RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Fiona Hill, December 07, 2011, U.S. Helsinki Commission
In testimony before the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Fiona Hill discusses the latest developments in the Caucasus, focusing on the relationship between Georgia and the countries in the region and outlining policies that could help ease tensions. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Yulia Gureyeva-Aliyeva and Tabib Huseynov, December 2011, The Brookings Institution
Azerbaijan has one of the highest rates of displaced persons per capita in the world and has been grappling with internal displacement for nearly two decades. This study examines the vulnerabilities and protection needs of IDPs and their host communities in both urban and rural contexts.
Read MorePAST EVENT
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Washington, DC
On June 22, Global Economy and Development at Brookings and the Emerging Market Forum hosted the launch of Central Asia and the Caucasus – At the Crossroads of Eurasia in the 21st Century (SAGE Publications, 2011). In it, Werner Hermann and Johannes F. Linn highlight a broad range of issues affecting the Eurasian supercontinent including energy, the regional business environment, the impact of the global economic crisis, and old and new political rivalries. Read More
PAST EVENT
Friday, November 19, 2010
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Washington, DC
On November 19, the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement will host a discussion of current issues around human rights, democracy and displacement in Georgia. The event will feature a presentation by Tinatin Khidasheli, international secretary of the Republican Party of Georgia, and Giorgi Chkheidze, executive director of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Ömer Taşpınar, January 11, 2010, Today's Zaman
After more than three months of disputes, Turkey and Armenia have yet to reach an agreement on two protocols that would strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries. Omar Taspinar explains how growing domestic opposition, territorial disputes and long-standing regional tensions are slowing the reconciliation process. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Ömer Taşpınar, December 07, 2009, Today's Zaman
As Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visited the White House on December 7, Ömer Taşpinar reflects on the current challenges facing Turkish-American relations; including Turkey’s close relationship with Iran, its reluctance to send additional troops to Afghanistan and the growing anti-Americanism among the Turkish people. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Andrew Solomon, November 2009, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)
Guaranteeing the right to vote and to participate in public and political affairs for all citizens is an important responsibility. Given the precarious position of IDPs and considering the extent to which they may need to rely on national authorities, Andrew Solomon argues that IDPs have a legitimate and heightened interest in participating in elections. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Ömer Taşpınar, November 16, 2009, Today's Zaman
Turkey is often characterized as authoritarian at home and Islamist in its foreign policy, but Ömer Taşpinar argues that upon closer examination, Turkey’s recent foreign policy stances more closely reflect the rules of realpolitik and the need to satisfy public opinion in the context of an electoral democracy. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Walter Kälin, October 26, 2009, United Nations General Assembly
Since 2004 there have been encouraging trends related to internal displacement. Walter Kälin notes that the use of the Guiding Principles as the relevant framework for protecting IDPs and the development of national and regional laws and policies on internal displacement have been positive trends. However, despite such positive trends, the challenges presented by climate change, the disregard for civilian populations in conflict zones, a shrinking humanitarian space, and protracted displacement situations still remain unchanged. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Ömer Taşpınar, October 12, 2009, Today's Zaman
Recent reminders have shown Turkey and Armenia to be two traumatized regions in which reconciliation will be difficult. Ömer Taşpınar believes that in order for Armenia to have Western options, it will need Turkey's help, and external conditions between the nations will relieve the weight of historical issues. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Steven Pifer, October 2009, Potomac Books, Inc.
In this chapter of Fighting Chance, prepared for a September 2007 conference, Steven Pifer assesses potential challenges posed by a more assertive Russia. Pifer examines demographic, societal and economic trends in Russia that could create strategic shocks for the region and world over the next several decades. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Steven Pifer, July 24, 2009, Council on Foreign Relations
Steven Pifer joined Bernard Gwertzman to discuss Vice President Joseph Biden's recent trip to Ukraine and Georgia and how it was meant to balance President Barack Obama's Moscow summit earlier in the month. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Steven Pifer, July 2009, Eurasian Geography and Economics
Steven Pifer analyzes the history of Ukraine’s relations with Russia and the West since the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Pifer also addresses Ukraine’s future geopolitical trajectory in the run-up to the country’s presidential elections in
early 2010, and internal problems that will command urgent attention once the political situation in the country stabilizes.
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RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Steven Pifer, July 2009, Council on Foreign Relations
Steven Pifer writes that continuing political turmoil in Ukraine and tense relations between Kiev and Moscow have increased the potential for Ukraine to tumble into crisis with Russia. Pifer examines how a crisis may be triggered and offers suggestions how to reduce the chances as well has how to manage one should it occur. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Walter Kälin, June 24, 2009, Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Debate on Protracted Displacement in Europe
Over the last few years, the internal displacement situation in Europe has remained stagnant. Europe continues to have more than 2.5 million IDPs, over 99% of whom find themselves in situations of protracted displacement. In order to improve the situation of IDPs in Europe, Walter Kälin argues that both the adoption of the Draft Resolution before the Parliamentary Assembly as well as a national laws and policies "would radically change the fate of these forgotten people." Read More