Yusuke Ishikawa
@yishikawa95.bsky.social
Research Fellow at the Institute of Geoeconomics and External Contributor at Transparency International. Studying CEE politics, anti-corruption, democratic backsliding, and the role of think tank.
Reposted by Yusuke Ishikawa
My opinion piece, translated from the Geoeconomic Briefing at the Institute of Geoeconomics (IOG), has been published by E-International Relations, one of the world’s leading open-access international relations websites based in the UK :)
www.e-ir.info/2025/08/14/o...
www.e-ir.info/2025/08/14/o...
Opinion – Why Trump-Inspired Nationalists in Europe Can’t Stick Together
The rise of the “nationalist international” illustrates not the strengthening of international cooperation, but its erosion.
www.e-ir.info
August 21, 2025 at 2:02 PM
My opinion piece, translated from the Geoeconomic Briefing at the Institute of Geoeconomics (IOG), has been published by E-International Relations, one of the world’s leading open-access international relations websites based in the UK :)
www.e-ir.info/2025/08/14/o...
www.e-ir.info/2025/08/14/o...
"European funds [...] are routinely redirected into projects that benefit a select few close to the ruling elite. The privatisation of public assets, often at suspiciously low prices, has become a hallmark of the Orbán government’s approach to governance."
euobserver.com/rule-of-law/...
euobserver.com/rule-of-law/...
From palaces to protests: Hungary’s struggle at a crossroads
Despite mounting evidence of systemic corruption and abuse of EU funds, the European Commission continues to transfer billions to Hungary. Concrete action is needed to ensure that EU funds serve the p...
euobserver.com
September 12, 2025 at 8:49 AM
"European funds [...] are routinely redirected into projects that benefit a select few close to the ruling elite. The privatisation of public assets, often at suspiciously low prices, has become a hallmark of the Orbán government’s approach to governance."
euobserver.com/rule-of-law/...
euobserver.com/rule-of-law/...
"The campaign will [...] attack the second bloc, [...] but in reality, SPOLU, the Pirates and STAN will attack each other."
"[They] have the support of 39.2% of voters. [...] significantly less than the [...] combined total of ANO, SPD and Stačilo! (50.7%)."
visegradinsight.eu/change-is-ce...
"[They] have the support of 39.2% of voters. [...] significantly less than the [...] combined total of ANO, SPD and Stačilo! (50.7%)."
visegradinsight.eu/change-is-ce...
Change is Certain in the Autumn Czech Elections
Two months before elections, the ruling parties in Czechia have already lost the chance to defend their majority in the Chamber of Deputies.
visegradinsight.eu
August 22, 2025 at 6:27 AM
"The campaign will [...] attack the second bloc, [...] but in reality, SPOLU, the Pirates and STAN will attack each other."
"[They] have the support of 39.2% of voters. [...] significantly less than the [...] combined total of ANO, SPD and Stačilo! (50.7%)."
visegradinsight.eu/change-is-ce...
"[They] have the support of 39.2% of voters. [...] significantly less than the [...] combined total of ANO, SPD and Stačilo! (50.7%)."
visegradinsight.eu/change-is-ce...
My opinion piece, translated from the Geoeconomic Briefing at the Institute of Geoeconomics (IOG), has been published by E-International Relations, one of the world’s leading open-access international relations websites based in the UK :)
www.e-ir.info/2025/08/14/o...
www.e-ir.info/2025/08/14/o...
Opinion – Why Trump-Inspired Nationalists in Europe Can’t Stick Together
The rise of the “nationalist international” illustrates not the strengthening of international cooperation, but its erosion.
www.e-ir.info
August 21, 2025 at 2:02 PM
My opinion piece, translated from the Geoeconomic Briefing at the Institute of Geoeconomics (IOG), has been published by E-International Relations, one of the world’s leading open-access international relations websites based in the UK :)
www.e-ir.info/2025/08/14/o...
www.e-ir.info/2025/08/14/o...
