Nicolas Bouchet
@nickbouchet.bsky.social
German Marshall Fund Senior Visiting Fellow.
US foreign policy, democratization, democracy promotion, civil society. Throw in some Eastern Europe and Russia and we're mostly good to go.
US foreign policy, democratization, democracy promotion, civil society. Throw in some Eastern Europe and Russia and we're mostly good to go.
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
🕵️🪆Vladimir Putin has a peculiar recurring gesture former counterintelligence officers flagged: when greeting Viktor Orbán’s delegation, he shakes hands with everyone — but always gives foreign minister Péter Szijjártó a distinct pat on the arm.
He does this only to Szijjártó.
He does this only to Szijjártó.
November 28, 2025 at 4:55 PM
🕵️🪆Vladimir Putin has a peculiar recurring gesture former counterintelligence officers flagged: when greeting Viktor Orbán’s delegation, he shakes hands with everyone — but always gives foreign minister Péter Szijjártó a distinct pat on the arm.
He does this only to Szijjártó.
He does this only to Szijjártó.
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
🚫 Russia goes offline
Russia is undergoing a dramatic process of de-digitalisation. Under the pretext of protection from Ukrainian drones, it is evident that the Kremlin is exploiting security concerns to extend its control over the internet.
Read more here faridaily.substack.com/p/putins-int...
Russia is undergoing a dramatic process of de-digitalisation. Under the pretext of protection from Ukrainian drones, it is evident that the Kremlin is exploiting security concerns to extend its control over the internet.
Read more here faridaily.substack.com/p/putins-int...
⛔️ Putin’s internet firewall has arrived
Hello and welcome to your essential guide to Russian politics and economics!
faridaily.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 12:42 PM
🚫 Russia goes offline
Russia is undergoing a dramatic process of de-digitalisation. Under the pretext of protection from Ukrainian drones, it is evident that the Kremlin is exploiting security concerns to extend its control over the internet.
Read more here faridaily.substack.com/p/putins-int...
Russia is undergoing a dramatic process of de-digitalisation. Under the pretext of protection from Ukrainian drones, it is evident that the Kremlin is exploiting security concerns to extend its control over the internet.
Read more here faridaily.substack.com/p/putins-int...
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
Labour immigration policy explained:
✅ Net immigration rising: CRACKDOWN REQUIRED
✅ Net immigration plummeting: CRACKDOWN REQUIRED
✅ Net immigration rising: CRACKDOWN REQUIRED
✅ Net immigration plummeting: CRACKDOWN REQUIRED
November 27, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Labour immigration policy explained:
✅ Net immigration rising: CRACKDOWN REQUIRED
✅ Net immigration plummeting: CRACKDOWN REQUIRED
✅ Net immigration rising: CRACKDOWN REQUIRED
✅ Net immigration plummeting: CRACKDOWN REQUIRED
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
THREAD 1/6
Obviously, much of this is speculation, but I think #Orbán’s trip to #Moscow today — and his talks with Vladimir #Putin — should be seen primarily through the lens of yesterday’s Orbán–Vučić meeting, not last week’s peace-negotiation rollercoaster.
@politico.eu
Obviously, much of this is speculation, but I think #Orbán’s trip to #Moscow today — and his talks with Vladimir #Putin — should be seen primarily through the lens of yesterday’s Orbán–Vučić meeting, not last week’s peace-negotiation rollercoaster.
@politico.eu
November 28, 2025 at 10:29 AM
THREAD 1/6
Obviously, much of this is speculation, but I think #Orbán’s trip to #Moscow today — and his talks with Vladimir #Putin — should be seen primarily through the lens of yesterday’s Orbán–Vučić meeting, not last week’s peace-negotiation rollercoaster.
@politico.eu
Obviously, much of this is speculation, but I think #Orbán’s trip to #Moscow today — and his talks with Vladimir #Putin — should be seen primarily through the lens of yesterday’s Orbán–Vučić meeting, not last week’s peace-negotiation rollercoaster.
