RUSSIA & THE FORMER SOVIET UNION

The 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. 

In 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. 

Following 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.

A 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.

For 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.

Following 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.

An analysis of the future of Wagner group and its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin following their mutiny attempt earlier this year. This article analyzes Wagner’s ongoing operations in Africa post-mutiny and the role of Prigozhin in Russian affairs before his death.

This article discusses the deadly protests that occurred in the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan in July of 2022, an area that has historically been one of much contention in Uzbekistan. The protests stemmed from Constitutional changes that would’ve prevented Karakalpaks, a Turkic group that has stronger linguistic and cultural ties with Kazakhs, from seceding from the country.

At the end of March, a historic visit took place, between Chinese President Xi and Russian President Putin. Although Chinese-Russian relations have had a tumultuous relationship in the past, the two powers can now agree on one thing: they want to confront U.S. and Western dominance. 

Graffiti expressing anti-Russian sentiment adorns Georgian buildings, reflecting the country's unease as the government leans closer to Russian influence. Thousands of Georgians recently protested the controversial "foreign agents" bill, which would require businesses receiving at least 20% of their funding from foreign countries to declare themselves as "foreign agents," potentially stifling foreign-funded organizations and moving Georgia further from European integration.

A year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, international sports organizations are reevaluating their bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes. The International Fencing Federation and Wimbledon have recently lifted their bans, allowing athletes to compete under a neutral flag. However, the International Olympic Committee's plan to allow these athletes to participate in the Paris 2024 Games has been met with widespread criticism and calls for reconsideration.

With war still raging in Ukraine, the neighboring country of Moldova is facing increased threats from Russia continuing its attempt to spread control. Recent destabilization plots, continued chaos with the Transnistria region, and the global energy crisis have required the Moldovan government to double down on state security.

Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo remain high as Serbia allegedly violated an agreement reached in November 2022 to stop issuing license plates with Kosovo cities' denominations. The issue represents the larger conflict of Serbia's refusal to recognize Kosovo's independence, which is complicated by the involvement of Russia and the West in the region.

A blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijani protestors has caused a humanitarian crisis for Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia has brought this issue before the International Court of Justice and is requesting Azerbaijan ensure free movement along the corridor.

The Russo-Ukrainian war has been ongoing for almost a year, with no end in sight. The conflict is a result of deep-rooted history and rivalry between Eastern and Western powers, with NATO playing a significant role. While media attention and aid may support Ukraine, it may also be increasing Russian aggression across the border, and scholars suggest that a move away from Cold War ideologies is necessary to focus on peace talks and a cease-fire.