The Democratic Security Institute (DSI) is an independent, non-partisan thinktank based in Estonia. We are a team of policy and civil society professionals who are passionate about the power of democracy to bring security, social justice and prosperity to people living in the countries of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
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  • Energy Security: Why Resilience Matters More than Resources 

    Global energy security is undergoing significant structural change driven by geopolitical fragmentation, conflict, and technological disruption. Recent crises, primarily the US-Israeli escalation in Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz; the continued pressures caused by the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine; and, the incessant demand for resources required by the AI technological… Read More

  • Türkiye’s South Caucasus Policy: From Cautious Engagement to Strategic Assertiveness

    Yelda Karadağ Şir The South Caucasus has gradually evolved from a peripheral neighborhood into a strategic geopolitical gateway for Türkiye, since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Türkiye was among the first states to recognize the independence of the three South Caucasus countries—Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia—immediately following their declarations of independence. Beyond its deeply rooted… Read More

  • Human Rights, Accountability and Justice
    Human Rights, Accountability and Justice

    Unlock the strategies behind justice and accountability in a world teetering on the edge of crisis. Read More

  • Are we looking at the United Nations the Wrong Way? 
    Are we looking at the United Nations the Wrong Way? 

    Amid war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East, and growing great-power competiton, the United Nations has come under increasing criticism with many describing the institution as powerless, ineffective and irrelevant. Yet this narrative misunderstands both what the UN is capable of doing and where its successes actually lie. Read More

  • Prefigurative Pacifism – A discussion with Borislav Tsokov
    Prefigurative Pacifism – A discussion with Borislav Tsokov

    In this episode of the Geopolitical Review, I speak with Dr. Borislav Tsokov about prefigurative pacifism, nonviolence, and the politics of everyday life. We explore how pacifism can be understood not just as a moral stance, but as an active form of resistance that asks whether peaceful ends can really be built through violent means.The… Read More

  • Global Energy Dynamic – A discussion with Rauf Mammadov
    Global Energy Dynamic – A discussion with Rauf Mammadov

    This interview explores the complexities of energy interdependence, geopolitical choke points, and the evolving landscape of global energy security amid conflicts like the US-Iran tensions and Russia-Ukraine war. Rauf Mammadov shares insights on how these dynamics influence global markets, regional stability, and future energy strategies. Keywords: energy interdependence, geopolitical choke points, global energy security, US-Iran… Read More

  • UN’s Global Role – A discussion with Dr. Anthony Lang
    UN’s Global Role – A discussion with Dr. Anthony Lang

    Welcome to the first episode of the Democratic Security Institute’s new interview series, where we speak with leading scholars, academics, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the most pressing issues in international affairs, security, and global governance. Read More

  • Politics of Silence: Artsakh, Memory and Armenian Democracy
    Politics of Silence: Artsakh, Memory and Armenian Democracy

    Author: Sheila Paylan With Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary elections now less than a month away, the race is fully underway. The official campaign period kicked off on May 8 with 19 political forces in the running. Among them, ruling party Civil Contract is now on the trail, with its leader Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on campaign leave… Read More

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