Executive Summary: The Kremlin celebrated veterans on Victory Day, portraying World War II and Russia’s war against Ukraine both as fights against Nazism to justify the full-scale invasion, boost public support, and consolidate veterans’ pro-regime sentiment. Russian President Vladimir Putin created the “Time of Heroes”... MORE

Executive Summary: The leaders of Russia’s federal subjects are handling three issues—abortion, alcohol sales, and migrant groups—so differently that people are traveling to different regions to take advantage, despite Russian President Vladimir Putin homogenizing the Russian legal field. The Kremlin could likely put an end... MORE

Executive Summary: Armenia’s political climate is heating up ahead of the 2026 elections, with a gradually more emboldened opposition poised to exploit frustrations with attempts to normalize relations with Azerbaijan and Türkiye to oust Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan from power. A finalized peace treaty with... MORE

Executive Summary: Central Asian governments have traditionally viewed outmigration as a way to reduce unemployment and provide additional cash flow for the population and government through payments sent home, but the problems this outmigration has led to in Central Asia are gaining more attention. These... MORE

Executive Summary: The Georgian parliament is discussing a migration reform package, drafted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, aimed at curbing illegal migration and perceived foreign political interference. It introduces strict penalties, including lifetime bans for foreigners deemed disruptive. The reforms follow increasing foreign participation... MORE

Executive Summary: Moscow is unwittingly contributing to the rise of Islamism in Dagestan by failing to address social and economic problems and by handing over the region to siloviki who view all protest there as Islamist. The problems in Dagestan and elsewhere in the North... MORE

Executive Summary: The Russian economy is stagnating as a result of the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine, making signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense one of the only ways to make money. Between March and April, the number of Russians willing to join the... MORE

Executive Summary: The second round of the Romanian presidential election on May 18 will be a battle for the country’s pro-Western direction. Romania’s constitutional court annulled the November 2024 election and banned ultranationalist Călin Georgescu from running in May after indications of illegal foreign interference... MORE

Executive Summary: Moscow is mulling how to attract or force Russians not officially employed into the workforce in response to a growing labor shortage resulting from demographic decline, the difficulties of attracting and retaining immigrants, and the Kremlin’s military expansion. The Kremlin presents the effort... MORE

Executive Summary: Georgia’s entry at the Eurovision Song Contest this year, “Freedom,” is sung by Mariam Shengelia, who publicly supports the governing pro-Russian political party, Georgian Dream, and has performed at their events. The song has been criticized by Georgians and among fans internationally for... MORE