Editorial paper at Robert Lansing Institute

Political paralysis and external leverage: The Trump factor in Kosovo-Serbia relations

As of August 8, Kosovo awaits another decision from the Constitutional Court, following the failure of its elected representatives—who emerged from the February 9 elections—to constitute the Assembly after 54 attempts. Until…

August 1, 2025Kosovo, Serbia

Geopolitics Intelligence ops

Nicaragua’s Recognition of Donbas as Russian Territory: Motivations, Alignments, and Consequences

I. IntroductionIn a notable gesture of support for Russia’s international posture, Nicaragua has formally recognized the occupied Donbas territories as Russian. This development reinforces Nicaragua’s pattern of opposing Western-backed resolutions in…

July 31, 2025Nicaragua, Russia, Ukraine

Democracy Governance

The Strategic Gamble of Power: President Touadéra’s Third-Term Bid in the Central African Republic

I. Introduction President Faustin-Archange Touadéra’s official confirmation of his candidacy for a third term, following a controversial constitutional overhaul in 2023, marks a decisive turn in the Central African Republic’s…

July 31, 2025CAR, Russia

Corruption Geoeconomics

The U.S. Sanctions on the Russian-Iranian Shadow Fleet: Strategic Implications and Challenges

In mid-2025, the United States expanded its sanctions regime to target the so-called “shadow fleet” — an extensive network of vessels operated covertly to circumvent oil and gas embargoes imposed…

July 31, 2025Iran, Russia

Democracy Governance

Côte d’Ivoire on the Brink: Alassane Ouattara’s Fourth Term Bid and Its Implications

President Alassane Ouattara’s reported intention to seek a fourth term in Côte d’Ivoire has reignited domestic and international concerns about the erosion of democratic norms, the resurgence of ethnic and…

July 30, 2025Cote d’Ivoire

Geopolitics Intelligence ops

UAV Incident in Minsk: A Russian Provocation to Draw Belarus into the War?

On July 29th , an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was downed by Belarusian EW in the Belarusian capital, Minsk. While official sources have remained vague or contradictory, the circumstances surrounding…

July 30, 2025Belarus, Russia

Geopolitics Governance

Austria’s Neutrality Under Pressure: Toward a Strategic Shift in Security Policy?

Austria’s historic policy of neutrality—enshrined in its 1955 State Treaty and a cornerstone of post-war identity—is now under serious scrutiny. Mounting geopolitical instability, European disillusionment with "neutrality," and the persistent threat…

July 28, 2025Austria, NATO, Russia

Governance

Kosovo is facing a political crisis

Kosovo is entering a dangerous and uncertain political terrain if it fails to make a decision by July 27 to constitute the Assembly. The ex officio decision of the Constitutional…

July 25, 2025Kosovo

Governance Intelligence ops National Security

Borderline Politics: Russian-Linked Actors in Finland and the Campaign to Reopen the Finnish–Russian Border

A small but vocal group of politicians and public figures in Finland, some with Russian citizenship or familial ties to Russia, are actively pushing for the reopening of the Finnish-Russian…

July 25, 2025Finland, NATO, Russia

Geopolitics

China and the European Union: The End of Strategic Ambiguity

China’s attempt to maintain a dual posture—supporting authoritarian regimes while seeking deep economic and technological ties with the European Union—is becoming unsustainable. The EU's evolving foreign policy stance, driven by…

July 24, 2025China, EU

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