I am a Swedish specialist on politics and security in Russia and “Eastern Europe.” I have been dealing with the region on and off since the early 1990s and been around quite a lot.
At Vilhelm Konnander's Weblog I blog about all the thoughts and reflections within my field that I need to get out of my system. No wonder, given the theme of my blog: Politics & Security in Russia, Central & Eastern Europe & Central Asia. On Twitter @vkonnander.
Latest posts by Vilhelm Konnander from July, 2010
Hungary: Turning crisis into advantage
Eva Balogh of Hungarian Spectrum argues that the Hungarian government, led by Viktor Orbán, is turning the failed negotiations with the IMF and the EU, leading to fears of an economic meltdown, into its advantage by portraying it domestically as a David's struggle against Goliath.
Estonia: Awaiting the Euro
Andrei Tuch of Antyx discusses the ongoing popular debate about the pros and cons of Estonia adopting the Euro as currency.
Russia-Belarus: Authoritarian antagonism?
Ilya Yashin discusses [RUS] the ongoing conflict between Russia and Belarus and argues that it is a case of authoritarian antagonism.
Russia: Gas find in Lake Baikal
Windows to Russia reports that new gas hydrate fields have been found in Lake Baikal, adding to those already explored in the Black Sea. If technologically exploitable, these finds could become a major future energy source.
Hungary: Rich man, poor man
Pesticide.hu notes that the new model of luxury Louis Vuitton handbag arrived on the Hungarian market today, as both state bonds and the forint plummeted to new lows, forcing an overday repricing of named bag.
Hungary: Media reactions to failed IMF/EU-negotiations
Eva Balogh of Hungarian Spectrum dissects Hungarian and international media reactions to the failure in economic negotiations between Hungary and the IMF and the EU.
Russia: A governor in the gaul?
LJ user bobasta discusses [RUS] ongoing speculations if it really was the governor of Saratov, Pavel Ipatov, who was caught by Italian police on a yacht in the Mediterranean last week on suspicion of smuggling.
Russia: What Nashi youth learn about the world
LJ user expp publishes [RUS] an excerpt from an interview with an activist of the Putinist youth movement Nashi, on what is taught at the organization's Seliger summer camp – an event drawing much attention in the recent week.
Russia: How to cook and eat a hot dog
Voices from Russia muses on the fact that Russian news agency, RIA-Novosti, has issued instructions on “How to cook and eat a hot dog.”
Hungary: Collapse in EU/IMF-negotiations
Eva Balogh of Hungarian Spectrum reports that negotiations between Hungary and international financiers the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on support for an economic crisis programme have broken down.
Russia-Belarus: Not the end of the godfather story
Siarhei Bohdan of Belarus Digest discusses the ongoing propaganda war between Belarus and Russia, as previously reported, following a gas conflict earlier this year.
Russia: History of postage and mail
Siberian Light writes about the history of Russian and Soviet postage and mail.
Russia: Imitating Saudi Arabia
Quickthink argues that Russia is imitating the political system of Saudia Arabia, driven by the need for power consolidation in managing the wealth emanating from energy.
Belarus-Georgia: Relations reawakened
LJ user sukhumi1 discusses [RUS] a thaw in relations between Belarus and Georgia after an interview with Georgian president, Mikheil Saakashvili, was sent on Belarusian state television earlier this week.
Russia: Heat to new highs
Yuri Mamchur of Russia Blog writes about the extreme heatwaves that have hit Russia this summer, and the consequences of high temperature in a country not accustomed to tropical climate.
Ukraine: Yanukovich's first months
Foreign notes comments on an article in Ukrainian newspaper Segodnya about President Yanukovych's first months in office.
Slovenia: Presidential car stolen
Sleeping with Pengovsky reports that the official car of Slovenian President Danilo Türk has been stolen.
Poland-Lithuania-Belarus: Grünwald 600 years
Belarus Digest writes about celebrations of the 600th anniversary of the battle of Grünwald, when troops from Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus defeated the Order of the Teutonic knights – a major turn in the medieval regional balance of power.
Czech Republic: A story of right-wing populism
Dr. Sean's Diary addresses the short history of the populist Czech Republican Party, summarizing a recent conference article he has written.
Russia: Drowning in drunkenness
Streetwise Professor discusses the consequences of drinking in Russia, not least as temperatures now reach high peaks and people go swimming under the influence.
Poland: Realities of budget and taxes
Edward Hugh of Poland Economy Watch writes about Poland's economy and its ability to meet both domestic and European demands.
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