Eastern Europe

The implosion of the Soviet Union sparked a massive evolution for the 15 former republics, which have undergone their own transition to become independent states. While the Baltic states have completed a successful transition to open societies and market economies, many others in Eastern Europe continue to face immense obstacles or democratic backsliding. CSIS analysis sheds light on the internal dynamics in these states, their intra-regional relationships, their broader foreign and security policies, and the implications of their choices and circumstances for their neighbors, the United States, and the rest of the world.

Photo: ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images

Hungary After Orbán: The Hard Road Back to Democracy

The road back to democracy from authoritarianism is a difficult one, filled with fits and starts that thwart even the best attempts; Hungary holds some lessons for others trying to walk that path back to democracy.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman and Donatienne Ruy — April 27, 2026

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Experts

Max Bergmann

Max Bergmann

Director, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and Stuart Center
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair
Jerry McGinn

Jerry McGinn

Director, Center for the Industrial Base and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Alek Jovovic

Alek Jovovic

Deputy Director, Center for the Industrial Base and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department

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Hungary After Orbán: The Hard Road Back to Democracy

The road back to democracy from authoritarianism is a difficult one, filled with fits and starts that thwart even the best attempts; Hungary holds some lessons for others trying to walk that path back to democracy.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman and Donatienne Ruy — April 27, 2026

The AI Policy Podcast

Unpacking Russian Military AI with Kateryna Bondar

In this episode, we are joined by Wadhwani AI Center fellow Kateryna Bondar to discuss her recent reports on Russia's military AI, "How Russia Is Building a Sovereign Drone Ecosystem for AI-Driven Autonomy" and "How Russia Is Reshaping Command and Control for AI-Enabled Warfare."

Podcast Episode by Gregory C. Allen and Kateryna Bondar — April 14, 2026

Photo: CSIS
State of Play

Will Orban’s Defeat Transform Europe?

Donatienne Ruy joins Will to discuss Péter Magyar’s landslide victory and if this will be a game changer for Europe.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman and Donatienne Ruy — April 13, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS

North Korea’s Ties With Belarus: Limited But Not Insignificant

Time will tell as to whether Lukashenko will play any role, let alone a successful one, in reviving U.S.-North Korean diplomacy. Notwithstanding this unlikely possibility, the more important consequence of the recent elevation in Belarus-North Korea relations pertains to North Korea’s broadening of diplomatic partnerships. 

Newsletter by Edward Howell — April 6, 2026

What Is at Stake in Hungary’s Election?

Hungary’s April election could end Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule as opposition leader Peter Magyar mounts a serious challenge. The outcome will shape Hungary’s democratic trajectory and impact the European Union’s unity and policy for years to come.

Critical Questions by Donatienne Ruy and Maria Snegovaya — March 11, 2026

Russian Roulette

Eric Ciaramella on How Europe Can Arm Ukraine

Eric Ciaramella of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace returned to the show to discuss his recent article with Sophia Besch on the ways that European states can support Ukraine militarily without the involvement of the U.S. Max and Maria asked him about his piece, the funding questions behind its ideas, and Eric's overall assessment on peace negotiations with Russia.

Podcast Episode by Max Bergmann, Maria Snegovaya, and Eric Ciaramella — March 5, 2026

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