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Azerbaijani Students Prepare to Launch Community Action Projects September 5, 2012 Students in the Study of United States Institutes (SUSI) for Azerbaijani Student Leaders on Civic Engagement program recently put theory and knowledge into practice on community projects with topics ranging from environmental awareness, refugees, and disabilities, to women’s issues and orphans in Azerbaijan.	Outsiders Get an Inside View of American Politics August 20, 2012 by Jessica Yonke As the number of democracies increases globally, citizens worldwide look to the U.S. political system as a model of peaceful democracy. Many view the U.S. system as a successful functioning democracy, with citizens playing an active role and flexing a legitimate voice in politics and the selection of leaders. Few outsiders get the chance to participate in the American election process.
Senior State Department Official Welcomes Youth Leaders to U.S. August 9, 2012 by Kaia Benson Ann Stock, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, welcomed more than 150 international youth leaders to the U.S. to begin academic and cultural programs at more than 80 universities and colleges across the U.S.country as part of the Global UGRAD-Pakistan and Global UGRAD in Eurasia and Central Asia programs. Ms. Stock reminded the students that they are citizen ambassadors for their countries, who “will leave a remarkable impact” on their host communities, building relationships “that can and should last.”	New Policy Specialists to Advise US Missions July 23, 2012 Seventeen scholars and professionals are set to advise the U.S. government on key policy issues. From a look at "corporate raiding" in Ukraine to understanding why some of Russia's young Muslims join religious extremist and violent organizations, the fellows will inform key decisions on a wide variety subjects.
Community Information Centers in Azerbaijan Stand on Their Own July 20, 2012 Across Azerbaijan there are 19 Community Information Centers newly graduated from United States government support to being fully operated by local NGOs. Although Internet access in Azerbaijan is growing, Internet services, particularly in the regions, remain expensive and much of the country’s Internet usage takes place in Internet clubs or at the workplace. To help bridge the gap, IREX, with support from USAID, partnered with local organizations and equipped 19 centers with computers, internet access and Wi-Fi spots. The centers offer courses and internet access to users, free of charge.	Scholars Tackle Transnational Crime and Corruption Policy June 26, 2012 by Julia Hon Human trafficking, drug trade, police reform, and corporate graft were among the diverse topics debated and discussed by ten up-and-coming scholars at the 2012 IREX/WWC Regional Policy Symposium, "Transnational Crime and Corruption in Eastern Europe and Eurasia." Transnational criminal networks, and the domestic corruption that feeds them, represent one of the major foreign policy challenges facing the United States today.
New Interactive Map Shows Impact of Muskie Fellows Across Eurasia May 18, 2012 In recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship, the Muskie Eurasia Map highlights the widespread successes and community engagement of Muskie alumni.	Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to U.S. Reflects on Muskie Experience April 24, 2012 Azerbaijan recently appointed Elin Suleymanov as its Ambassador to the United States. A Muskie alumnus who received a Masters degree at the University of Toledo in 1994, Suleymanov has dedicated his career to public service and diplomacy. Below he reflects on his experience as a Muskie fellow and how that has shaped his perspective and how it still affects his work today.
Increasing Political Control of the Media Seen in Europe and Eurasia April 5, 2012 The 2012 edition of IREX’s Media Sustainability Index (MSI) for Europe and Eurasia measures the struggles and triumphs of the media sector in 21 transitioning countries from Croatia to Kazakhstan. Evidence from local media experts shows overall stability in the media sector. Increasing use of digital and social media gives hope for expanding freedom of expression. However, reported backsliding in several countries, partly due to the increased political control of media, concerns the experts.	Apples and Oranges: Young Leaders from Azerbaijan Taste the US September 9, 2011 by Sarah Hennessey When I think about what I want exchange students to experience during their time in the United States, grocery shopping has never made the list. Visit Washington D.C. and view the Declaration of Independence? Check. Attend a baseball game? Sure. Debate the merits of fruits and vegetables found at the local grocery store? Not really one I'd considered.