How do authoritarian powers spread their influence beyond their borders? And why do some countries resist while others embrace it?In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Alexandra Karppi speaks with Sonja Schiffers, author of Authoritarian and Illiberal Influence: Russia and Turkey's Threats to Democracy in Wider Europe, about the mechanisms of foreign authoritarian influence in Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.Drawing on more than a decade of research, Schiffers explains why Russia and Turkey have pursued different strategies to project influence, how domestic political elites facilitate or resist these efforts, and what this means for democratic institutions and civil society. The conversation explores the role of political networks, anti-Western narratives, restrictive legislation and transnational repression, while also questioning whether the EU and the United States have consistently supported democracy in the region.The discussion also examines how Georgia's political trajectory has changed under Georgian Dream, Russia's relationship with Milorad Dodik in Bosnia, and what years of fieldwork reveal about the often-hidden mechanisms of foreign influence.For our Patrons:Sonja stays on for an exclusive discussion about the rapidly deteriorating situation for civil society in Georgia, the restrictions facing German political foundations and the future of independent democratic organisations in the country.Support Talk Eastern Europe and access the bonusconversation: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Timestamps00:00 Introduction: Russia, Turkey and authoritarian influence  01:29 The origins of the research  05:42 Comparing Russian and Turkish approaches 09:18 Why Georgia and Bosnia?  14:45 The role of domestic political elites 20:15 Georgian Dream and Russian influence 22: 02 Mechanisms of authoritarian influence 26:58 Final reflections on the bookExclusive Patron bonus - Georgia's rapidly deteriorating political environment 

Serbia is entering a new political era following AleksandarVučić's electoral defeat, but what comes next for the country after 14 years of his rule? While Serbia celebrates a historic turning point, Georgia is moving in the opposite direction, with the ruling Georgian Dream party pushing ahead with plans to ban major opposition parties.In this week's Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, Adam Reichardt and Alexandra Karppi discuss these contrasting developments and what they mean for the region. They also look at a humanitarian ceasefire offering hope to civilians trapped in Russian-occupied Oleshky in Ukraine, Bulgaria's surprisingly close presidential election, and Romania's efforts to restore political stability after months of deadlock. Is the region entering a period of political renewal, or are new challenges emerging?❤️ A special farewell to Nina PanikovaThis episode also marks a bittersweet moment for Talk Eastern Europe. After nearly three years as a co-host, Nina Panikova is stepping away from the podcast as she begins a new professional chapter. We are incredibly grateful for everything Nina has brought to the show – her insights, perspectives, humour and dedication. She has helped shape the podcast into what it is today, and while we will miss her, this is not goodbye forever. Thank you, Nina!TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction and Patreon update 01:50 – A special announcement: Nina's farewell 06:03 – Serbia after Vučić: What comes next? 10:33 – Ukraine: Humanitarian ceasefire in Oleshky 13:57 – Georgia moves to ban opposition parties 16:14 – Bulgaria's presidential election heads to arunoff 20:42 – Romania finally forms a new government 22:42 – What's next on Talk Eastern Europe? SUPPORT TALK EASTERN EUROPEWe're just four patrons away from our year-end goal of 85 supporters! Help us reach this milestone and support independent analysis of Central and Eastern Europe.Join our Patreon community for as little as $2 per month and get access to exclusive discussions, our active WhatsApp community and more.👉 https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe, like and share to help us bring informedperspectives from Central and Eastern Europe to a wider audience.

