Cyprus mysteries: the death of a diplomat and the disappearance of a businessman
In early January 2026, Cyprus found itself at the centre of two high-profile incidents involving diplomacy, intelligence, business and possible political consequences for relations with Russia. On 8 January, Anton Panov (sometimes referred to as Alexei in foreign sources), an employee of the Russian diplomatic mission, was found dead in…
Orbán’s radical voice: Zsolt Bayer as a symbol of the authoritarian degradation of journalism
Zsolt Bayer is a Hungarian journalist, publicist and propagandist known for his pro-Russian, right-wing extremist, racist and ultra-nationalist views. He always interprets the domestic and foreign policy of Viktor Orbán’s government in a manner loyal to the authorities, which makes him an important tool of modern Orbán propaganda in influencing…
An island that has become a stumbling block: Greenland between the US and Europe
Greenland, which until recently was perceived as a remote Arctic territory with limited influence on world politics, has now become one of the key hubs of global geopolitical tension. The United States’ heightened interest in the island has revealed not only the struggle for resources and security in the Arctic,…
Embassy or Trojan Horse: Diplomacy, Security and China’s Presence in London
The issue of constructing a new embassy building for the People’s Republic of China in London has evolved over several years from a construction project into a large-scale socio-political conflict involving issues of national security, diplomatic pressure and human rights. The story surrounding the so-called ‘super embassy’ reflects a broader…
The Havana Syndrome: invisible weapons and traces of the GRU
At the end of 2016, employees of the US Embassy in Havana began complaining of dizziness, nausea, headaches, and hearing problems. Some claimed that before their condition worsened, they heard piercing or low-frequency sounds, and the impact itself felt directed. Initially, these complaints were not taken seriously, but by 2017…