Society

Two Decades of the Balkans Tribunal

In its 20 years, has the court furthered reconciliation? Was it even supposed to?

By Tihomir Loza

24 May 2013

Around the Bloc

Brezhnev First in Hearts of Ex-Countrymen, Macedonia ‘Hides’ Hate Crimes

Plus, Ukraine’s prime minister threatens to bar journalists from meetings, and Baltic fracking won't be so cheap.
By Erik N. Nelson, Ioana Caloianu, and Vladimir Matan

23 May 2013

Arts & Culture

Looking Past Bazaars and Bandits on Kyrgyzstan’s TV

A serial breaks new ground in Kyrgyzstan with its topical story lines, use of local talent, and political agenda

By Dina Tokbaeva

23 May 2013

Around The Bloc

Russia Gets Tough on Blasphemy and Rails at Lost Eurovision Votes

Plus, more politicians face corruption charges in Georgia and Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan hangs a “closed” sign at Manas airbase.

By Joshua Boissevain, Ioana Caloianu, Ky Krauthamer, and Vladimir Matan

22 May 2013

People

Belarus’ Accidental Crusader

Irina Khalip learned quickly that just being a journalist was not an option in her country.

By Christina Karchevskaya

22 May 2013

Around the Bloc

Russia Launches Public TV, Romanian Soccer Boss Jailed

Plus, more bloodshed in the North Caucasus and a sweet solution to Croatia's land mine problem.

By Joshua Boissevain, Ioana Caloianu, Ky Krauthamer, and Vladimir Matan

21 May 2013

Around the Bloc

Russia Shocked by Orphanage Violence, Gay Rights Ralliers Beaten Back in Georgia, Russia

Plus, new polls spell trouble for Poland’s center-right government, and a long-delayed dam hangs over a Georgian village.

By Barbara Frye, Joshua Boissevain, Ioana Caloianu, and Vladimir Matan

20 May 2013

Conflict & Diplomacy

Kazakhstan Shrugs Off Human Rights Concerns

Economics count for more than rights, and Western governments have little leverage anyway. From IWPR.

By Gaziza Baituova

20 May 2013

COLUMNS

Middle Europa

What is Normal?

The 2008 crisis forced the foreign managers of companies to rethink much of what they had assumed about the post-communist region. 

By MARTIN EHL

21 May 2013

The New EU

Budapest’s Smoking Gun

Could a tobacco corruption scandal finally undo Hungary’s retrograde, hubristic government?By BALINT SZLANKO

15 May 2013

Middle Europa

A State of Depression

There’s not much to be optimistic about after the recent Bulgarian elections.

By MARTIN EHL

14 May 2013

Middle Europa

A Star Pupil Flunks Out

Slovenia’s status as a post-communist standout was built on a shaky foundation.

By MARTIN EHL

7 May 2013

Balkan Eye

The Years of Magical Thinking

The flat tax was a talisman in the East, before it became a monkey’s paw.

By BOYKO VASSILEV

2 May 2013

Middle Europa

For Latvia, Another Declaration of Independence

Adopting the euro at this time may seem curious, but for the Baltics, it’s not just about economics.

By MARTIN EHL

30 April 2013

Russian Unorthodox

A Dose of Common Sense for Russia’s Terminally Ill

Police restrictions on painkillers are set to be eased for those who need them most.

By GALINA STOLYAROVA

25 April 2013