Prosperity or War? “Peace” as a Political Tool in Today’s Hungary

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Since the outbreak of the war, the Hungarian government has consistently objected to providing military aid to Ukraine to help the country defend itself from its Eastern aggressor. Hungary has also striven to use its power as an EU member state to minimize the breadth and effect of sanctions imposed on Russia by the EU. The Hungarian government has made it clear that rather than arms, only “peace” can bring an end to the conflict.

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Excerpt from “Sex Work in Contemporary Russia: A Cultural Perspective,” Part III

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Prostitution existed in Russia for several centuries but became a widespread phenomenon during Peter I’s rule (1683–1725), with the first brothel or “public house” reportedly established by a German in the 1750s. Undoubtedly, prostitution existed in Russia prior to this time, but its linkage to the influx of Western ideas during Peter’s reign, and crediting the first brothel to a non Russian, set up an important pattern of identifying prostitution and its social and symbolic implications with a Western, and not Russian, value system.

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Excerpt from “Sex Work in Contemporary Russia: A Cultural Perspective,” Part II

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The sex industry in Russia is multiethnic, with scholars estimating a significant number of female migrants (from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia) working as sex workers, especially in large cities like Moscow. Despite this diversity in real life, the sex workers (and their clients) featured in films and literature are almost exclusively depicted as white, ethnic Russians.

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On the First Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

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Today marks one year since Russia began its illegal and immoral military invasion of Ukraine. We continue to be horrified at the wanton destruction and loss of life brought about by Russia’s war on its neighbor. In lieu of yet another attempt to make sense of the situation, we are opting not to publish any content on the Jordan Center Blog today.

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One Year Ago: Helen Chervits’ Eyewitness Report from Kyiv

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It makes sense that politicians around the world are afraid of Putin. But Ukrainians are living in immediate fear for their lives right now. And we understand firsthand that Putin will not stop with Ukraine if the world permits it. The citizens of many more countries will be in immediate danger and this disaster will continue. Putin must be stopped by any means necessary.

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Women’s Role and Bargaining Power in Mongolian Herding Households

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About a quarter of the Mongolian population lives in rural areas, engaged mainly in nomadic herding. Rather than being a quaint vestige of ancient times, most of these nomadic households are actively engaged in commercial production, producing cashmere, wool, meat, and dairy products for local and global markets. But many remain poor, with about 30% earning incomes below the poverty line.

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