Analysis of Beijing’s relationship with Moscow tends to focus on official statements and diplomatic behaviour. But what do Chinese experts have to say about the matter? And how might they be advising their government? The dynamics of Beijing’s relationship with Moscow remain as opaque as the inner workings of the …

Nonviolent action can be a powerful way to bring about peaceful transitions from autocratic rule to democracy. But even when initially successful, movement leaders often face significant challenges, from frustrations that grievances are not addressed quickly enough to counterrevolutions aimed at restoring the authoritarian status quo. This report examines two …

With the West focused on Ukraine, Russia is taking the opportunity to nibble away at NATO’s borders and to sow discord. The impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the Balkans can only be understood by considering Moscow’s malign influence in the region from a broader perspective. While Russia has …

Over the past three months, observers have speculated about the restoration of ties between Egypt and Iran. For many, it seemed logical for the Egyptian regime of President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi to follow the Saudi example and restore ties with Tehran. In March, Riyadh resumed ties with Iran after a seven-year …

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s win on 28 May extends his rule until 2028. Shortly after securing another term, which may have been his biggest political challenge, he addressed hundreds of thousands of people outside the presidential palace in Ankara. Erdogan announced that “the only winner today is Turkey” and …

The Middle East is experiencing a remarkable spate of diplomacy, de-escalation, and normalization. This started with the Abraham Accords between Israel and four Arab countries in 2020, the ending of the intra-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) crisis in 2021, and the revival of GCC-Turkey relations, and has extended to the Saudi-Iranian …

The Middle East is undergoing a historic transformation with unprecedented opportunities to build new relationships, de-escalate tensions, and foster conditions for stronger integration. At the same time, the region remains on edge because of ongoing tensions in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and other conflict zones, a civil war that broke out …

There was, once upon a time, a communist, with an Orthodox religion background, but who could not publicly admit that, until 1990. Prior to 1990, he was an atheist, a young communist who was focused on developing a socialist community at the local level as the youngest ever Chairman of …

In their search for new ways to improve payment infrastructures and meet the changing national needs, central banks have been turning to innovative technologies. For instance, central banks worldwide are diving into Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), ushering in a new era of digital national currencies. CBDCs offer secure, efficient, …

The Federation of Security and Defense Industries of Latvia recently celebrated its ten-year anniversary. Although the military industry in Latvia predates the federation, the industry has grown markedly in the last decade. The military industry in Latvia has developed hand-in-hand with the Latvian defense sector. Following years of austerity, Russia’s …