Eastern-Central Europe
The ICC’s Challenges: Navigating Justice and Political Interests
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is tasked with prosecuting world leaders for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, striving to uphold accountability on a global scale. However, the ICC’s rulings have often sparked geopolitical controversies, highlighting the Court’s ongoing challenge of balancing its judicial mandate with the political agendas of states.
US Approval of Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine and Rising Tensions with Russia
On Nov. 17, in the final months of the Biden administration, the United States made a historic decision to authorize the Ukrainian military to use long-range missiles. As a response, on Nov. 20, Russian forces launched a ballistic missile attack for the time during this war.
Russian bans “child-free” propaganda
Russia’s lower parliament passed a bill targeting speech that promotes refraining from having children or criticizes families with children. The bill is aimed at addressing the declining birthrate and positioning Russia in opposition to western nontraditional family values.
Russian Imperialism in the Information Age
This article examines how Russia has adapted its imperial ambitions to the digital era, using information warfare and soft power. Central to this strategy is Aleksandr Dugin's The Foundations of Geopolitics, which advocates for a Eurasian bloc led by Russia through ideological dominance rather than military force. The article highlights Russia’s recent election interference and disinformation campaigns in Europe, as well as strategic alliances with China, Iran, and India. Recent allegations of Russian interference in Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary elections underscore Dugin’s vision in action, where Russia manipulates political processes to build a multipolar world that challenges Western dominance.
Georgian Dream Party Faces Accusations of Election Rigging After Parliamentary Victory
The Dream party saw its fourth consecutive win in Georgia on Oct. 26, but with its drift towards authoritarianism and pro-Russian sentiment, many say the vote does not reflect the true preference of Georgians.
Russia Hosts Largest BRICS Summit Yet – With aspirations to Rival the West
In the 16th annual BRICS summit, countries met in Kazan, Russia. A key point of discussion was alternatives to Western global financing systems to counter the threat of sanctions.
North Korean Troops Allegedly Seen in Russia, Set for Deployment in Ukraine
As footage emerges of North Korean soldiers suiting up in Russian gear, Ukraine warns that Pyongyang’s involvement could shift the balance of the conflict. With Moscow and Pyongyang forging a tighter military alliance, the international community faces fresh security concerns.
Georgia’s Anti-LGBTQ Bill Exposes Russia’s Influence Amid Parliamentary Elections
Georgia’s president, Salome Zourabichvili, drew sharp criticism from Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili after refusing to sign a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill into law on Oct. 2.
Plans commence to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant
Decades after a Soviet nuclear power project was abandoned, Poland is starting construction of an American-built nuclear plant. The plans are a promising emblem of US collaboration with Poland, but locals in the village where it is set to be built have doubts.
Russia’s Nuclear Doctrine Shift: A Dangerous Escalation Amid the Ukraine Conflict
Russian President Vladmir Putin’s new nuclear doctrine shifted significantly from the country’s previous nuclear policy. The new amendments, announced in late September 2024, lowered the threshold for the usage of nuclear weapons.
New Wave of Mobilization and Conscripting Prisoners in Russia
On Oct. 2 Vladimir Putin signed a law that allows criminals to join the army in return for immunity. According to independent Russian outlet Istories, the government wants to conscript 40 percent of 60,000 prisoners with pre-trial detention status.
Austrian Elections Mark Big Win for the Far-Right in Europe
The Austrian Freedom Party, which ran on a platform of limiting immigration, easing sanctions with Russia and Euroscepticism won the Austrian Election on Sept 29. However, forming a coalition will be challenging with other major parties refusing to work with them.
Moldova's 2024 Election: A Crossroads for European Integration
A significant development in the lead-up to the Moldovan presidential election occurred on Sept. 24, when the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) released its list of approved candidates. The agency notably did not register Igor Munteanu, one of the main political opponents of incumbent President Maia Sandu.
Protests Mark Latest Instance of Russian Women’s Growing Resistance to Mobilization
On Sept 21, 2024, around 20 Russian women gathered outside the capital holding up banners that demanded a meeting with Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and the return of their mobilized loved ones. The demonstration took place on the second anniversary of the decree signed by President Vladimir Putin ordering the mobilization of reserve citizens to the war in Ukraine.
Kursk Incursion: Ukraine’s Bold Advance Faces Tough Realities
On Aug 6, 2024, Ukrainian armed forces launched an incursion into the Kursk region of Russia. More than 1,000 Ukrainian troops, backed by tanks and armored vehicles, caught Russia off guard, prompting Moscow to declare a state of emergency and rush reinforcements to the region.
Russian Drone Strikes Near NATO: Prelude to World War 3 or Isolated Incidents?
On Sept. 8, a Russian-operated Shahed-type drone crashed in Latvia's Rezekne region. The drone had entered Latvian airspace from Belarus and was tracked by air defense systems. While there was no immediate harm, Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds emphasised this incursion's seriousness, as any violation of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member's airspace could have broad security ramifications.
Russia Cracks Down Further on LGBTQ+ Community
The regime in Russia further cracked down on its queer community this month, with Russia’s top court ruling to ban the so-called “international LGBTQ movement,” labeling it an extremist organization. It is now illegal in Russia to “promote or praise LGBTQ relationships, publicly express non-heterosexual orientations or suggest that they are normal.”
Polish Trucker Blockade of Ukrainian Border Continues as EU Threatens Lawsuits
The European Union (EU) has threatened legal action against the Polish government for failing to resolve the blockade at the border between Poland and Ukraine — caused by a weeks-long trucker protest.
French Government Accuses the Kremlin of Causing Antisemitic Graffiti Incident
Around 250 blue Stars of David were tagged on buildings in France, in what the Parisian police chief called an “antisemitic” incident. Officials in France claim that a Russian-speaking person living abroad “may have paid for” the graffiti and Russian-controlled social media accounts promoted images of the graffiti.
Top Ukraine General Calls War a “Stalemate” — West Quietly Pushes Negotiations
In a recent interview with The Economist, top Ukrainian General Valery Zaluzhny admitted that the war against Russia has reached a stalemate — comparing the situation in Eastern Ukraine to Northern France during World War I.