Monthly Monitoring of Analytical Publications on Post-Soviet Conflicts

The watchword of our October monitoring issue is “Method.” This edition brings together unusual, at times even exotic, yet strictly academic materials. It so happened that in October several works were released in open access that, specifically in terms of research methodology on conflicts, look like breakthroughs toward new horizons. We invite the reader simply to enjoy this reading – as we did ourselves.

Veterans of Combat Operations as a New Systemic Factor in Ukrainian Domestic Politics

In the first part of our study we examined the social and political role of “SVO veterans” in the contemporary political and public landscape of Russia. We concluded that this role is not only significant—it is configurational and systemic, and it is not painted strictly in black or white. This article focuses on the other side of the conflict in southeastern Russia and Ukraine and presents an analysis of the social and political roles of veterans of the conflict within Ukrainian politics and society—today and in the near future.

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and the Abrahamic Accord 2.0

The return of Donald Trump to the White House has reenergized U.S. efforts to expand the Abraham Accords into a far more ambitious geopolitical framework. What began as a set of normalization agreements between Israel and key Arab partners is now evolving into a wider strategic architecture spanning the Middle East, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. This report explores the opportunities and tensions emerging from this shift, with Kazakhstan’s unexpected early entry marking a significant new phase.

SVO Veterans’ as a New Systemic Factor in Russian Domestic Politics

The ongoing military conflict in the south-east of Russia and Ukraine is producing consequences that extend far beyond the battlefield. With hundreds of thousands of servicemen simultaneously deployed, the scale of participation is generating deep structural shifts inside Russia itself. This report examines how the formation of a new, massive cohort of “SVO veterans” is beginning to reshape the country’s political, social, and administrative landscape in ways that will define its internal trajectory for years to come.

Kazakhstan’s Accession to the Abraham Accords Rewrites Eurasia’s Strategic Balance

Kazakhstan’s decision to join the Abraham Accords did more than place its signature on yet another international agreement. It re-arranged the mental map of Eurasia. Kazakhstan has just opened a new corridor of cooperation between the Muslim world and Israel, and between Central Asia and the West. If the United States is wise enough to follow through, the region may finally step into a more stable and prosperous era.

Kazakhstan’s Endorsement of the Abraham Accords in the Context of Its Multi-Vector Foreign Policy

Kazakhstan’s endorsement of the Abraham Accords in November 2025 marks a carefully calculated step within its enduring multi-vector foreign policy. By aligning symbolically with a U.S.-backed initiative while maintaining balanced relations with Russia, China, and the Muslim world, Astana demonstrates both strategic agility and diplomatic foresight. This move not only strengthens ties with the Trump administration but also positions Kazakhstan as a pragmatic bridge between diverse geopolitical and cultural spheres.

BESA Post-Soviet Conflicts Research Digest No. 25 (October 2025)

In October 2025, the analytical materials by PSCRP covered a wide range of countries and sub-regions within the post-Soviet area, including Russia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, and Armenia.

The Russian Opposition and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)

On October 1, 2025, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) initiated a new platform for dialogue with representatives of Russian democratic forces in exile. This development reflects a strategic shift in Europe’s approach toward engaging with the Russian opposition amid the protracted war against Ukraine and highlights the growing recognition that Russia’s internal political transformation will be essential for ensuring long-term European security.

An online discussion of the new book: Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Belarus, 20.11.2025, 14:00

The Post-Soviet Conflicts Research Program at the BESA Center is pleased to invite you to an online discussion of the new book: Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Belarus

Parliamentary Elections in Moldova: Between Bad and Worse

The ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) won Moldova’s September 28 parliamentary elections with 50.2% of the vote and 55 out of 101 seats, ensuring a continued pro-European course during President Maia Sandu’s term. However, the pro-European leadership remains fragile, as PAS lost four seats and relied heavily on diaspora votes for its majority. Moldova’s deep societal divide is further intensified by Russia’s interference and the government’s alleged misuse of administrative power during the elections.