Reposted by Yusuke Ishikawa
My @wepsocial.bsky.social paper shows that failed corruption control in 🇪🇺 help right-wing populists gain support in two ways.
1. As people see more corruption, they lose trust in mainstream actors, and populists present themselves as outsiders who will fix the system.
tinyurl.com/2j8c4xxc
🧵1/5
1. As people see more corruption, they lose trust in mainstream actors, and populists present themselves as outsiders who will fix the system.
tinyurl.com/2j8c4xxc
🧵1/5
The (unintended) consequences of ineffective corruption control on populism in Europe
The literature on populism in European politics contends that the inability of mainstream parties to address effectively economic challenges and immigration issues fosters protest voting for anti-e...
tinyurl.com
June 3, 2025 at 5:42 AM
My @wepsocial.bsky.social paper shows that failed corruption control in 🇪🇺 help right-wing populists gain support in two ways.
1. As people see more corruption, they lose trust in mainstream actors, and populists present themselves as outsiders who will fix the system.
tinyurl.com/2j8c4xxc
🧵1/5
1. As people see more corruption, they lose trust in mainstream actors, and populists present themselves as outsiders who will fix the system.
tinyurl.com/2j8c4xxc
🧵1/5
“Obama, Soros, and the Globalist Left are trying to rig Poland’s presidential election.” 😑
“profound alarm over reported developments in Poland that may undermine the integrity of the democratic process.” 😑
notesfrompoland.com/2025/05/28/u...
“profound alarm over reported developments in Poland that may undermine the integrity of the democratic process.” 😑
notesfrompoland.com/2025/05/28/u...
US Republican lawmakers complain to EU about "rigged" Polish elections
notesfrompoland.com
May 30, 2025 at 7:35 AM
“Obama, Soros, and the Globalist Left are trying to rig Poland’s presidential election.” 😑
“profound alarm over reported developments in Poland that may undermine the integrity of the democratic process.” 😑
notesfrompoland.com/2025/05/28/u...
“profound alarm over reported developments in Poland that may undermine the integrity of the democratic process.” 😑
notesfrompoland.com/2025/05/28/u...
"While emphasising that they are all “committed to a rule-based international order” [...], the rule of law and human rights”, they also declared that the time has come “to restore the right balance” in how these are interpreted.”
notesfrompoland.com/2025/05/26/p...
notesfrompoland.com/2025/05/26/p...
Poland joins eight countries calling for rethink of European rights convention in relation to migrants
notesfrompoland.com
May 30, 2025 at 7:31 AM
"While emphasising that they are all “committed to a rule-based international order” [...], the rule of law and human rights”, they also declared that the time has come “to restore the right balance” in how these are interpreted.”
notesfrompoland.com/2025/05/26/p...
notesfrompoland.com/2025/05/26/p...
My handbook chapter, “NGOs, Advocacy, and Anti-Corruption,” will be published from Routledge on June 30, 2025 :)
The Routledge Handbook of Anti-Corruption Research, edited by Joseph Pozsgai-Alvarez and Roxana Bratu
www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edi...
The Routledge Handbook of Anti-Corruption Research, edited by Joseph Pozsgai-Alvarez and Roxana Bratu
www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edi...
NGOs, Advocacy, and Anti-Corruption | 28 | The Routledge Handbook of A
While public policy studies have examined theories of grassroot advocacies for policy change, only a limited amount of scholarly literature has discussed the
www.taylorfrancis.com
May 26, 2025 at 1:07 PM
My handbook chapter, “NGOs, Advocacy, and Anti-Corruption,” will be published from Routledge on June 30, 2025 :)
The Routledge Handbook of Anti-Corruption Research, edited by Joseph Pozsgai-Alvarez and Roxana Bratu
www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edi...
The Routledge Handbook of Anti-Corruption Research, edited by Joseph Pozsgai-Alvarez and Roxana Bratu
www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edi...
