Kleptocracy Watch | January 12, 2018
The week’s leading news and features on globalized corruption and the threat to democracy… TOP STORIES Global Magnitsky Act: 52 individuals and entities were sanctioned in the first tranche of designations – but the real story is the extraordinary Executive Order that Trump signed to do it, writes Rob Bershinski. (Just Security) Beyond...
Germany’s Critics of Russia Sanctions: What Motivates Them?
Russia / Europe At the end of January, the prime ministers of five regions in what was formerly East Germany demanded a softening or lifting of the European Union’s sanctions against Russia. “Restrictive policies are not working. We need new approaches,” said Reiner Haseloff, prime minister of Saxony-Anhalt (CDU). The head of...
Reforming Ukraine’s Energy Sector: Critical Unfinished Business
Transforming Ukraine’s energy sector is essential to strengthening the country’s economic and national security. Despite intensified efforts and some recent progress, the outlook is troubled. …read more Source: Carnegie...
Beetles Chomp Down Belarusian, Polish Forests
The infestation is but one symptom of a pestilence spreading across the northern hemisphere. …read more Source: Transitions Online...
12 Traditional Ukrainian Dishes You Must Try
Source: The Culture Trip The peculiar features of traditional Ukrainian food have been forming over centuries. The neighboring countries, climate conditions, rich soil and hard-working locals have influenced the complexity of the dishes. Ukrainian dishes are generously flavored (with garlic often the main seasoning) and, despite the contradictory...
Understanding Russia’s Appetite for Uranium
Economy Russia is the third-largest consumer of uranium in the world, and the country aims to be a key driver of growth in uranium markets over the next few years. The evidence of Russia’s intent can be seen domestically through its own nuclear power expansion efforts. In Central Asia, Russia draws on close ties from the Soviet period to...
Crimea is a Black Hole for Human Rights
Expand OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic, at the Permanent Council in Vienna, 16 January 2014. © 2014 OSCE/Micky Kroell The election of Dunja Mijatović as the new Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights is great news for human rights. Dunja Mijatović served as a special representative on media freedoms with the...
Open Ukraine! (Video)
Source: Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine Ukraine is the largest country in Europe. We have a unique mixture of attractions – the seaside, mountains, kilometers of rivers and lakes, marvelous cities and authentic countryside. Ukraine is beautiful and safe to visit. Every year we host thousands of festivals, sporting events,...
Russia’s Eurasian Disunion
Vladimir Putin, Kazakhstan Pres. Nursultan Nazarbayev, and Belarus Pres. Alexander Lukashenko after signing Treaty on Eurasian Economic Union, photo via Office of President of RussiaBESA Center Perspectives Paper No. 732, February 5, 2018 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: When the Eurasian Economic Union (aka the Eurasian Union) was unveiled in early 2015, it...
Latvian Citizen Accused of Spying for Russia
Senior Russian lawmaker confirms deployment of ballistic missiles in Kaliningrad. …read more Source: Transitions Online...
