On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine the likes of which Europe had not seen in the 21st century. Today, the human casualties continue to mount as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s brazen assault on democracy continues.
Meanwhile, the rest of the post-Soviet world is left to pick up the foundations of a quickly-crumbling world order, amid what appears to be a second stage of Soviet collapse. Russian decolonization not only encompasses the defense of Ukrainian sovereignty and independence, but also a renewed focus on the region most immediately vulnerable to Russian aggression and hegemony. From Azerbaijan’s invasion of Armenia in 2022 to border clashes between Collective Security Treaty Organization member states Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, countries once under firmly in Russia’s orbit are quickly slipping from the sphere of influence Russian President Vladimir Putin’s power so heavily relies on.
As an international relations organization firmly devoted to upholding values of human rights and democracy globally, the USC Dornsife Global Policy Institute lends itself as a platform for student analysis of the war in Ukraine, contextualized more broadly in the region of post-Soviet Eurasia, and its international implications.
Follow the editorial analysis by GPI fellows in this latest series organized by GPI editorial lead Mané Berikyan.
The views expressed in Eye on Ukraine: The Region In Context do not necessarily align with the views of the Global Policy Institute editorial staff.
It’s a victory when the weapons fall silent and people speak up.
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
Editorials
Read our fellows’ analysis of the war in Ukraine, as well as the broader geopolitical challenges across the post-Soviet world and beyond.
South Caucasus: Should US Deep Engagement Apply to the Post-Soviet Region?
With dwindling Russian influence in the post-Soviet region, U.S. engagement in the South Caucasus region is increasing.
The Future of Crimea: How Far is Too Far?
“Give us your weapons — we will return what is ours,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his recent…
Europe’s dependence on Azerbaijani gas replaces one dictatorship for another
In an effort to reduce its dependency on Russian gas, the European Union has turned to another dictatorship —…
Selective Activism and Its Detrimental Effects on the Armenian People: The Lachin Corridor
GPI fellow Ariana reflects on the role of media and activism in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The Politics of Tank Distribution: International Image, Aid to Ukraine, and the German Leopard A2 Tank
Pressure mounts on Western Europe to export much-needed tanks to Ukraine.
Before Bucha in Ukraine, There Was Abkhazia In Georgia: An Interview With Tamara Chergoleishvili
GPI sits down with an artist reintroducing the genocide against ethnic Georgians in Abkhazia
Azerbaijan: A “New Republic”
As Azerbaijani aggression continues, Armenians face greater challenges with each day.
An attempted ethnic cleansing: Azerbaijan closes the Lachin corridor
As the Lachin corridor’s closure passes its two-week mark, the circumstances in Nagorno Karabakh continue to decline.
Azerbaijan’s illegal closure of the Lachin corridor is a precursor to the last stage of ethnic cleansing
By orchestrating the closure of the only link between Nagorno-Karabakh and the outside world, Azerbaijan is creating a quickly…
Violence in Karakalpakstan: what the ongoing human rights violations mean
Violence in the Karakalpakstan region of Uzbekistan demonstrates the growing need for international intervention.
Was Kazakhstan’s “Bloody January” a Symptom of Putin-Gone-Rogue?
Putin’s war on democracy played a role in the CSTO’s decision to deploy troops in Kazakhstan. With the invasion…
For Kim Jong-Un, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is an ideal distraction
While the world is preoccupied with Russia, another unpredictable adversary is acting up under the radar.
A war in Ukraine means an energy crisis in Europe
The EU is being asked to confront its dependency on Russian gas and oil.
Is Bosnia headed for another war?
The already-strained political system looks close to collapsing under pressure from Serb leaders.
Hungary flirts with Russia amid Ukraine invasion
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has steered Budapest closer to Moscow since stepping into power.
Biden’s Silence on the Nagorno Karabakh Crisis Jeopardizes the American Foreign Policy Agenda
As a humanitarian crisis unfolds in blockaded Nagorno-Karabakh, the Biden Administration’s response has been lacking. Without decisive action, 120,000…
Eye on Ukraine: The Region in Context
Editor: Mane Berikyan, Deputy Director
Hydropower and India’s “Sinking Towns”: How Should Development Continue?
“Sinking Towns” in India’s Himalayan Region demonstrate the need for an immediate solution to protect both residents and the environment.
Persisting Issue of Land Reform in Zimbabwe
Over 40 years after gaining independence, Zimbabwe is still struggling to resolve the longstanding issue of land ownership. Land seizures in the early 2000s intended to rectify the overwhelming white ownership of commercial agricultural land were at times violent and played a factor in the resulting economic instability of the country.
The Northern and Southern Divide of Peru: Citizens No Longer Feel Represented
Extremist movements are calling for greater autonomy between the Northern and Southern regions of Peru.
Arab-Israeli Normalization and What it Means for Palestine
The appeal of Arab-Israeli assimilation lies not only in economic opportunities but in the benefits of its strategic implications.
Empowered and Emboldened for Impact: Reflections on the UN Global Engagement Summit
GPI Fellow Erika Chagin reports on her experience at the United Nations.
Peru’s Political Nightmare: A Coup Attempt Leading to Unwanted Leadership
A contentious election in Peru is marked by demonstrations and rising disapproval of the administration.
The Impasse on Human Trafficking: No Data in a Digital World
Without reliable statistics and data, human trafficking remains an insurmountable humanitarian crisis.
The Asylum-Claiming Process
GPI fellow Erika examines the asylum process in a background guide for our 2023 Think-a-Thon.