Opinions
Between Political Alliance and Institutional Constraint: Serbia and Croatia in Hungary’s Electoral Context
Hungary’s elections are drawing attention across Europe, yet their significance is particularly pronounced for neighbouring states that are closely intertwined with Budapest within a network of regional political and economic interdependencies. For these countries, the stakes extend beyond the electoral outcome itself, encompassing the future direction of cooperation and the broader configuration of regional relations.
The War in Ukraine: Russia’s Spring False Start
Certain aspects of Russia’s war against Ukraine are predictable. One of them is the launch of new offensive operations in the spring. This is timed early enough for Vladimir Putin to be able to present some form of military success on Red Square on 9 May. This year, however, the situation does not appear promising for the Kremlin – at least for now. That said, this is not yet the beginning of a full-scale spring–summer offensive.
Crossroad between East and West. A retrospective analysis of the 2024/25 Moldavian situation
“The presidential elections and the referendum on the 20th of October will be the most important events after the declaration of independence – they will mark the Moldavians’ destiny for the next decades.” – The Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Romania, commenting on the 2024 Moldovan Referendum
Serbia under Pressure in the Energy Market: The State as a Crisis Buffer
Rising tensions in the Middle East and sharp increases in oil prices—exceeding $100 per barrel in recent weeks—have quickly translated into Serbia’s domestic policy response. The reaction of the authorities in Belgrade shows that in times of global instability, the state once again steps in as the primary instrument for stabilising both the economy and social conditions.
Western Balkans and the Escalation of Tensions in the Middle East
The escalation of tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran has quickly found political resonance in the Western Balkans. Reactions from governments across the region demonstrate how closely the region remains connected to broader geopolitical rivalries.
The War in the Persian Gulf: More Losses Than Gains for Russia
The scale of the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran caught Moscow off guard. The likelihood of major geopolitical shifts in the Persian Gulf has rarely appeared as high as it does today. While the Kremlin may reap limited short-term benefits from the escalation, the overall strategic balance is likely to be unfavorable for Russia.
Non-surprise, Yet Wrapped in a Riddle? Results of Czech Parliamentary Elections 2025
At the beginning of October, the 9th general election to the lower house of the Czech Republic’s parliament (the Chamber of Deputies) took place. The election was a record in many respects – it had the highest voter turnout in this century (since 1998) and at the same time, in a nominal sense, the historically largest number of citizens participated.
Moscow’s Creeping Escalation: Hybrid Pressure on Poland and the Alliance
As many Polish, Ukrainian, and European experts warned, Russia would not stop at Ukraine. Give it an inch, and it will take a mile. Combined with Vladimir Putin’s confrontational style of negotiation and statecraft, that appetite has now spilled onto NATO territory. When a wave of Russian drones crossed into Poland from Belarusian airspace on the night of September 9-10, 2025, the Alliance’s eastern flank entered a new phase of the war.
Zoran Milanović: Croatia’s ‘New Old’ President – Post-Election Interview with Matija Horvat
Over the past year, Croatia has undergone an election marathon, featuring parliamentary, European, and presidential elections. The second round of the presidential election, held on January 12, resulted in a victory for Zoran Milanović. To explore the post-election domestic landscape and Croatia’s role in a rapidly changing world, we invited Matija Horvat, an expert from the Croatian think tank Centre for Public Policy and Economic Analysis.
Disinformation, Hate Speech and Power
Disinformation (against a group of people), hate speech and the acquisition of power have a special relationship. During the History we can see how these three elements cooperate and how can the disinformation and hate speech lead to a coup or a successful election.
China in Francafrique
The question of Francafrique is very complicated and it is difficult to describe the nature of ties between France and the former colonies. The research of Francafrique is priceless, because it can help a lot to understand the diplomatic war between the great powers.
Russia and China in Africa
Russia’s mercenary system fights against China’s modern imperialism and of course there are the rest of the world is also playing role in Africa. A lot of countries make their business activity in Africa and try to get political and diplomatic influence in this area1. Make contracts, buy mines, bring military, and establish military bases. But what is the importance of Africa? And how do these two major powers seek to influence in Africa?
Azerbaijan-Georgia Partnership as a Key for EU’s Long-term Energy Security
Azerbaijan and Georgia are two neighboring countries of the South Caucasus and strategic allies. The Caspian Sea region is rich in oil and natural gas resources, and Azerbaijan’s major export routes are connected to Western energy markets via Georgia and Turkiye. Moreover, these countries support connectivity in the region, which is an important link between Central Asia, the Caspian region and Europe. To this end, both Azerbaijan and Georgia have also strategic partnerships with Ankara.
How to contain an increasingly assertive China?
Tensions in the South China Sea are on the rise. The United States has just pledged to defend Philippine vessels if they are attacked over there, after Beijing and Manila blamed each other after a China Coast Guard ship fired water cannons at a Philippine boat. The incident may well be deliberately provoked by China to test the commitment of the United States in the region.
Warsaw Institute
