Transformation processes

Civil society in Belarus faces enormous challenges, which are analysed in detail in two background papers. The first analyses the reality of state repression. The second paper analyses the role and resilience of Belarusian women.

The background papers take a look at current topics related to Belarus: one sheds light on current challenges faced by Belarusians in the diaspora, while the other analyses the behaviour of the Belarusian regime in an international context.

How successful are democratisation processes in the Western Balkans? This Policy Brief sheds light on the EU’s approach towards democratic processes in the region and suggests ways forward how to support them more effectively

Hungary's dismantling of the rule of law is not only presenting the EU with ever new problems. The German government, too, is challenged to react more strongly to Hungary's autocratization under the impression of the “Zeitenwende”.

The current conflict over the rule of law is increasingly straining relations between Hungary and the EU. The conflict is becoming increasingly problematic for German stakeholders, too. Hungary is blocking important EU decisions and increasing the pressure on German companies.

Difficulties, challenges and opportunities - the publication "Voices of the Belarusian Diaspora" takes an analytical and practical look at Belarusian activists in exile.

Some governments in Central and Eastern Europe are more illiberal than their populations. They support most of the EU’s liberal values. We analyse and explain the origins and conditions of illiberalism in the region.

How did social media influence the protests in and outside Turkmenistan in 2020? The study sheds light on the role of online activism during this wave of protests.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for civil society in Kazakhstan. At the same time, it also is an important reference for civic engagement. Our fellows conducted interviews with activists to analyse their adaption to the pandemic circumstances.

Illiberal values in Central and Eastern Europe receive less support than some governments might suggest. Their policies often serve mere power interests. Our study provides concrete suggestions for dealing with authoritarian-populist governments in CEE.

In March 2020, Tajikistan held its perhaps most disappointing parliamentary elections since its independence, argues Bruce Pannier, as the leading opposition party was banned. The presidential elections in autumn 2020 are hence paved for President Rahmon’s hold on power.

For non-recognised states, the road to internal and external statehood is long and complicated. The paper presents the ‘Peace Index’ as an assessment method for statehood, using the examples of Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transnistria.

In 2019, Uzbekistan announced its intention to join the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). At the same time, the country formally re-opened WTO accession after negotiations had stalled. Jamshid Normatov discusses how these two integration projects relate to each other.

Although the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is an economic organisation, the Kremlin`s motivation to draw Uzbekistan into this structure is political. Jasur Salomov analyses current developments and possible advantages and disadvantages of Uzbekistan’s potential membership.