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

The article discusses Russia's use of Alexander Nevsky's historical image to foster a nationalistic narrative amid its conflict with Ukraine. Nevsky, a medieval prince and saint, is portrayed as a symbol in Russia's ideological and physical battles, influencing both historical perception and current political strategies. WilsonCenter.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

Martin Beck Matustik discovers he's a Holocaust survivor's child, leading him on a global journey to uncover his mother's hidden Jewish heritage and reconcile his identity. His narrative intertwines personal, historical, and philosophical elements, offering insight into complex familial and cultural legacies.

Volker Benkert explores the political socialization of East Germans born between 1967 and 1973, using narrative interviews to reveal diverse socialization patterns and attitudes towards post-1990 transformation, highlighting the complexity of generational and biographical research.

N. Korea ranks near the bottom of Freedom House’s rankings for democracy and human rights, scoring 3/100. The Dear Leader"" in The Orphan Master’s Son is Kim Jong Il

Burning Orchards, a novel by Gurgen Mahari, portrays the Armenian rebellion in Ottoman Van (1915) with depth, challenging standard narratives. Originally banned, this 1966 Armenian edition illuminates complex loyalties to the Empire, despite censorship.

Dubravka Ugresic's novel 'Fox' explores storytelling and literary invention through various global and historical settings, using the motif of the Eastern folklore fox. It combines literary trivia with personal narratives, creating a multi-layered text that challenges conventional storytelling.

Rumena Bu arovska, a Macedonian author, presents a collection of short stories titled 'My Husband'. The stories explore themes of identity, choice, and deceit in Macedonia, featuring brutally realistic narratives and complex character relations.

China Mi ville discusses his fascination with cities in literature, emphasizing the blend of real and imagined elements in urban settings. His new book, a police procedural, merges these interests with a narrative structure influenced by crime genre traditions.

Flights, by Olga Tokarczuk and translated by Jennifer Croft, is an unconventional novel blending stories, essays, and reflections on travel, exploring human conditions and philosophical questions through fragmented narratives.

Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale' is analyzed as speculative fiction reflecting historical and current totalitarian practices. The novel critiques gender roles, religious misuse, and portrays rebellion within dystopia, emphasizing storytelling as a form of resistance.