@politico.eu
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
Far-Right Networks in Motion — Webinar on Dec 5, 4 PM CET A discussion on the transnational dynamics of the far right with
@steppe-project.bsky.social @casmudde.bsky.social @veghzsuzsanna.bsky.social
steppe.hypotheses.org/2236
📩 Register with [email protected]
@steppe-project.bsky.social @casmudde.bsky.social @veghzsuzsanna.bsky.social
steppe.hypotheses.org/2236
📩 Register with [email protected]
November 27, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Far-Right Networks in Motion — Webinar on Dec 5, 4 PM CET A discussion on the transnational dynamics of the far right with
@steppe-project.bsky.social @casmudde.bsky.social @veghzsuzsanna.bsky.social
steppe.hypotheses.org/2236
📩 Register with [email protected]
@steppe-project.bsky.social @casmudde.bsky.social @veghzsuzsanna.bsky.social
steppe.hypotheses.org/2236
📩 Register with [email protected]
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
I was always proud to have worked for the #BBC once. This is such a low point.
Wow. BBC journalists are now not even allowed to report the censored line from my Reith Lecture, that Trump is “the most openly corrupt president in American history.”
You can hear how carefully they’re forced to tiptoe around it. So chilling...
You can hear how carefully they’re forced to tiptoe around it. So chilling...
November 27, 2025 at 11:47 AM
I was always proud to have worked for the #BBC once. This is such a low point.
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
I am just a small town political scientist, but I am not sure this is how it works. But then again, quite possibly the National Security Advisor, the Secretary of State and the Archivist of the United States knows better
⚡️ US to discuss Ukraine security guarantees after peace deal signed, Rubio tells allies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.
US to discuss Ukraine security guarantees after peace deal signed, Rubio tells allies
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured allies during a Nov. 25 call that the U.S. plans to address security guarantees once an agreement is reached, Politico reported.
kyivindependent.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:26 AM
I am just a small town political scientist, but I am not sure this is how it works. But then again, quite possibly the National Security Advisor, the Secretary of State and the Archivist of the United States knows better
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
Today's migration stats illustrate the migration doom loop in action...
(from my presentation at the IMF last week)
(from my presentation at the IMF last week)
November 27, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Today's migration stats illustrate the migration doom loop in action...
(from my presentation at the IMF last week)
(from my presentation at the IMF last week)
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
It's not just that the United States has stopped trying to promote liberal democratic ideas internationally. It's that the United States is actively trying to promote the contrary. It's trying to turn more countries into Hungary.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
U.S. to Press Europe and Other Allies on ‘Mass Migration,’ Document Says
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:06 AM
It's not just that the United States has stopped trying to promote liberal democratic ideas internationally. It's that the United States is actively trying to promote the contrary. It's trying to turn more countries into Hungary.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
Some parties get post mortemd. Some parties (very predictably) get pre mortems.
There will come a day when I tire of reading about the Your Party uncivil war.
Today is not that day.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Today is not that day.
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
November 26, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Some parties get post mortemd. Some parties (very predictably) get pre mortems.
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
France arrests leaders of NGO “SOS Donbass” on suspicion of spying for Russia, spreading pro-Kremlin war propaganda
Investigators view it as part of a broader network of “humanitarian” NGOs that Russia may be using to advance its interests in France.
Investigators view it as part of a broader network of “humanitarian” NGOs that Russia may be using to advance its interests in France.
France arrests leaders of NGO “SOS Donbass” on suspicion of spying for Russia, spreading pro-Kremlin war propaganda
French authorities have taken into custody the leaders of the “SOS Donbass” association — founder Anna Novikova and current president Vincent Perfetti — on suspicion of spying for Russia under the cov...
theins.press
November 26, 2025 at 5:45 PM
France arrests leaders of NGO “SOS Donbass” on suspicion of spying for Russia, spreading pro-Kremlin war propaganda
Investigators view it as part of a broader network of “humanitarian” NGOs that Russia may be using to advance its interests in France.
Investigators view it as part of a broader network of “humanitarian” NGOs that Russia may be using to advance its interests in France.
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
💥Bosnia's minister of defense refused to let the plane of Viktor Orbán’s foreign minister Péter Szijjártó land in Banja Luka, citing Hungary’s support for secessionist leader Milorad Dodik and the lack of a clear explanation for why Szijjártó arrived on a military aircraft, N1 Info reported.
November 26, 2025 at 3:08 PM
💥Bosnia's minister of defense refused to let the plane of Viktor Orbán’s foreign minister Péter Szijjártó land in Banja Luka, citing Hungary’s support for secessionist leader Milorad Dodik and the lack of a clear explanation for why Szijjártó arrived on a military aircraft, N1 Info reported.
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan says a constitutional referendum will be held after the 2026 parliamentary elections, arguing it is needed to create the ‘aerodynamics’ for long-term stability and clarify Armenia’s political direction for decades.
oc-media.org/pashinyan-sa...
oc-media.org/pashinyan-sa...
