The Neighborhood is Different Now
Updated Resources - September 8, 2022
Dear Friends,
Today’s collection examines the shifting post-invasion dynamics between Russia and its neighbors in the region. We learn that Poland and the Baltics stated their intent to join EU visa restrictions for Russian citizens, temporarily and with some exceptions, due to ‘public policy and security threats’. Georgia, a popular destination for opponents of the war, is increasingly denying entry to Russian citizens, meanwhile a growing number of Russians holiday in Belarus in an effort to access Western goods and financial services made unavailable by sanctions at home.
In Serbia a growing number of Russian firms take up residence to contend with war and sanctions-related disruptions. Finland grapples with impending NATO alignment and the inescapable threat along a large shared border. The transactional nature of Russia and Turkey’s relationship is explored. Read these stories and more in today’s resources, including:
Former Secretary of Defense William J. Perry on U.S.-Russia relations - past challenges and future peace
Ukraine’s nuclear disarmament in historical context
Putin’s speech at Vladivostok’s Eastern Economic Forum
A thoughtful treatise on building a better and more benign world order
The annual Jewish pilgrimage from Israel to Uman, Ukraine underway despite security warnings
Historical context for alleged Ukrainian ‘mass deportations’
Putin approves a new foreign policy doctrine based on the concept of the 'Russian World'
How posts in occupied Ukraine offer upward mobility to Russian career officials
Podcast: A firsthand account of wartime Kyiv and President Zelensky
A poignant and personal view of Ukrainian journalist and politician, Sergii Leshchenko
Russian perspective on the shifting agenda in Ukraine
In videos, watch Wilson Center experts share insights on the state of Russia’s economy, unity among western powers facing energy supply threats, and more.
In the arts, the Moscow International Film Festival transformed by war, Russian director Roman Volobuev reflects on the cultural response to the conflict, the current state of Russia’s classical music culture, and leading documentarian and war critic Vitaly Manksy is placed on a wanted list.
With warm regards,
The Track Two Team
Translating Articles
Disclaimer Regarding Sources
Track Two is aware that certain periodicals posted here may convey less than accurate information. We include these to help keep the network informed of their coverage.
Where to Find the Articles Mentioned Here (and More!)
Articles referenced here are posted to our Russia-Ukraine Conflict resource page. In an effort to provide our network with up-to-date resources, they are routinely updated and thus older articles are removed.
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Track Two's Statement on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Track Two: An Institute for Citizen Diplomacy stands in opposition to the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. We have many friends in both countries and we stand with the people of Ukraine and Russia. We deplore their suffering.
Track Two does not believe violent conflict or war are valid means to push political agendas. Today, threats to our existence from nuclear arms, climate catastrophes, diseases and cyberattacks are intensifying, and we do not believe any country should resort to violence. All people, of all nations, have a right to peace, meaningful work, shelter and food. Much collective work must be done to ensure our children and grandchildren can live full lives in a habitable world.
We believe there are humane and diplomatic avenues to coexistence that must be explored to mutual benefit. Let's arrive at these with deliberation so that we can continue work essential to preventing the end of life on this planet.
Citizen diplomacy is vital at this time. We should not make enemies when we and our world so urgently need friends. Friends can deter nuclear mishaps. Friends can work together to move climate actions. Friends can limit cyber risks. Without friendship across borders humanity has no chance at all.
More than ever, it is incumbent upon all of us to be acutely aware of the disinformation campaigns orbiting the globe, and offer support to those who need it most. To that end, we've compiled a selection of resources from our team and network as we follow this crisis closely.