Content

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

UkraineAlert

Oct 21, 2026

Ukrainians are not fighting for Zelenskyy. They are fighting for national survival.

By Peter Dickinson

Trump and Putin both seem to think that removing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would set the stage for a Kremlin-friendly peace deal, but most Ukrainians see the war as a fight for national survival that does not depend on any one man, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict Education

UkraineAlert

Oct 21, 2026

Moldova’s fight against Kremlin interference faces Gagauzia election test

By Laurențiu Pleșca, Will Kingston-Cox

Moldova’s democratic resilience faces a revealing litmus test on November 15, when autonomous Gagauzia elects a new governor and People’s Assembly amid concerns over Kremlin interference, write Laurențiu Pleșca and Will Kingston-Cox.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Oct 21, 2026

Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians may have a domestic dimension

By Syrus Solo Jin, Anton Ponomarenko

Russia's escalating bombing campaign against civilian targets across Ukraine aims to make much of the country unlivable while also serving a propaganda purpose for the Kremlin on the home front, write Syrus Solo Jin and Anton Ponomarenko.

Conflict Disinformation

Experts