James Rupert

Aug 1, 2024 | usip.org | Elizabeth June |James Rupert

In 2024, Russia’s hybrid war on Europe is notably targeting tiny Moldova, which, like Ukraine, is struggling for full independence from centuries of domination by Moscow. Specifically, Vladimir Putin’s government is campaigning to scuttle Moldova’s decision to join the European Union — and one strategy is to sustain opposition by the country’s minority Gagauz community. In just 11 weeks, Moldovans will vote whether to re-elect their pro-Europe president and ratify her government’s European choice.

Jul 3, 2024 | usip.org | Steven L. Youngblood |James Rupert

KEY TAKEAWAYS Russia has escalated its information war against Moldova joining the European Union. Kremlin disinformation heavily uses social media: Facebook, Tik Tok, Telegram and others. In small countries, Russia’s resources for disinformation can far exceed budgets of nations’ professional news media. KEY TAKEAWAYS Russia has escalated its information war against Moldova joining the European Union.

Jun 5, 2024 | usip.org | James Rupert

KEY TAKEAWAYS Russia’s Orthodox church is losing influence as a Kremlin ally in Eastern Europe. Moldovan priests are pressing to end their country’s historic subordination to Russia’s church. Dialogue among Moldova’s church factions could show the country a path toward eventual peace. Russia’s escalating campaign to block Moldova from joining the European Union reflects a weakening in Eastern Europe of a longstanding Russian lever of regional influence: its Orthodox church.

May 1, 2024 | usip.org | Donald N. Jensen |James Rupert

Three Vital ElectionsMoldova’s three upcoming votes are central to its long struggle for sustainable independence from Russian domination through “oligarch rule” by corrupt billionaires. An October presidential election will test whether Moldova’s first government by a grassroots, pro-democracy party can sustain its reforms to uproot corruption and Russian interference. An opinion poll this month shows President Maia Sandu, who favors alignment with Europe, leading Russia-aligned opponents.

Mar 7, 2024 | allafrica.com | James Rupert

Peace laureate Pétronille Vaweka urges U.S. role to end worsening war over strategic minerals. Pétronille Vaweka, a Congolese grandmother, has mediated local peace accords in her homeland's wars. But now, she says, one of Africa's longest, bloodiest conflicts can be solved only if the United States and other democracies "will wake up" to protect their own economic and security interests.