Pashinyan says Armenian constitutional referendum to take place after 2026 elections
The referendum encompasses a number of questions, some of them directly linked with Azerbaijan’s preconditions for a peace deal.
oc-media.org
November 26, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan says a constitutional referendum will be held after the 2026 parliamentary elections, arguing it is needed to create the ‘aerodynamics’ for long-term stability and clarify Armenia’s political direction for decades.
oc-media.org/pashinyan-sa...
oc-media.org/pashinyan-sa...
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
Good morning to Brazilian reporter Manuela Borges, who’s been waiting eleven years for this petty moment. ❤️ 🇧🇷
November 26, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Good morning to Brazilian reporter Manuela Borges, who’s been waiting eleven years for this petty moment. ❤️ 🇧🇷
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
Hungarian foreign policy needs to be reimagined.
Check out my new @revdem2020.bsky.social piece outlining the strategic framework for reorienting #Hungary’s #ForeignPolicy after a democratic transition, highlighting the key challenges, trade-offs, and opportunities.
revdem.ceu.edu/2025/11/25/r...
Check out my new @revdem2020.bsky.social piece outlining the strategic framework for reorienting #Hungary’s #ForeignPolicy after a democratic transition, highlighting the key challenges, trade-offs, and opportunities.
revdem.ceu.edu/2025/11/25/r...
Reimagining Hungary’s Foreign Policy: Challenges and Opportunities for a Future Democratic Government | Review of Democracy
The April 2026 elections can mark the end of Hungary’s 16-year experiment with illiberalism and open a new chapter in its relations with Europe and the wider world. After more than a decade of multive...
revdem.ceu.edu
November 26, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Hungarian foreign policy needs to be reimagined.
Check out my new @revdem2020.bsky.social piece outlining the strategic framework for reorienting #Hungary’s #ForeignPolicy after a democratic transition, highlighting the key challenges, trade-offs, and opportunities.
revdem.ceu.edu/2025/11/25/r...
Check out my new @revdem2020.bsky.social piece outlining the strategic framework for reorienting #Hungary’s #ForeignPolicy after a democratic transition, highlighting the key challenges, trade-offs, and opportunities.
revdem.ceu.edu/2025/11/25/r...
On that BBC-Trump thing, while it is a profound embarassment for the BBC, commentators on this site should also familiarize themselves with the UK's famously cuddly and fluffy libel law tradition.
November 25, 2025 at 6:45 PM
On that BBC-Trump thing, while it is a profound embarassment for the BBC, commentators on this site should also familiarize themselves with the UK's famously cuddly and fluffy libel law tradition.
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Paris-based media watchdog, said press freedom violations in Georgia have reached “unprecedented levels,” documenting 600 attacks on the press in one year.
RSF: Press Freedom Violations in Georgia Reach ‘Unprecedented’ Levels, 600 Attacks in One Year - Civil Georgia
Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Paris-based media watchdog, said press freedom violations in Ge
civil.ge
November 25, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Paris-based media watchdog, said press freedom violations in Georgia have reached “unprecedented levels,” documenting 600 attacks on the press in one year.
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
✍️ In the first op-ed of his new series, @danielhegedus.bsky.social outlines the strategic framework for a reorientation of the foreign policy of a future democratic Hungary, mapping the challenges, trade-offs, and opportunities. 🇭🇺🇭🇺
🧑💻 Read it now:
👉 tinyurl.com/cbtcew39
🧑💻 Read it now:
👉 tinyurl.com/cbtcew39
November 25, 2025 at 3:13 PM
✍️ In the first op-ed of his new series, @danielhegedus.bsky.social outlines the strategic framework for a reorientation of the foreign policy of a future democratic Hungary, mapping the challenges, trade-offs, and opportunities. 🇭🇺🇭🇺
🧑💻 Read it now:
👉 tinyurl.com/cbtcew39
🧑💻 Read it now:
👉 tinyurl.com/cbtcew39
Good article. Despite the authors' reservations about democracy multilateralism that is too ideologically narrow, their explanation for why earlier attempts at more global eforts did not take off suggests that different efforts by smaller "affinity groups" of governments would be an OK development.
With the U.S. pulling out of democracy support, leaders from Spain and the Americas have formed a new global initiative to protect democracy. But these leaders face challenges at home and abroad.
@oliverstuenkel.bsky.social and Adrian Feinberg explain: carnegieendowment.org/emissary/202...