Moldova has resisted Russian interference and maintained itsEuropean course. But can it secure its future in the EU before geopolitical pressures and domestic challenges threaten its progress?In this episode second part of Talk Eastern Europe’s focuson Moldova, Alexandra Karppi speaks with Anastasia Pociumban, Research Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), about Moldova's changing geopolitical position, its relationship with Ukraine, and the uncertain future of EU enlargement.After navigating Russian election interference, economicpressures and political scandals, Moldova faces a crucial moment. Its European ambitions are closely linked to Ukraine, while Russia continues to pose security threats across the region. Meanwhile, developments in Transnistria are reshaping a conflict long considered frozen.But there is another question: Is the European Union itself ready for enlargement?Drawing lessons from Georgia and the Western Balkans, Alexandra and Anastasia explore what could happen if the EU fails to deliver on its promises — and why the costs of leaving Moldova and Ukraine in a geopolitical grey zone could be far greater than Europe realises.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Moldova's geopolitical crossroads00:50 – Political scandals and public confidence in Moldova05:34 – How Moldova resisted Russian interference10:13 – Can Moldova and Ukraine take different paths to EU membership?14:29 – Why Ukraine is crucial to Moldova's security18:45 – Transnistria: Is the frozen conflict beginning to change?22:26 – Is the EU ready for enlargement?26:53 – Georgia's warning for Moldova and Europe29:55 – Can Moldova sustain its European momentum?Check out Part One of our focus on Moldova with David Smith:https://youtu.be/7HupaWRS-7c?si=Dyhxl7h_U0CmGJS7Subscribe to Talk Eastern Europe for in-depth conversationsabout the politics, security and future of Eastern Europe.#Moldova #EuropeanUnion #Russia #Ukraine #EUE nlargement#Transnistria #TalkEasternEurope

Serbia has entered a new political era. In a stunning electoral upset, the student-led movement has defeated Aleksandar Vučić’s ruling party, bringing an end to 14 years of political dominance.Support this podcast become a TEE Patron – https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeWith nearly 53% of the vote and turnout approaching 70%, the Student List has secured a decisive parliamentary majority. But after years of protests against corruption, state capture and authoritarianism, the biggest challenge may still lie ahead: turning a protest movement into a functioning government.In this special Talk Eastern Europe Quick Take, Alexandra Karppi is joined by Nikola Burazer, Programme Director at the Centre for Contemporary Politics, for an immediate reaction to Serbia’s historic parliamentary election results. They discuss how the students achieved such an extraordinary victory, why Vučić conceded defeat, what lies ahead for his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), and whether the new government can deliver on its promises to restore democratic institutions and the rule of law.They also examine what Serbia’s political transformation could mean for the Western Balkans, the country's European future, and its relations with Russia and Kosovo.Is this simply the end of an era, or the beginning of a democratic transformation that could inspire the entire region?

Just days before a crucial election in Serbia, reports emerge of spyware targeting activists and prominent public figures. Meanwhile, Albania's anti-government protests are turning increasingly violent, putting Prime Minister Edi Rama under growing pressure.In this week's Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, Alexandra Karppi and Adam Reichardt examine two unfolding political crises in the Balkans and what they could mean for the region's democratic future.We also discuss Azerbaijan's crackdown on protests over restrictions on hijabs in schools, Bulgaria's upcoming presidential election, and growing security concerns in the Black Sea as Russia's war against Ukraine continues to affect neighbouring countries.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction: Protests, surveillance and elections00:34 – Welcome and updates from Talk Eastern Europe01:54 – Albania: Violent protests and mounting pressure onEdi Rama06:37 – Azerbaijan: Hijab restrictions spark protests andarrests08:52 – Serbia: Spyware targets activists ahead of theelection12:00 – Bulgaria: Presidential elections and politicaluncertainty14:18 – Black Sea: Maritime attacks and regional securityconcerns15:48 – Poland scrambles fighter jets as the war spills over16:40 – Trump's Russian diesel deal and its implications forUkraine18:05 – Final thoughts and election weekend ahead Support independent analysis of Central and Eastern EuropeWe need jut 5 more! Join our Patreon community for additional content, discussions and opportunities to connect with the Talk Eastern Europe team: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe to Talk Eastern Europe for weekly news roundups, expert interviews and in-depth analysis of the politics and security of Central and Eastern Europe.What do you expect from Serbia's upcoming election? Could the growing protest movement in Albania force political change? Share your thoughts in the comments.