"Today, Poland has transformed itself into Europe’s most overlooked military and economic power [...]. Yet, just when Poland should stand proud and tall once more, is it about to throw away its influence?"
www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
How Poland can keep its place at the heart of Europe
If it turns inward, the country and continent will lose out
www.economist.com
May 26, 2025 at 1:02 PM
"Today, Poland has transformed itself into Europe’s most overlooked military and economic power [...]. Yet, just when Poland should stand proud and tall once more, is it about to throw away its influence?"
www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
"[Simion's] courting of Mr Orban [...] was quixotic: he has a firm reputation as an anti-Hungarian chauvinist. Mr Orban’s endorsement prompted a denunciation from Romania’s ethnic-Hungarian party, and probably did more harm than good."
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
MAGA misses the mark in Romania
A liberal wins the presidential race
www.economist.com
May 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
"[Simion's] courting of Mr Orban [...] was quixotic: he has a firm reputation as an anti-Hungarian chauvinist. Mr Orban’s endorsement prompted a denunciation from Romania’s ethnic-Hungarian party, and probably did more harm than good."
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
"Blowhard politicians often talk about taking back control. Voters should pay more attention to those with a good record of taking care of the rubbish bins."
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
Europe’s mayors are islands of liberalism in a sea of populists
City bosses are the functioning bits of increasingly dysfunctional polities
www.economist.com
May 26, 2025 at 12:56 PM
"Blowhard politicians often talk about taking back control. Voters should pay more attention to those with a good record of taking care of the rubbish bins."
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
"According to a document seen by Euractiv, the strategy focuses on [...] keeping talented people from inside the EU and abroad."
"One key initiative is the "Blue Carpet Initiative," which [...] make tax rules simpler for people who work remotely across borders"
www.euractiv.com/section/poli...
"One key initiative is the "Blue Carpet Initiative," which [...] make tax rules simpler for people who work remotely across borders"
www.euractiv.com/section/poli...
EXCLUSIVE: Commission to slash startup bureaucracy under new plan - Euractiv
The strategy is expected to be presented at the end of May, with changes planned for 2025 and 2026.
www.euractiv.com
May 15, 2025 at 1:27 AM
"According to a document seen by Euractiv, the strategy focuses on [...] keeping talented people from inside the EU and abroad."
"One key initiative is the "Blue Carpet Initiative," which [...] make tax rules simpler for people who work remotely across borders"
www.euractiv.com/section/poli...
"One key initiative is the "Blue Carpet Initiative," which [...] make tax rules simpler for people who work remotely across borders"
www.euractiv.com/section/poli...
"No more ifs and buts. No more conditions and delays. Putin didn’t need conditions when he wanted a ceasefire to have a parade. And he doesn’t need them now."
"Ukraine has shown their willingness to engage again and again. But again and again Putin has refused."
www.gov.uk/government/n...
"Ukraine has shown their willingness to engage again and again. But again and again Putin has refused."
www.gov.uk/government/n...
PM remarks at press conference in Kyiv: 10 May 2025
The Prime Minister's remarks at today's press conference in Kyiv.
www.gov.uk
May 11, 2025 at 1:38 AM
"No more ifs and buts. No more conditions and delays. Putin didn’t need conditions when he wanted a ceasefire to have a parade. And he doesn’t need them now."
"Ukraine has shown their willingness to engage again and again. But again and again Putin has refused."
www.gov.uk/government/n...
"Ukraine has shown their willingness to engage again and again. But again and again Putin has refused."
www.gov.uk/government/n...
"If the goal is to recreate the scale and specialisation of the developing world’s factories, the US will need workers and capital. But [...] Cato Survey found that only one in four believe they would be better off in a factory over their current employment."
www.ft.com/content/8459...
www.ft.com/content/8459...
Nostalgia for manufacturing will make the US poorer
Donald Trump’s vision to onshore factory jobs reverses decades of progress
www.ft.com
May 10, 2025 at 1:35 AM
"If the goal is to recreate the scale and specialisation of the developing world’s factories, the US will need workers and capital. But [...] Cato Survey found that only one in four believe they would be better off in a factory over their current employment."
www.ft.com/content/8459...
www.ft.com/content/8459...
