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?

Nearly 30 years after a devastating war, Bosnia and Herzegovina faces a renewed crisis as the fragile peace is tested by the growing secessionist threat led by Republika Srpska’s president, Milorad Dodik. As tensions rise, is the country once again on the brink?

In this week’s episode of Through the Eastern Lens, we unpack the complex history that brought one of the Balkans’ most intricate countries to this precarious moment.

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico is a political survivor—ousted from office twice, only to return victorious once again. He even survived an assassination attempt. But can Slovakia’s democracy and rule of law survive his leadership?

In this episode of Through the Eastern Lens, we explore how Slovakia transitioned from an EU success story to a nation in crisis.

A deadly tragedy at a newly reconstructed railway station has sparked the largest mass protests in Serbia’s modern history. For over four months, demonstrators have taken to the streets, organizing road blockades and demanding justice. In this episode of Through the Eastern Lens, we explore who is protesting, what they want, and why this movement could reshape Serbia’s future.

Georgia is in turmoil. After a disputed election, mass protests have erupted across the country. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, stands accused of election rigging, democratic backsliding, and steering the nation away from the West. Join this week’s episode of Through the Eastern Lens to find out how the Dream turned into a Nightmare.

Bulgaria has been trapped in a cycle of political instability, holding seven snap elections in just over four years. Now, a new government has formed—but is this the beginning of stability or just another temporary fix? Join me for the very first episode of Through the Eastern Lens as I break down how Bulgaria got here, who is part of the new government, and what this could mean for the country’s future.