Eastern Europe

Biden victory offers hope for Belarus democratic uprising

By Vladislav Davidzon

As the world prepares for a Joe Biden presidency, there are expectations in Belarus that the coming change in US leadership will mean greater American support for the country’s pro-democracy uprising.

Belarus’s nation-building journey is just beginning

By Vladislav Davidzon

The pro-democracy uprising in Belarus against the rule of dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka has been called a national awakening, but huge challenges lie ahead as the country's transformation continues.

#DFRLabCoffeeBreak with Former President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves

Former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves discusses internet policy and safety with the DFRLab.

Armenia and Azerbaijan should seize chance for peace

By Matthew Bryza

As fighting intensifies, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan would be wise to embrace the political cover their Russian and Turkish counterparts might provide.

Belarus uprising enters dangerous new phase

By Doug Klain

Events in Belarus continued to escalate this week as pro-democracy protesters attempted to initiate a nationwide general strike and the Lukashenka regime responded with a heavy-handed crackdown.

Lithuania’s new government: Women-led coalition wins confidence in difficult times

By Agnia Grigas

The new government will be particularly well positioned to lead Lithuania through the COVID-19 pandemic, achieve needed domestic reforms, and navigate the delicate situation in neighboring Belarus.

Digitalization in Central and Eastern Europe: Building regional cooperation

By The Atlantic Council Task Force on Digitalization in Central and Eastern Europe and the Three Seas Initiative

Digitalization has been heralded as “the next engine of growth” for the economies of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the idea that digitalization can transform the region’s economic model has never been more relevant than amid the current coronavirus pandemic.

Georgia’s parliamentary elections are surrounded by uncertainty

By Nino Ghvinadze and Laura Linderman

Amidst a global pandemic and the sudden escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan, Georgia is holding its first parliamentary elections since hard-fought electoral reforms were approved in June 2020 and several dramatic developments have increased uncertainty about the outcome.