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UkraineAlert

Feb 18, 2021

Alexei Navalny is a Russian nationalist but he may still be good news for Ukraine

By Andreas Umland

Many Ukrainians remain skeptical of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny due to his Russian nationalist past, but Navalny's impact on Russian politics may eventually prove beneficial for Ukraine.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Feb 18, 2021

Ukraine adopts new and improved referendum law

By Alisa Shushkovska and Harald Jepsen

Ukraine's recently adopted National Referendum Law fulfills an election promise made by President Zelenskyy to give the people of Ukraine greater and more direct influence over national policies.

Democratic Transitions Elections

SouthAsiaSource

Feb 18, 2021

The republican system is our only clear pathway to long-term peace in Afghanistan

By Omar Sadr

The prospect of a political settlement with the Taliban is testing Afghanistan’s nascent democracy more than ever before in the last eighteen years. Indeed, the country’s hard-won republican system, which the Taliban opposes in favor of a narrow Islamic Emirate, is currently facing an existential threat. It must be protected and strengthened at all costs.

Afghanistan Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Feb 18, 2021

Israel’s upcoming election: A referendum on the handling of the coronavirus

By Shalom Lipner

March 23 will see Israelis trek to the polls—for the fourth time since April 2019—after the close of an election campaign that has, thus far, entertained discussion of little else other than the coronavirus and its ramifications.

Israel Middle East

SouthAsiaSource

Feb 17, 2021

Eight reasons why the United States should promote Kashmir peace talks now

By Yelena Biberman

The time is ripe for Kashmir peace talks, and the Biden administration, with Secretary Blinken at the helm of foreign affairs, can play a constructive role in bringing India to the table. Why should the United States promote the Kashmir peace process? What could it realistically do?

Civil Society Human Rights

Event Recap

Feb 17, 2021

Event recap | Data-informed nutrition policy and practices

By the GeoTech Center

An episode of the GeoTech Hour where panelists discuss challenges and opportunities for data-informed nutrition solutions, and how a multisectoral approach can improve global health.

Climate Change & Climate Action Inclusive Growth

BelarusAlert

Feb 17, 2021

Soviet-style Belarus dictator goes back to the future

By Vladislav Davidzon

Belarus dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka's recent People's Assembly was a Soviet-style affair designed to help him reclaim leadership of the country following six months of nationwide pro-democracy protests.

Belarus Civil Society

MENASource

Feb 17, 2021

Responding to Iranian proxies in Iraq: Lowering the cost of accountability

By C. Anthony Pfaff

Rather than being faced with doing nothing, leaving, or being kicked out, such a joint approach can make the US the more attractive partner, undermine Iran’s ability to control the narrative, and improve prospects for future security cooperation.

Iran Iraq

BelarusAlert

Feb 17, 2021

Innovative opposition defies Belarus dictator Lukashenka

By Brian Whitmore

The adaptive tactics of the Belarusian street, combined with the emergence of dissident security service veterans, illustrate that the Lukashenka regime and its Kremlin allies have lost the initiative.

Belarus Civil Society

BelarusAlert

Feb 17, 2021

Exploring Belarusian civil society

By Andrew D’Anieri

For more than six months, Belarus has been rocked by an unprecedented wave of pro-democracy protests. This brief guide aims to introduce some the NGOs active in Belarus as the country seeks historic change.

Belarus Civil Society