Russia has weaponized artificial intelligence to spread disinformation, infiltrating chatbots and trusted sources. Transforming its traditional propaganda tactics and capitalizing on gaps in U.S. cyber oversight, Russia has distorted public perception, spreading false narratives about Ukraine and the West.
Read MoreAt 3:02 on the morning of February 24, 2022, Russia launched a cyberattack on the American satellite company Viasat. Just one hour later, Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This attack signaled the initiation of Russia’s hybrid war strategy, using cyber capabilities in tandem with military forces against Ukraine. The use of cyber warfare in the Russo-Ukrainian War challenges the standards of traditional warfare and sets a new precedent for future conflicts.
Read MoreThe Soviet Union has historically employed linguistic imperialism to dominate its diverse linguistic and ethnic populations. In a post-Soviet era, remnants of Russian linguistic strategy continue to shape regional geopolitics as many former satellite states reject its political implications.
Read MoreThe Russian-sponsored Wagner Group serves as a geopolitical tool to expand Russian influence and strengthen ties with Russian allies. It sets a new standard for the expansion of geopolitical influence beyond traditional diplomacy and military aid.
Read MoreSkyrocketing gas prices, the perceived encroaching threat of communism, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the Vietnam War had dealt serious blows to the country’s morale. Then twenty young Americans overcame all odds to beat the Soviets, the best team in the world, before going on to win gold in the Olympics… As Eruzione puts it, ‘For some people, it was a hockey game. But for a lot more people, it was far greater than a hockey game.’
Read MoreRussia’s reliance on Arctic resources is increasingly threatened by the rapid thawing of the permafrost, causing infrastructure collapse, the release of greenhouse gases, and increasing global temperatures. As climate change accelerates, Russia is facing mounting economic and geopolitical strain, compounded by shifting global markets and Western sanctions. With other Arctic nations expanding their presence in the region and Russia’s diminishing influence, the Kremlin must decide whether to adapt to the crisis or risk further economic and geopolitical decline.
Read MoreOn January 1, 2025, Russia cut off natural gas supply to Transnistria, a breakaway region of the Republic of Moldova. Russia hopes to strengthen its control in the region and inhibit Moldova from joining the European Union. The Russian decision to eliminate its supply of natural gas to Transnistria will influence the upcoming parliamentary elections, where Moldova and Transnistria will decide whether to retain the current pro-EU parliament.
Read MoreRussian soldiers weaponize sexual violence to demoralize and inflict harm on the Ukrainian people during the Russo-Ukraine war.
Read MorePutin attempted to shift global power dynamics after hosting a summit with the intergovernmental organization of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) and receiving aid for the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war from North Korea.
Read MoreIn August, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced that another election would be conducted on October 27 after a majority failed to be produced in June. This stagnant state of affairs in Bulgaria’s parliament not only creates political fatigue for Bulgarians nationwide but enables a much desired neutrality for Russia in its war in Ukraine.
Read MoreThis year’s election to determine the upcoming structure of Georgia’s 150-seat parliament was, to many, a turning point in its path towards integration with the European Union (EU) or further alignment with its northern neighbor—Russia.
Read MoreAn overview of the ongoing controversy around Anastasia Trofimova’s documentary film Russians at War.
Read MoreOn Friday, March 22, 2024, over 60 people were killed and over 140 people were injured in a shooting at Crocus City Hall in Moscow. It was the deadliest shooting Russia has seen in decades, and sent shockwaves across Russia. ISIS-K–the Islamic State Khorasan Province–has claimed responsibility for the attack. ISIS-K, a branch of the Islamic State, was declared a ‘global terrorist organization’ by the U.S. government in 2016.
Read MoreDomestic violence is a human rights issue many women in Central Asia face today. A reflection on domestic violence in Kazakhstan presents a discussion about women using their agency to advocate for criminalization and stronger protections.
Read MoreThe year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of Sergei Parajanov’s birth. A reflection of Parajanov’s contributions and impact present a discussion about Ukrainian nationalism and identity in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Read MoreIn late 2023, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called early presidential elections for February 2024, a year earlier than the end of his term. However, given that Azerbaijan is an extremely authoritarian state with staged elections, many have wondered why Aliyev would want to hold the vote a year early, especially since he would likely rig the elections regardless if they were to be held in 2024 or 2025.
Read MoreFollowing the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for the foreseeable future, disagreements on negotiation formats, border demarcation and delimitation, and the opening of trade routes, propagate tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Read MoreA look into recent legislation in Georgia that may jeopardize their EU and NATO candidacy. Tensions between Georgia and the West on a rise, as Georgia plays into Putin’s narrative.
Read MoreFor decades the Baltic States have been connected to Russia via a common rail gauge and Soviet influence. With the construction of Rail Baltica punctuating their realignment towards Europe, the potential positive impacts of this transformative project will reverberate not just through the Baltic region but throughout the European continent as a whole.
Read MoreFollowing a 10 month blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan launched an offensive into the territory. This offensive ultimately forced its ethnic Armenian population to flee to Armenia.
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