Explainers

Why Media 'Foreign Agents' In Russia And The U.S. Are Not The Same Thing

Explainer: Why Media ‘Foreign Agents’ In Russia And The U.S. Are Not The Same Thing

In a May 13, 2021 briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Russian requirements for “foreign agents” are a response to similar such regulations in the United States. We examined Zakharova’s remarks to pinpoint where the differences actually lie.

How Much Does It Cost To Cut Off A Country From The Internet?

Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan have all opted for Internet shutdowns, but at what cost to their economies? Current Time Digital’s Anna Shamanska explains both the cost-calculations for these shutdowns and their potential long-term damage.

How Many Votes Did Lukashenka Actually Win?

Anna Shamanska takes a look at what election analysts consider to be the weak spots in the official vote count for Belarus' August 9 presidential election and whether, in reality, a second round of voting could have been expected.

Why Belarus' Alyaksandr Lukashenka Is Called 'Europe’s Last Dictator'

Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka sometimes seems to find his unofficial title as a "dictator" amusing, telling media that he is, in reality, a freedom-loving man. Ahead of Belarus' August 9 presidential election, Current Time took a look at why this sobriquet is no joking matter.

Why COVID-19 Statistics Don't Always Add Up

Data may help track the scope of the coronavirus pandemic, but only up to a point. Behind each country's confirmed COVID-19 cases lies a set of variables that mean these numbers need to be taken in context.

How The 2005 Tulip Revolution Changed Kyrgyzstan

Fifteen years ago, protesters in Kyrgyzstan launched a chain of events that many observers thought would bring lasting democratic change to this strategic Central Asian country. But what long-term impact has the 2005 Tulip Revolution actually had?

Cold Case: How The Death Of Boris Nemtsov Was Investigated

How The Big Mac Came To Moscow 30 Years Ago

Thirty years ago, on January 27, 1990, the first McDonald's opened in Moscow. It had taken 14 years of negotiations, vodka shots, and handouts of Ronald McDonald wristwatches to get this icon of Western capitalism into the Soviet Union.

The Moon Landing At 50: What's True, What's Fake?

2019 marked the 50th anniversary of the day U.S. astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Mike Collins became the first people to land on the moon. Anna Shamanska explains why the real story of July 20, 1969 is much more interesting than any conspiracy theory.

How Much Money Does Central Asia Owe China?

China is one of the main creditors for all of Central Asia's countries. How much do these countries owe to China and are they completely equal partners?