Kyrgyz Elections: #Шайлоо2015

Kyrgyzstan holds parliamentary elections on the 4th of October in the first test of the country’s new constitution adopted after the 2010 revolution. Despite corruption and voter eligibility scandals, expectations for change remain muted.

Forecast: U.S. Elections To Influence Ukraine Conflict

America’s elections are heating up – and the entire world is watching. How will the race to the top shift the balance of power, and will the situation in Ukraine escalate?

Power Struggle for Kiev: Moves and Countermoves

Until now, volunteer battalions have been a key component of Kiev’s strategy to recapture eastern Ukraine. They have largely complied with central government requirements regarding the ceasefire, but developing fractures and extreme nationalism among several groups threaten state cohesion.

German Parties’ Cohesion Divided Over Ukraine

While Merkel and the Christian Democrats have taken a harsh line against Russia’s policy in Ukraine, cracks are forming in the party consensus amid increasing popular support for Eurosceptic platforms and a conciliatory approach to Russia.

Special: Moldovan Elections Clouded

One of Moldova’s most popular pro-Russian political parties has been wiped off the political landscape over allegations of foreign funding and ties to the FSB. The Patria party, expected to accumulate about 13% of the overall vote, will still appear on the ballot as the decision arrives too late for a reprint.

Moldovan Elections: Ties that Bind

Struggling to establish a coherent policy while straddling the geographic boundaries of Moscow and Brussels’ spheres of influence, Moldova’s fast approaching elections represent more than just a transition of power in Chisinau.

Undermining Ukraine, Undermined by Markets

Think tank review: as the separatist elections on 2 November continue to drive a rift between the West and Russia, US think tanks are redirecting their focus to Ukraine and Asia, where Russia’s strategy in both regions will be tested by falling oil prices.

Frozen Conflict on the Doorstep

Sunday’s elections in Donetsk and Luhansk have effectively disabled the Minsk Protocol. As the Russian-backed separatists and Kiev become increasingly antagonistic, open conflict may resume and a long term stagnation appears more likely.

In the Shadow of Ukraine: Moldova’s November Elections

Just prior to the November elections and with its own frozen conflict to handle, Moldova has sought long-term stability in the arms of the West while Russian interests ensure that the road to EU integration will be bumpy, perhaps nonexistent.

Flashpoints II: Russia’s Interests in Moldova

Russia’s continued presence in Moldova and support for the breakaway Transnistrian region and autonomous Gagauzia ensures support for Russian interests.