@oliverstuenkel.bsky.social and Adrian Feinberg explain: carnegieendowment.org/emissary/202...
The New Democracy Defenders
With U.S. democracy support receding, progressive leaders from Spain and Latin America have pioneered a global initiative to combat backsliding. Can it succeed?
carnegieendowment.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Good article. Despite the authors' reservations about democracy multilateralism that is too ideologically narrow, their explanation for why earlier attempts at more global eforts did not take off suggests that different efforts by smaller "affinity groups" of governments would be an OK development.
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
Dutch public broadcaster NOS (finally) stops posting on X.
The disadvantages are seen as too big. The reach has dwindled.
In the category, 'better late than never': good choice.
over.nos.nl/nieuws/nos-p...
The disadvantages are seen as too big. The reach has dwindled.
In the category, 'better late than never': good choice.
over.nos.nl/nieuws/nos-p...
NOS plaatst vanaf vandaag geen nieuwsberichten meer op X - Over NOS
De NOS en Nieuwsuur (NOS/NTR) zijn gestopt met posten op X. Het platform past niet meer bij onze visie op...
over.nos.nl
November 25, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Dutch public broadcaster NOS (finally) stops posting on X.
The disadvantages are seen as too big. The reach has dwindled.
In the category, 'better late than never': good choice.
over.nos.nl/nieuws/nos-p...
The disadvantages are seen as too big. The reach has dwindled.
In the category, 'better late than never': good choice.
over.nos.nl/nieuws/nos-p...
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
Very much looking forward to this discussion on Dec 5!
Happy to be on panel again with the one and only and much too kind @casmudde.bsky.social!
I'll talk about the emerging organizational networks and non-party actors on the far right.
Register via email at dorothee.mertz[at]cmb.hu-berlin.de
Happy to be on panel again with the one and only and much too kind @casmudde.bsky.social!
I'll talk about the emerging organizational networks and non-party actors on the far right.
Register via email at dorothee.mertz[at]cmb.hu-berlin.de
Looking forward to this online event next week, which is open to all!
I will once again share a (virtual) stage with the wonderful @veghzsuzsanna.bsky.social 👩🎓
I will once again share a (virtual) stage with the wonderful @veghzsuzsanna.bsky.social 👩🎓
November 24, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Very much looking forward to this discussion on Dec 5!
Happy to be on panel again with the one and only and much too kind @casmudde.bsky.social!
I'll talk about the emerging organizational networks and non-party actors on the far right.
Register via email at dorothee.mertz[at]cmb.hu-berlin.de
Happy to be on panel again with the one and only and much too kind @casmudde.bsky.social!
I'll talk about the emerging organizational networks and non-party actors on the far right.
Register via email at dorothee.mertz[at]cmb.hu-berlin.de
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
Plausible worst case scenario with Venezuela in four steps:
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
November 24, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Plausible worst case scenario with Venezuela in four steps:
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
Reposted by Nicolas Bouchet
Nov 26, 3pm CET, @gmfus.bsky.social webinar
As the Hungarian parliamentary election campaign takes off, Zsófia Banuta, @danielhegedus.bsky.social, Péter Krekó, Dániel Róna & I discuss parties' chances, tactics & necessary steps to improve election integrity
Register: www.gmfus.org/event/hungar...
As the Hungarian parliamentary election campaign takes off, Zsófia Banuta, @danielhegedus.bsky.social, Péter Krekó, Dániel Róna & I discuss parties' chances, tactics & necessary steps to improve election integrity
Register: www.gmfus.org/event/hungar...
Hungary’s 2026 Elections: The Stakes and Challenges
Hungary’s 2026 parliamentary elections offer the greatest opportunity for a change in the country’s leadership since Prime Minister Viktor Orbán assumed power 16 years ago. His time in office has been...
www.gmfus.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Nov 26, 3pm CET, @gmfus.bsky.social webinar
As the Hungarian parliamentary election campaign takes off, Zsófia Banuta, @danielhegedus.bsky.social, Péter Krekó, Dániel Róna & I discuss parties' chances, tactics & necessary steps to improve election integrity
Register: www.gmfus.org/event/hungar...
As the Hungarian parliamentary election campaign takes off, Zsófia Banuta, @danielhegedus.bsky.social, Péter Krekó, Dániel Róna & I discuss parties' chances, tactics & necessary steps to improve election integrity
Register: www.gmfus.org/event/hungar...