Content

Dispatches

Nov 6, 2026

Not quite mercenaries: How Russia lures thousands of foreigners to fight in its war on Ukraine

By Andrii Latsyba

Many of Russia's foreign recruits were coerced into service due to vulnerable legal or financial statuses. What should become of them?

Europe & Eurasia Human Rights

UkraineAlert

Nov 5, 2026

Last week’s brief Ukraine ceasefire did not stop Russian attacks on civilians

By Kristina Hook

A recent humanitarian ceasefire around the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky made it possible to evacuate hundreds of residents, but Russian attacks on civilians elsewhere in Ukraine continue, writes Kristina Hook.

Civil Society Conflict

Dispatches

Nov 5, 2026

As Gen Z asserts itself in Serbia and Albania, the upside for the West is far greater than the headaches

By Agon Maliqi

The West has an opening to advance democratic values and foreign policy alignment in the Balkans.

Civil Society The Balkans

Issue Brief

Oct 29, 2026

The relationship between female leadership, political freedom, and the rule of law

By Helena Fee Rasch

How is female leadership in public service associated with two institutional outcomes: political freedom and rule of law? Understanding the broader implications of women’s representation in leadership roles can inform strategies to preserve and promote freedom, democracy, and prosperity.

Freedom and Prosperity Political Reform

Dispatches

Oct 29, 2026

France’s protests are playing into Le Pen’s hands 

By Lisa Homel, Aurélie Vittot

Protests have shifted France's national debate toward restoring order, a narrative that aligns closely with Marine Le Pen’s and the French right’s messaging.

Civil Society France

Balkans Debrief

Oct 28, 2026

How Far Could the Student List Reshape Serbia? | A Debrief With Misha Glenny 

Europe Center Resident Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks with Misha Glenny to discuss Serbia's parliamentary results.

Civil Society Democracy

UkraineAlert

Oct 27, 2026

UN report: Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power grid are a ‘crime against humanity’

By Kateryna Odarchenko

Russia’s bombardment of Ukraine’s civilian power grid qualifies as a crime against humanity, according to a new report by the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, writes Kateryna Odarchenko.

Conflict Drones

UkraineAlert

Oct 27, 2026

European infrastructure is vulnerable as Putin escalates Russia’s hybrid war

By Maksym Beznosiuk

Putin is currently looking to exploit Europe’s vulnerabilities as he seeks ways to isolate Ukraine and cut off Kyiv’s European aid lifeline. Civilian infrastructure may be one of the continent’s weakest links, writes Maksym Beznosiuk.

Conflict Critical Infrastructure Policy

Issue Brief

Oct 27, 2026

Any means necessary: Are courts safe in the digital age?  

By Lisandra Novo

Reports are on the rise of hacks at federal courts in the United States, putting sensitive data, such as informants' identities, at risk. In litigation involving spyware, even more sensitive data is at risk. What protective measures should be in place to safeguard evidence?

Cybersecurity Human Rights

Dispatches

Oct 22, 2026

What the new arrest warrant for Raúl Castro means for Cuba’s future

By Jason Marczak and Sebastián A. Arcos

Washington’s latest pressure on the Cuban regime comes as Cuba’s economic and humanitarian crisis spirals from bad to worse.

Cuba Human Rights

Experts