Radicalized and Confused? The Russian Factor in the Latvian Electoral Politics

In 2022-2023, the current and future status of those residents of Latvia who hold Russian citizenship was hotly debated. Many residence permits were revoked, and some people who have not declared their intention to obtain a permanent residence permit or who have not passed the Latvian language exam are even getting ready to be forcefully removed from the territory of Latvia. These legislative measures have drawn further attention not only to the Russian citizens living in Latvia, but also to the ethnic Russians (or Russophones) who have Latvian citizenship and can participate directly in the Latvian political process. How has their electoral behaviour changed after February 2022 and which political forces can now claim to represent their interests?

Besa Geo Energy Insights

BESA Post-Soviet Conflicts Research Digest No. 4 (January 2024)

In January 2024, the analysts writing for the Post-Soviet Conflicts Research Program at BESA prepared eight materials concentrating on antisemitism, nationalism, and ethnic separatism in Russia, geopolitical alliance-making in the South Caucasus, and minoritarian electoral participation in Latvia.

BESA Geo-Energy Program

Greece and the Israel-Hamas War

Greece’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war reflects the excellent status of its relations with the Jewish State. The swift expression of Greek solidarity with Israel after the Hamas terrorist attack of 7 October 2023, and the organization of events to disseminate the “Bring Them Home” message, demonstrate the country’s continuing support. Greece’s attitude can be divided in two distinct phases, however. While in the first weeks of the conflict the Greek government firmly supported Israel’s right to self-defense, from the beginning of November onwards, it shifted its focus to the humanitarian dimension of hostilities. This came as a result of an adjustment in the direction of EU foreign policy and in response to domestic public opinion.

PSCRP – Research Fellows

PSCRP – Mission statement

PSCRP

The Cyber Domain in the Russo-Ukrainian War

Dr. Eyal Pinko
June 22, 2023
Paper No. 2203

Cyber attacks have been carried out by both sides in the Ukraine-Russia war to neutralize national infrastructures, banking systems, and government ministries; influence decision-makers, citizens, and soldiers; and gather intelligence. Cyber played no real role in disabling national capabilities or infrastructure, but has had psychological and cognitive effects. The first year of the war sharpened the need to build and upgrade information security measures, especially around critical national infrastructure; strengthen real-time information-gathering capabilities from social networks; strengthen awareness; and maintain information security.

Israel’s Future in Multinational Coalitions

Washington will likely call upon Israel to participate in future multinational coalitions, which will entail IDF forces deploying to foreign countries as part of US-led operations. Israel has not participated in past coalitions due to regional threats and Washington’s desire to avoid complications with allied majority Muslim states. These two concerns were significantly diminished by the Abraham Accords, increasing the likelihood that Washington will seek Israel’s direct support in future campaigns.

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