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Russia-Georgia Conflict

The former Soviet Union is grappling with the ominous implications of Russia’s military incursion into Georgia. Freedom House’s annual report, Nations in Transit,  documents the return of Russian authoritarianism and the reform records of Russia’s neighbors.

China and the Olympics

A new Freedom House resource, China and the Olympics, looks at how basic human rights—from press freedom to freedom of assembly—have steadily regressed since China was awarded the Games in 2001. Through expert podcasts and reports, Freedom House examines China’s promises to the International Olympic Committee and how other authoritarian regimes have tried to use the Games to advance their political agendas.

Democracy in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s democratic performance leaves much to be desired, testified Freedom House Director of Studies Christopher Walker before the United States Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. The commission, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, held a hearing July 29 to examine human rights and democratization in Azerbaijan in the lead up to presidential elections in October. Read Walker’s testimony about the serious challenges that energy wealth poses to the development of this strategically-important country. 

For more Freedom House testimony, see our Testimony and Speeches page.