North Macedonia's elections are pivotal for EU accession and reflect great power dynamics in the Western Balkans amid COVID-19. Political divisions and online disinformation campaigns heighten the stakes, with potential shifts in governance and regional influence. Canadian Macedonian Historical Society

The article discusses Russia's historical view of Ukraine as part of its empire, influencing Putin's refusal to acknowledge Ukrainian sovereignty. The term 'Little Russia' and policies suppressed Ukrainian identity, supporting Russia's contemporary claims and actions towards Ukraine. Theconversation.com

Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin, has inspired mass protests across Russia against government corruption and for civil liberties, despite facing arrests and an assassination attempt. His actions resonate with historical calls for a rule-of-law based, normal European country. Theconversation.com

Calls for prosecuting Russian President Putin for war crimes in Ukraine are increasing. Despite skepticism, history shows successful prosecutions occur when leaders lose power. International courts face challenges without enforcement powers, yet political pressure and incentives can lead to trials. Theconversation.com

Russian President Putin recognized two breakaway Ukrainian regions, escalating tensions. The U.S. and EU responded with sanctions. Historical grievances and strategic interests, including energy dependency and cyber warfare, underscore the conflict's complexity and depth. Theconversation.com

Lada Roslycky, an American Canadian of Ukrainian descent, remains in Kyiv despite potential Russian invasion, supporting Ukraine's drive for democracy and independence. Over $5.4 billion U.S. aid has been sent to Ukraine as tensions escalate with Russia. Cronkitenews.azpbs.org

The article discusses potential U.S. sanctions on Russia under the Magnitsky Act, amid tensions at the Ukraine border. It highlights the act's targeting of human rights abuses and suggests preemptive action against Putin's regime to deter further aggression and focus on human rights. Theconversation.com

Konstantin Goldman was arrested in Moscow for displaying Tolstoy's 'War and Peace' as a form of protest against Russia's military policies. Literature, historically central in Russian culture, is now a divisive tool in the ongoing cultural and political conflicts regarding Ukraine. zocalopublicsquare.org

Victor Peskin explores U.S. hesitancy to prosecute Putin for aggression, highlighting concerns about setting precedents affecting U.S. actions. Despite potential benefits of an indictment, complexities of international law and politics influence the decision. Academicminute.org

Russia may resume nuclear testing following New START Treaty suspension, announced by Putin on February 21. Testing could be used for coercive diplomacy or to confirm new nuclear capabilities, potentially at Novaya Zemlya, amid military modernization and strategic disputes in the Arctic. Nationalinterest.org

Kyrgyzstan is witnessing a shift from its tradition of 'street democracy' to creeping authoritarianism under President Sadyr Japarov. Influenced by Putin's style, Japarov's government advances legislation reducing Parliament's role and curbing dissent, raising concerns about democracy's future in the country. theconversation.com

This book examines how governments influence economic development through agricultural policies, crucial in the developing world. It explores the impact of these policies on political stability in authoritarian regimes and challenges conventional views on economic development and political change.