The Trump administration's decision to ease restrictions onRussian diesel has raised serious questions about US sanctions policy and its consequences for Ukraine. While Washington argues that importing Russian fuel could help American consumers struggling with rising energy prices, critics warn that the move risks providing Moscow with additional revenue and political legitimacy as Russia continues its war against Ukraine.In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, host Adam Reichardtspeaks with Mark Temnycky, journalist and Forbes contributor, non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center and adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago.Drawing on his recent analysis for Forbes, Mark explains why the proposed Russian diesel purchase would cover little more than half a day's US consumption and questions whether it can meaningfully reduce prices. The conversation also explores the contradictions in Western sanctions policies, Trump's changing strategy towards Russia, Moscow's unwillingness to compromise in ceasefire negotiations, and the growing pressure on Kyiv.Finally, they look ahead to the upcoming US midterm elections and discuss whether a shift in Congress could change Washington's policy towards Ukraine.Read Mark’s commentary on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marktemnycky/2026/10/10/why-russian-sanctions-relief-would-do-little-for-us-fuel-prices/Read more: Europe Steps Up: Ukraine Support After Four Years of War - https://www.kielinstitut.de/publications/europe-steps-up-ukraine-support-after-four-years-of-war-19486/TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:40 Why Trump wants Russian diesel03:51 Half a day's fuel: the economics of the deal06:40 How Russian energy revenues support the war10:49 Europe's continued reliance on Russian energy11:43 Is Washington offering Putin new concessions?13:41 Trump's changing strategy towards Russia17:53 Why ceasefire negotiations keep failing19:49 Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine20:30 Is Washington increasing pressure on Kyiv?21:54 What could happen in the US midterm elections?23:31 Could Congress change US policy towards Ukraine?27:00 Final thoughts: democracy and political accountabilityTalk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europemagazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.ABOUT THIS PODCASTWe publish twice weekly:- Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars- Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developmentsAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all majorplatforms.Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/Support us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeFOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Support independent analysis of Central and Eastern Europe by joining our Patreon community. Help us reach our goal of 85 patrons! Join us: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeWashington is changing course on Russia once again. A controversial new deal between Donald Trump and VladimirPutin to ease sanctions on Russian diesel is raising serious questions about US support for Kyiv, just as Ukraine faces intensifying Russian attacks and another difficult winter. In this week's Talk Eastern Europe news roundup, Adam Reichardt and Alexandra Karppi discuss the implications of Washington's latest policy reversal, including worrying reports about disruptions to Ukraine's early-warning capabilities and Starlink communications. Could the United States be increasing pressure on Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept a deal with Moscow? Meanwhile, there is some positive news for Ukraine and Moldova as both countries advance their EU accession processes. But can European integration offer reassurance amid growing security uncertainty? We also turn to Georgia, where European institutions are stepping up their criticism of the government's crackdown on opposition parties and civil society, and Albania, where escalating protests, allegations of police violence and growing student mobilization are putting Prime Minister Edi Rama under pressure.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction02:50 – Trump's Russia sanctions U-turn: What does it mean for Ukraine?05:35 – Russian missile attacks, early-warning concerns and Starlink09:05 – Ukraine and Moldova move forward on EU accession10:45 – Georgia's democratic crisis and European pressure13:00 – Albania: Protests, police violence and calls for Rama's resignation16:40 – Final reflections and this week's Deep Dive What do you think Washington's latest moves mean for Ukraine? Can Europe fill the gap if US support weakens?Share your thoughts in the comments!