"Speaking to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in an interview on April 28 during a visit to Prague, EU Enlargement Minister Marta Kos said she couldn't rule out a "decoupling" of the two countries [Moldova and Ukraine] as soon as June."
www.rferl.org/a/eu-hungary...
www.rferl.org/a/eu-hungary...
EU Says Hungary's Block Could Mean Moldova's Accession Moves Forward Without Ukraine
The European Union is considering moving along in the accession process with Moldova while leaving Ukraine behind as Hungary to block Kyiv's membership drive.
www.rferl.org
May 10, 2025 at 12:01 AM
"Speaking to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in an interview on April 28 during a visit to Prague, EU Enlargement Minister Marta Kos said she couldn't rule out a "decoupling" of the two countries [Moldova and Ukraine] as soon as June."
www.rferl.org/a/eu-hungary...
www.rferl.org/a/eu-hungary...
“I strongly believe that we will be able to open clusters in Chapters 1, 2 and 6 as soon as possible, and then all of them by the end of the year”, she [Marta Kos] announced.
agenceurope.eu/en/bulletin/...
agenceurope.eu/en/bulletin/...
Marta Kos hopes to open all accession negotiation chapters by end of year
On a visit to Moldova on Friday 9 May, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, expressed the hope that all the chapters of the EU accession negotiations would be opened by the end of 2
agenceurope.eu
May 10, 2025 at 12:00 AM
“I strongly believe that we will be able to open clusters in Chapters 1, 2 and 6 as soon as possible, and then all of them by the end of the year”, she [Marta Kos] announced.
agenceurope.eu/en/bulletin/...
agenceurope.eu/en/bulletin/...
"I would like in many aspects to follow in the footsteps of Viktor Orbán," Simion said"
⇕
"Hungarian government avers neutrality in Romanian election"
”Fidesz politicians have described Simion as anti-Hungarian"
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
⇕
"Hungarian government avers neutrality in Romanian election"
”Fidesz politicians have described Simion as anti-Hungarian"
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
Romania’s nationalist candidate reaches out to Hungarian minority
Romania’s Hungarians voted against hard-right candidate George Simion in the first round of the presidential elections, but in a Euronews and Euronews Romania exclusive, Simion appears to offer them a...
www.euronews.com
May 9, 2025 at 2:32 AM
"I would like in many aspects to follow in the footsteps of Viktor Orbán," Simion said"
⇕
"Hungarian government avers neutrality in Romanian election"
”Fidesz politicians have described Simion as anti-Hungarian"
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
⇕
"Hungarian government avers neutrality in Romanian election"
”Fidesz politicians have described Simion as anti-Hungarian"
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
"This decision is part of our continued work to support journalists and independent media," the Swedish government said in a statement. "After the U.S. withdrew its support for Radio Free Europe, people in many countries risk losing access to free media," it said.
www.reuters.com/world/europe...
www.reuters.com/world/europe...
Sweden donates $2 mln to Radio Free Europe after Trump freezes funding
Sweden will donate 20 million crowns ($2.1 million) to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Nordic country said on Thursday, after the administration of President Donald Trump ordered a freeze of federal grants to the media outlet.
www.reuters.com
May 9, 2025 at 2:29 AM
"This decision is part of our continued work to support journalists and independent media," the Swedish government said in a statement. "After the U.S. withdrew its support for Radio Free Europe, people in many countries risk losing access to free media," it said.
www.reuters.com/world/europe...
www.reuters.com/world/europe...
