@MiddleEastInst program exploring political, economic & security ties between #MiddleEast & the northern frontier - #EasternEurope, #Caucasus & #CentralAsia

Joined February 2020
111 Photos and videos
“Russkyi Mir is an instrument for Russia’s geopolitical ambitions and hegemonic claims on the post-Soviet space. At the same time, the ideology is a tool in Russia’s hybrid warfare arsenal which poses both international and national security threats.” mei.edu/publications/russkyi…
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“The longer a conflict goes on, the harder it is to achieve peace. Conflicts fragment societies by aggravating existing tensions and creating new ones. Understanding these harmful consequences is critical for a realistic conflict resolution strategy.” mei.edu/publications/cost-co…
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Cost of conflict: The consequences of war in Donbas, Ukraine | Artem Kochnev and Marica Valente provide an important and timely overview of the costs of the war in Donbas. mei.edu/publications/cost-co…
Russkyi Mir in the Black Sea Region | Andrei Iovu explores the emergence, geographical spread, and consequences of Russkyi Mir in his recent report for Frontier Europe Initiative. mei.edu/publications/russkyi…
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In this report, @nseskuria outlines how and why increased cooperation between the U.S. and Georgia would strengthen Georgia’s resilience and security in the face of Russian aggression, while also bolstering U.S. influence in the region. mei.edu/publications/black-s…
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“NATO and Georgian policymakers can either get creative to chart out a realistic and reasonable path, or they can continue to allow Russia to veto NATO enlargement. Do leaders on both sides of the Atlantic have the creativity and political will?” mei.edu/publications/vision-…
Vision, creativity, leadership: Charting Georgia's path to NATO | @LukeDCoffey outlines two ways to breathe new life into Georgia’s NATO aspirations. First, shift the debate around Georgia and MAP. Second, consider amending Article 6. mei.edu/publications/vision-…
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Black Sea Security: Priorities for the U.S. Georgia Partnership Under President Biden | @nseskuria outlines a set of key recommendations for increased political, economic, and security cooperation between the U.S. and Georgia. mei.edu/publications/black-s…
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Canal Istanbul: Don’t believe the hype | @YorukIsik on why plans for a new passage between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara is benefiting companies friendly to the Turkish government, but does not serve commercial or naval maritime purposes. mei.edu/publications/canal-i…
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“Tbilisi's role as a bridge between the U.S. and Russia and Turkey is important in stabilizing the Black Sea region.” @IuliJo and @PMBreedlove outline reasons why the Biden Administration should elevate the U.S. strategic partnership with Georgia. newsweek.com/georgia-my-mind…
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#ICYMI: @IuliJo was joined last week by Maria Tomak and Ann Tsurtsumia-Zurabashvili to discuss Russian aggression and human rights violations in Ukraine and Georgia. Watch the full discussion here: youtu.be/Pjn21Lz12PM

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Georgia on my mind | In their @NewsweekOpinion piece, @IuliJo and @PMBreedlove reflect on President Biden’s European tour, arguing that Georgia should feature more prominently on Washington’s agenda. newsweek.com/georgia-my-mind…
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In her latest report for Frontier Europe Initiative, @ParfenchukM argues that with COVID-19, there is now a window of opportunity for the U.S. to strengthen its presence and establish leadership in the Black Sea through closer cooperation with Ukraine. mei.edu/publications/black-s…
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“In theory, the EU has an open door policy to any country that meets its accession criteria. In reality, the bloc is purposefully disengaged from its Eastern neighborhood, leaving Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine exposed to ongoing Russian aggression.” mei.edu/publications/eu-blac…
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“Cooperation between the three countries will be key to their EU membership. Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine have a stronger voice together and a greater chance of overcoming the Union’s enlargement fatigue.” mei.edu/publications/eu-blac…
“U.S. sanctions on Iran have impeded expected growth of economic ties between Iran and other Caspian states following the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Since the U.S. is relaxing this pressure, Tehran’s line toward Caspian issues may harden in the future.” mei.edu/publications/tehran-…
Russia has taken advantage of COVID, says Ann Tsurtsumia-Zurabashvili. The only vaccine offered in occupied territories is Sputnik. This comes with a wave of anti-West disinformation about the origins of the pandemic and how Russia is the only savior. youtube.com/watch?v=Pjn21Lz1…
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We see many debates on whether sanctions are effective. Data suggests they are, says Maria Tomak. Sanctions against those who violate human rights, even if for symbolic purposes, are important. The U.S. has been a champion here; the EU less so. youtube.com/watch?v=Pjn21Lz1…
Russia has been effective in reducing the Geneva International Discussions to dysfunction, says Ann Tsurtsumia-Zurabashvili. Nothing tangible has yet come from GID. Bringing real meaning to and raising the profile of this format is crucial. youtube.com/watch?v=Pjn21Lz1…
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The situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia has worsened. Before 08, there were at least monitoring missions for both territories, but no longer. There are no international security mechanisms protecting ordinary citizens - Ann Tsurtsumia Zurabashvili. youtube.com/watch?v=Pjn21Lz1…
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