In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Alexandra Karppi speaks with Kurt Bassuener, co-founder of the Democratization Policy Council (DPC), about the changing geopolitical landscape in the Western Balkans and the growing challenges facing democratic movements across the region.Starting with Bosnia and Herzegovina's elections, the conversation explores the Trump administration's increasingly transactional approach to the Balkans, the influence of political and business interests on US foreign policy, and the EU's reluctance to move beyond its established enlargement framework.They also discuss Serbia's student-led movement, the prospects for democratic change, and why European leaders may be overlooking the region's most important democratic forces. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Kurt Bassuener joins Talk Eastern Europe02:00 – Bosnia's elections and the limits of political change03:45 – Is Washington changing its approach to the Balkans?06:55 – Why the concept of "the West" no longer works10:00 – US foreign policy and democratic principles14:05 – Can Europe still defend democracy in the region?21:22 – Serbia's student movement and the prospects for change 25:03 – What would a democratic transition in Serbia require? 31:41 – Why the Western Balkans matter for Europe's future32:02 – Final reflections: An "angry optimist"Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.                     Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/Support us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeFOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Support Talk Eastern Europe and join our Patreon community: https://patreon.com/talkeasterneurope  Election season is reshaping the political landscape across Central and Eastern Europe — while signs of political tensionare emerging inside Russia itself. In this week’s Talk Eastern Europe News Roundup, Alexandra Karppi and Adam Reichardt look at the latest election results in Latvia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Milorad Dodik’s political camp has strengthened its position and concerns over Republika Srpska’s separatist ambitions remain very real.They also discuss growing tensions over transitional justice in Kosovo, the deteriorating environment for civil society in Georgia following the closure of German political foundations, and an unusual protest in Moscow where more than 60 people were detained after demonstrators called for fair elections and freedom for political prisoners.Plus: what could growing frustration and renewed fears of mobilization tell us about what is happening beneath the surface of Russian society? And don’t miss this week’s Deep Dive with Moldova expert David Smith, looking at Moldova’s EU path, relations with Romania, Transnistria and the growing spillover from Russia’s war against Ukraine.Timestamps01:40 Latvia’s election and the security challenge  05:13 Bosnia elections: Dodik’s influence grows 07:26 Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia’s nationalist politics10:21 Kosovo and the fight over transitional justice  12:59 Georgia: German foundations shut down operations  15:23 Russia detains protesters at an authorised rally  16:40 Is frustration growing inside Russia? 17:42 This week’s Deep Dive: Moldova 

Moldova is racing towards European Union membership, but can it meet its ambitious 2030 goal, and will the EU be ready to welcome it? In this episode of the Talk Eastern Europe Deep Dive, Adam Reichardt speaks with David Smith, Moldova expert and author of the Moldova Matters Substack, about the country’s rapidly changing political and security landscape.They discuss the state of Moldova’s pro-European reforms, the challenges facing the government in Chișinău and whether Moldova and Ukraine will continue to move towards EU membership together. The conversation also looks at the renewed debate over unification with Romania. Is it simply a symbolic issue, or could union with Romania become a genuine “Plan B” if Moldova’s path towards EU membership stalls?David also explains how Russia’s war against Ukraine is increasingly affecting Moldova directly, from drones crossing and crashing inside Moldovan territory to continued Russian disinformation and information warfare. Finally, the episode takes a closer look at Transnistria, where economic decline and growing dependence on the rest of Moldova are creating new possibilities for reintegration. Could Chișinău’s new strategy of “convergence” fundamentally change the future of the breakaway region?Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:41 – Moldova’s political landscape one year after the elections04:29 – Government changes and Moldova’s reform agenda08:37 – Can Moldova be ready for EU membership by 2030?12:02 – Are Moldova and Ukraine still tied together on EU enlargement?15:15 – Could Moldova unite with Romania?20:40 – Russia’s war, drones and Moldova’s security25:54 – Russian disinformation and information warfare27:56 – What is happening in Transnistria?30:42 – Moldova’s new “convergence” strategyFollow David Smith and Moldova Matters for analysis ofMoldovan politics, economics and regional affairs: https://www.moldovamatters.md/ Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.ABOUT THIS PODCASTWe publish twice weekly:· Every Tuesday: Expert Interviews featuring deep dives with leading analysts, journalists, and scholars· Every Friday: Weekly News Roundup with essential updates and commentary on the latest developmentsAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms.  Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/Support us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time. https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeFOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/