A recent survey in Ukraine indicates unprecedented 89% support for NATO membership, showcasing a historic shift in attitudes across regions. This brief, by Anna Anisimova (SITE), explores the evolution of pro-NATO sentiment, regional divides, and the impact of Russian aggression on public opinion.

A 2023 study by SITE researchers explores the overlooked link between foreign aid and female empowerment. Using aid project data and surveys, it reveals a modest but significant positive effect on various aspects of women's empowerment. Read the policy brief to learn more!

In this brief, Jonathan Lehne and Maiting Zhuang examines the fragility of democratic institutions in Eastern Europe, comparing expert assessments and general population surveys. Experts' concerns have intensified, yet voters in almost all new EU member states and across age groups express growing satisfaction with their democracies. The study reveals a shift where people's perception of democracy is increasingly influenced by election outcomes rather than actual institutional change, even when media freedom or judicial independence is restricted by governments.

The Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) and the Forum for Research on Media and Democracy in Eastern Europe (FROMDEE) invites paper submissions to a one-day conference on “Democratic backsliding and electoral autocracies” with a keynote lecture by Arturas Rozenas (New York University) on 13 October 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden.

Russian history is marked by oppression, with the war in Ukraine serving as a painful reminder. However, in the last 170 years, there have been moments of hope for the country. SSE student and Applied History course alumn, Isak Axelson explores three periods of liberalization in Russia that provide valuable lessons.

As of today, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has persisted for a year. While several countries have helped Ukraine with military, financial and humanitarian aid, Ukraine requires additional assistance to endure the conflict with Russia. What other forms of support and aid are needed for Ukraine’s survival? And how can the EU and Sweden support Ukraine’s victory?

Klara Strömberg received a diploma for the best essay during the Applied History course in 2021. In the interview, Klara discusses her main findings and the impact the course had on her outlook, and shares her current pursuits in pursuing a master’s degree in economics and international economic policy.

Louise Bringselius, affiliated researcher at SSE, and Karl Wennberg, scientific director of GaPP, argue that the Western world and Sweden, in particular, face major challenges and fierce international competition in a new Dagens Industri debate article.

Did you miss the chance to attend the book launch event "Rebuilding Ukraine: Principles and policies" presented by Torbjörn Becker, Beatrice Weder di Mauro and Veronika Movchan on 11 January? Watch the recordings to learn more about their framework for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction co-written together with leading scholars and experts.