russian government. Public outrage led to a crisis in UK-Russian relations, with calls for accountability and straightforward answers that were met with denials from Moscow. The implications for diplomatic ties were severe, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats and a series of retaliatory measures from both sides.

Section 3: Long-Term Effects on UK-Russian Relations

The assassination marked a pivotal moment, exacerbating existing tensions fueled by Russia's actions in Ukraine and Syria. It underscored a pattern of aggressive Russian behavior toward critics of the regime, impacting not only bilateral relations but also the broader European security architecture. The inquiry report, published in 2016, highlighted systemic failures within the UK’s approach to Russian diplomacy. Today, Litvinenko’s case continues to resonate, reflecting concerns about national security, foreign influence, and the need for robust responses to state-sponsored violence against dissidents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the assassination of Alexander Litvinenko serves as a critical case study in contemporary international relations, particularly regarding UK-Russian affairs. The brutality of his murder and the opaque nature of its investigation illustrate the complexities and dangers inherent in state-led violence. Furthermore, his legacy prompts ongoing discussions about human rights, accountability, and the future of diplomatic relations between Russia and the West. As global dynamics evolve, the ramifications of Litvinenko’s assassination remain ever pertinent, serving as a reminder of the perils faced by those who challenge authoritarian power.

References

  • BBC. (2016). Alexander Litvinenko: Profile of Murdered Russian Spy. Retrieved from [link]
  • Cormac, R. (2019). Litvinenko Inquiry: 25 Years on from the Cold War, Espionage Endures. Retrieved from [link]
  • Gromyko, A. (2016). Following Litvinenko, UK-Russia Relations Are Now at Their Lowest Point since the 1980s. Retrieved from [link]
  • Harding, L. (2017). A Very Expensive Poison: The Assassination of Alexander Litvinenko and Putin's War with the West. New York: Vintage.
  • Harding, L. (2016). Alexander Litvinenko: The Man Who Solved His Own Murder. Retrieved from [link]
  • Kendall, B. (2016). What Alexander Litvinenko Report Means for UK-Russia Relations. Retrieved from [link]
  • Kirillova, K. (2016). How Will the Report on the Murder of Litvinenko Impact Putin? Retrieved from [link]
  • McLaren, L. (2016). The Poisoned Diplomacy between Russia and the United Kingdom. Retrieved from [link]
  • Weir, F. (2007). Litvinenko Case Poisons UK-Russian Relations. Retrieved from [link]
  • Harding, L. (2016). The Guardian Reports on the Litvinenko Case. Retrieved from [link]

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