-
Russia’s Vigilantes: The Rise of the “Russian Community”
The right-wing organization “Russian Community” is facing renewed scrutiny from the media outlet Mediazona, following a series of violent incidents involving its members, and an alleged Russian police cooperation. The Russian Community is an ultranationalist organization active across multiple Russian regions, known for its Orthodox fundamentalism, anti-Western stance, and anti-Caucasian sentiments. It was founded in…
-
Georgia: New Foreign Agent Law Takes Effect
On May 31, Georgia’s new foreign agent law took effect. It mandates that individuals and organizations deemed to be acting in the interest of a “foreign principal” to register with the Anti-Corruption Bureau within ten days or face penalties including fines up to ₾10,000 (~$3,600), imprisonment for up to five years, or deportation in the…
-
AI, the Perfect Excuse? When Doubt Becomes Strategy
Artificial intelligence (AI) is often discussed in terms of its power to fabricate proactively to create false realities, but far less attention is paid to how it is used reactively — as a shield or fallback — to deflect inconvenient truths.Until recently, generative technologies were feared for their capacity to create convincing falsehoods — generating faces that don’t exist, speeches never delivered, or entirely fictional events. But a more subtle and equally consequential use is emerging: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being invoked not only to create deception, but to discredit truth. As AI becomes…
-
Georgian Opposition Figure Arrested as Government Pushes EU Narrative
On May 22, Georgian opposition leader Zurab Japaridze was arrested in a Tbilisi courtroom after refusing to pay ₾20,000 ($7,300) bail tied to his noncompliance with a parliamentary investigative commission. The commission, initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream party (conservative party), is examining alleged abuses during the 2003–2012 presidency of Mikheil Saakashvili and has the…
-
Silk Roads: China’s Footprint in Georgia
On March 31, 2025, Georgia deepened its shift toward China by signing a financial cooperation deal, reflecting broader strategic realignment amid stalled EU integration and declining Western engagement. CREDIT: Kari Nousiainen.On March 31, 2025, the National Bank of Georgia signed a memorandum of understanding with the People’s Bank of China in Beijing, outlining cooperation in monetary policy, financial technology, payment systems, and securities market development. This development marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation between the two countries, and is part of Georgia’s broader strategic…
-
Turkish Envoy Meets in Damascus for Cooperation Talks
Turkish intelligence chief İbrahim Kalin held extensive meetings in Damascus this week with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, and intelligence chief Hussein al-Salama. The discussions centered on restoring bilateral relations, enhancing border cooperation, and supporting Syria’s post-conflict recovery efforts. Key topics included counterterrorism efforts, and the disarmament and integration of armed groups…
-
Romania: Simion Concedes as Dan Wins Presidency
Nicușor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest from the Save Romania Union (pro-European liberal party), won Romania’s presidential election on May 18, after defeating the leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR, right-wing nationalist party) George Simion. Official results showed Dan securing 53.6% of the vote in the runoff, while Simion received 46.4%.…
-
PM Resigns as Romania Heads to Presidential Runoff
Romania is heading into a second round of presidential elections on May 18, after George Simion, candidate for the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR, right-wing nationalist party) secured over 40% of the vote in the first round on May 4. Simion will face Nicușor Dan from the Save Romania Union (pro-European liberal party),…
-
Ex-Kursk Governor Detained Over Military Funds Fraud
Alexey Smirnov has been placed in pre-trial detention for two months by the Meshchansky District Court of Moscow. He is accused of large-scale fraud in connection with misappropriation of state funds meant for military fortifications, allegedly committed by an organized group using official positions. Smirnov’s former deputy, Alexey Dedov, faces the same charges. Smirnov is…
-
Political Opponents Face Death Penalty in Tunisia
On March 4, Tunisia opened the first hearing in the high-profile “conspiracy against state security” trial, following two years of investigations. Forty defendants, including political figures, activists, lawyers, and public personalities, are accused of plotting to overthrow President Kais Saied’s government and face charges of conspiracy against internal and external state security and terrorism. If…