"France and Poland are set to sign a wide-ranging treaty covering defence and economic matters in the latest move by European countries to deepen military ties in the face of Russia’s aggression and uncertainty over US security guarantees."
on.ft.com/4iG9Z92
on.ft.com/4iG9Z92
France and Poland deepen defence ties in signal to Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump
Leaders Emmanuel Macron and Donald Tusk set to sign wide-ranging pact next week
on.ft.com
May 2, 2025 at 10:05 AM
"France and Poland are set to sign a wide-ranging treaty covering defence and economic matters in the latest move by European countries to deepen military ties in the face of Russia’s aggression and uncertainty over US security guarantees."
on.ft.com/4iG9Z92
on.ft.com/4iG9Z92
"Hungary has long wielded outsized power on the global stage due to its membership and veto rights in the European Union that allow it to influence the bloc's relationship with China, Russia and the U.S. Its leader is now paying a price for overextension."
asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Int...
asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Int...
Hungary's Orban caught in China-US conundrum of his own making
With Chinese projects and exports to America on the line, PM risks burning bridges
asia.nikkei.com
April 27, 2025 at 9:23 AM
"Hungary has long wielded outsized power on the global stage due to its membership and veto rights in the European Union that allow it to influence the bloc's relationship with China, Russia and the U.S. Its leader is now paying a price for overextension."
asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Int...
asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Int...
“Canada and the EU share many common interests: strong economic ties, shared democratic values. [...] Legally and formally a European state is not actually defined. [...] EU countries have overseas territories in the Caribbean, Pacific and the Arctic."
www.politico.eu/article/cana...
www.politico.eu/article/cana...
Could Canada join the EU? Unlikely … but not impossible.
EU scholars say Canada has the right vibe for Brussels — but there would be some major hurdles blocking a membership bid.
www.politico.eu
April 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM
“Canada and the EU share many common interests: strong economic ties, shared democratic values. [...] Legally and formally a European state is not actually defined. [...] EU countries have overseas territories in the Caribbean, Pacific and the Arctic."
www.politico.eu/article/cana...
www.politico.eu/article/cana...
"Last month the ONS found errors in some numbers that underpin its GDP calculations, and investors no longer trust its monthly jobs report. The episode hints at a wider trend: global economic data have become alarmingly poor."
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
Economists don’t know what’s going on
Blame crumbling statistical offices
www.economist.com
April 26, 2025 at 9:27 AM
"Last month the ONS found errors in some numbers that underpin its GDP calculations, and investors no longer trust its monthly jobs report. The episode hints at a wider trend: global economic data have become alarmingly poor."
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
"Judges make mistakes or over-reach. That is one reason why we have an appeals system. ... But there is a world of difference between good faith interventions by those who support an independent judiciary and those whose efforts are intended to weaken the system."
on.ft.com/42dOsyp
on.ft.com/42dOsyp
The rule of law is democracy’s last defence — that’s why populists attack it
It’s no accident that from France to Wisconsin, the radical right seek to undermine faith in the judiciary
on.ft.com
April 25, 2025 at 4:24 PM
"Judges make mistakes or over-reach. That is one reason why we have an appeals system. ... But there is a world of difference between good faith interventions by those who support an independent judiciary and those whose efforts are intended to weaken the system."
on.ft.com/42dOsyp
on.ft.com/42dOsyp
"In the Trumpian vision ... the world is seen as a zero-sum game in which every transaction involves winners and losers. ... International agreements, organisations and laws cannot be anything but a plot to weaken some countries and strengthen others."
on.ft.com/4lBXnm2
on.ft.com/4lBXnm2
Yuval Noah Harari: Trump’s world of rival fortresses
In the US president’s vision of post-liberal global disorder the weak should always surrender to the strong, writes the historian, philosopher and author
on.ft.com
April 25, 2025 at 4:20 PM
"In the Trumpian vision ... the world is seen as a zero-sum game in which every transaction involves winners and losers. ... International agreements, organisations and laws cannot be anything but a plot to weaken some countries and strengthen others."
on.ft.com/4lBXnm2
on.ft.com/4lBXnm2
Reposted by Yusuke Ishikawa
Protesters are out in Budapest, Hungary today demanding the resignation of pro-Putin Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Love it!
Love it!
March 15, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Protesters are out in Budapest, Hungary today demanding the resignation of pro-Putin Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Love it!
Love it!