Caught between East and West, Moldova’s future hangs in the balance. As the country strives for EU integration, the unresolved conflict in Transnistria and the ever-present influence of Russia complicate its path. In this episode of Through the Eastern Lens, we explore the deep historical roots of Moldova’s geopolitical dilemma, the energy crisis shaking the breakaway region, and the high-stakes game playing out at Europe’s eastern edge.

Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has been arrested, sparking mass protests and raising big questions about Turkey’s political future. In this episode of Through the Eastern Lens, we dive into the rise of both Imamoglu and President Erdogan, tracing the roots of today’s deep tensions.

Will this arrest mark the beginning of Erdogan’s downfall—or strengthen his grip on power yet again?

Romania’s first-round presidential election in November 2024 delivered a shocking result: a far-right independent candidate came out on top, defying all opinion polls. But what followed was even more dramatic—Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the results, citing campaign violations and evidence of a hybrid attack by a foreign state.

In this week’s episode of Through the Eastern Lens, I unpack what happened and explore a vital question: where is the line between protecting democracy and undermining it?