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Check FAQAbout Amanda
Amanda Coakley is an award-winning journalist covering central and eastern Europe, and a Europe’s Futures Fellow at the IWM in Vienna. Her work has been published in national and international outlets including Foreign Policy, TIME, The Irish Times, Prospect Magazine, The Independent, New Humanist, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, World Politics Review, and POLITICO Europe. Beyond the region she has produced in-depth coverage of Pakistan's general election in 2018, the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso. She has worked as a Senior Staff Reporter at Coda Story and a producer at Channel 4 News in London. Her work on the coronavirus pandemic with the programme was awarded ‘Coronavirus Journalism Excellence’ by Press Gazette in July 2020. She started her career as a producer and writer on Christiane Amanpour’s prime time programme, Amanpour, at CNN International. Her reporting has earned her the Piazza Grande Religion Journalism Award, an MHP International Affairs Reporting Award, and an Emmy nomination. Appeared on: Deutsche Welle Radio, BBC Radio 4, RTÉ Radio, LBC Radio, The Irish Times podcast, and Times Radio UK.
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Portfolio
The Age of Orbán?
Viktor Orbán, Hungary's prime minister, is seizing the opportunity presented by Donald Trump's victory to unify Europe's far-right parties and challenge the European Union's democratic foundations. Orbán's strategy involves positioning himself as a peacemaker while strengthening illiberal alliances across Europe. His actions, including visits to Moscow and partnerships with leaders like Robert Fico and Andrej Babiš, aim to increase pressure on Ukraine and promote anti-EU sentiments. Despite obstacles from Western European leaders and potential conflicts with Trump over China, Orbán's vision for an illiberal Europe is gaining momentum, posing a significant challenge to democratic values.
In Poland, Tusk’s Post-PiS Repair Job Isn’t Going to Plan
Poland's Law and Justice Party was ousted in the October elections, marking a significant political shift. The party's tenure was marked by undermining democratic foundations and strained international relations. The Civic Coalition, led by Donald Tusk, is set to govern, promising a departure from the 'evil times' of the previous administration. Tusk's leadership is seen as a potential positive change for Poland's political landscape.
Lukashenko Isn’t Done Dismantling Belarus’ Democracy
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, after nearly 30 years in power, has further eroded the country's democracy with recent parliamentary and local elections that favored pro-Lukashenko figures and suppressed opposition. The elections, which followed the controversial 2020 presidential vote, saw a crackdown on freedoms, voter intimidation, and exclusion of expat voters. The Central Election Commission, under Lukashenko's control, reported a high turnout, with a notable participation of first-time voters, despite the demographic's traditional anti-Lukashenko stance.
Problems of Minorities
The article discusses the challenges faced by ethnic Romanian minorities in Ukraine, particularly in the context of language and cultural policies. It highlights the efforts of individuals like Dragoș Olaru to preserve Romanian heritage amidst Ukrainian government actions perceived as attempts to 'Ukrainize' minority communities. The piece also touches on the broader historical and political context, including the influence of Russian policies and the impact of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. The article presents a critical view of the Ukrainian government's approach to minority rights, while also acknowledging the complexities of national identity and cultural preservation in a war-torn country.
Tusk Will Also Have to Jumpstart Poland’s Energy Transition
Polish President Andrzej Duda reappointed Mateusz Morawiecki as prime minister, but his government is unlikely to win a vote of confidence. Former Prime Minister Donald Tusk is expected to return to office in mid-December. The new government faces significant challenges, including rescuing democracy, controlling inflation, ensuring economic growth, and reassuring global allies of Poland's commitment to democratic values.
The EU Needs to Get Bigger if It Wants to Get Better
The European Union is considering enlargement by 2030, driven by the need to maintain its influence and support for countries like Ukraine and Moldova. However, the EU faces significant challenges, including outdated rules, internal dissent, and the need for reforms to its decision-making processes and financial aid structures. The article highlights the potential consequences of delaying enlargement, such as increased Russian influence in the Western Balkans. Experts suggest a phased approach to integration, but concerns remain about the EU's ability to adapt and the impact on regional security.
Grief and conspiracy collide in Russia’s ‘Council of Mothers and Wives’
The Council of Mothers and Wives, a Russian organization formed in response to the partial mobilization for the war in Ukraine, has grown significantly on Telegram, blending genuine grief with conspiracy theories. Led by Olga Tsukanova, the Council has ties to the National Union of the Revival of Russia (OSVR), which promotes various conspiracies. The Kremlin's response has been to discredit the Council and similar movements, while anti-war activism in Russia remains fragmented and heavily suppressed. The Council continues to navigate a complex landscape of dissent, government control, and public sentiment.
Politics Is Making a Careful Comeback in Wartime Ukraine
As Ukraine nears its third year of war with Russia, domestic politics are re-emerging, posing a challenge for Ukrainian parliament members who aim to maintain accountability without compromising the war effort. Public trust in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains high, and support for Ukrainian democracy has increased, according to recent polls.
The Vatican is turning its back on Belarus’ Catholics
Catholic priests in Belarus face increasing persecution under Alexander Lukashenko's regime, especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Vatican's conciliatory approach towards the Belarusian government has weakened the Church's ability to defend its clergy, leading to fear and distrust among Belarusian Catholics. The Belarusian Orthodox Church has also aligned with the regime, further suppressing dissent. Exiled Catholic priests are mobilizing to support those still in Belarus, but the Vatican's stance remains a point of contention.
Poland’s rule of law crisis threatens the integrity of its universities
Poland's rule of law crisis, driven by the ruling Law and Justice party, has deeply affected the country's universities, leading to moral corruption and political influence in academic institutions. Law students and early-career professionals face challenges in navigating these changes, with some professors hesitant to address the crisis in their teaching. The European Union has attempted to counteract these actions, but key legal institutions remain under government control. Student engagement varies, with some actively protesting issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, while others remain disengaged due to practical challenges and a lack of enthusiasm for proper legal sourcing. The upcoming 2023 parliamentary elections are crucial, but even a change in government may not immediately rectify the damage done to Poland's democratic values and institutions.
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