Don Van Atta
@oldsovetlog.bsky.social
I study (agrarian) politics in the former Soviet states.
Long-term policy advisor in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Tajikistan. Resident director of 5 USAID-funded projects.
Democratic institutions are hard to build and keep.
Berkeley PolSci PhD eons ago.
Long-term policy advisor in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Tajikistan. Resident director of 5 USAID-funded projects.
Democratic institutions are hard to build and keep.
Berkeley PolSci PhD eons ago.
Reposted by Don Van Atta
Our new @piie.com Working Paper on Russia’s war-induced regional convergence with @eribakova.bsky.social & @ygorodnichenko.bsky.social now out! @bofit.suomenpankki.fi @suomenpankki.fi
Many poorer regions saw their incomes rise faster 2022-24 as public spending rose🇷🇺
www.piie.com/publications...
Many poorer regions saw their incomes rise faster 2022-24 as public spending rose🇷🇺
www.piie.com/publications...
War-induced economic convergence in Russian regions
This paper examines the impact of Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Russia’s economy at a subnational, or “regional,” level. The analysis focuses on the regional disparities and converge...
www.piie.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Our new @piie.com Working Paper on Russia’s war-induced regional convergence with @eribakova.bsky.social & @ygorodnichenko.bsky.social now out! @bofit.suomenpankki.fi @suomenpankki.fi
Many poorer regions saw their incomes rise faster 2022-24 as public spending rose🇷🇺
www.piie.com/publications...
Many poorer regions saw their incomes rise faster 2022-24 as public spending rose🇷🇺
www.piie.com/publications...
Reposted by Don Van Atta
I know there’s a lot going on but are we ever circling back to the Epstein Files?
The president’s involvement with his best friend’s scheme of sex trafficking minors seems a little important
The president’s involvement with his best friend’s scheme of sex trafficking minors seems a little important
December 9, 2025 at 3:03 PM
I know there’s a lot going on but are we ever circling back to the Epstein Files?
The president’s involvement with his best friend’s scheme of sex trafficking minors seems a little important
The president’s involvement with his best friend’s scheme of sex trafficking minors seems a little important
Reposted by Don Van Atta
"Julio" is harvesting mandarins in the Fresno CA area. "We're paid $55 per 900lb bin - the same amount as the past few years. This is wrong. The cost of living has gone up. Why haven't our wages? We work hard and deserve to earn enough to feed our families." #WeFeedYou
December 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
"Julio" is harvesting mandarins in the Fresno CA area. "We're paid $55 per 900lb bin - the same amount as the past few years. This is wrong. The cost of living has gone up. Why haven't our wages? We work hard and deserve to earn enough to feed our families." #WeFeedYou
He’s also still acting head of NASA, is he not?
I just think it’s funny they told this reality TV bimbo he was secretary of transportation and his little pea brain immediately thought he was supposed to come up with travel advice
it’s pretty funny that Duffy is simultaneously
1. scolding passengers for not wearing fancy clothes while flying
2. supporting airport gyms so passengers can be sweaty and gross while flying
both of these proposals are idiotic but the direct contradiction is next level
1. scolding passengers for not wearing fancy clothes while flying
2. supporting airport gyms so passengers can be sweaty and gross while flying
both of these proposals are idiotic but the direct contradiction is next level
December 9, 2025 at 2:44 PM
He’s also still acting head of NASA, is he not?
Reposted by Don Van Atta
Just want to highlight this point as it won't be well known - key advisers (sherpas) to European / allied countries will be in regular touch and trying to agree how to handle every Trumpian madness. The result isn't pretty, but arguably it could be a lot worse.
NB I think the only European leader I've seen push back on the US national security strategy is one who doesn't have to negotiate with Trump. Maybe we're all doomed, but I rather think that leaders collectively have decided that's not the path they can take (and sherpas will have discussed).
December 9, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Just want to highlight this point as it won't be well known - key advisers (sherpas) to European / allied countries will be in regular touch and trying to agree how to handle every Trumpian madness. The result isn't pretty, but arguably it could be a lot worse.
Reposted by Don Van Atta
More than any president before him, Trump has embraced an expanded meaning of the “commander in chief” that extends far beyond its narrow military meaning to cover all kinds of authoritarian nonsense, but as soon as there’s an actual military scandal, he’s running away from it as fast as he can.
POLITICO: Do you believe the second strike was necessary?
TRUMP: Uhhhh. Well it looked like they were trying to turn back over the boat. But I don't get involved in that. That's up to them.
TRUMP: Uhhhh. Well it looked like they were trying to turn back over the boat. But I don't get involved in that. That's up to them.
December 9, 2025 at 2:36 PM
More than any president before him, Trump has embraced an expanded meaning of the “commander in chief” that extends far beyond its narrow military meaning to cover all kinds of authoritarian nonsense, but as soon as there’s an actual military scandal, he’s running away from it as fast as he can.
Congress hs the power of the purse. Nah.
December 9, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Congress hs the power of the purse. Nah.
Reposted by Don Van Atta
Sitting Bull was a Teton Dakota Indian chief under whom the Sioux tribes united in their struggle for survival on the North American Great Plains.
What a Real Native American looks like.
What a Real Native American looks like.
December 8, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Sitting Bull was a Teton Dakota Indian chief under whom the Sioux tribes united in their struggle for survival on the North American Great Plains.
What a Real Native American looks like.
What a Real Native American looks like.
Reposted by Don Van Atta
ICE agents followed a Burnsville family home from the store, failed to present a warrant and entered their home with guns drawn. They detained 4 legal citizens who presented documentation, leaving a 7 year-old without parents.
A seven-year-old. Let that sink in. Trump’s ICE is out of control.
A seven-year-old. Let that sink in. Trump’s ICE is out of control.
ICE agents detained four people from a Burnsville home, according to family members, including a 7-year-old's parents and the husband of a pregnant woman.
Ring camera captures Burnsville ICE raid that leaves 7-year-old without parents, according to family
ICE agents detained four people from a Burnsville home, according to family members, including a 7-year-old's parents and the husband of a pregnant woman.
www.kare11.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:51 PM
ICE agents followed a Burnsville family home from the store, failed to present a warrant and entered their home with guns drawn. They detained 4 legal citizens who presented documentation, leaving a 7 year-old without parents.
A seven-year-old. Let that sink in. Trump’s ICE is out of control.
A seven-year-old. Let that sink in. Trump’s ICE is out of control.
Reposted by Don Van Atta
Hey folks 👋 I'm the reporter who revealed immigration agents detained 170+ citizens this year
My fellowship w/ProPublica has been incredible, but it wraps January. I'm looking for my next gig. Please reach out to share leads & opportunities! [email protected]
www.propublica.org/people/nicol...
My fellowship w/ProPublica has been incredible, but it wraps January. I'm looking for my next gig. Please reach out to share leads & opportunities! [email protected]
www.propublica.org/people/nicol...
Nicole Foy
ProPublica is an independent, non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.
www.propublica.org
December 8, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Hey folks 👋 I'm the reporter who revealed immigration agents detained 170+ citizens this year
My fellowship w/ProPublica has been incredible, but it wraps January. I'm looking for my next gig. Please reach out to share leads & opportunities! [email protected]
www.propublica.org/people/nicol...
My fellowship w/ProPublica has been incredible, but it wraps January. I'm looking for my next gig. Please reach out to share leads & opportunities! [email protected]
www.propublica.org/people/nicol...
Reposted by Don Van Atta
To date, the Trump administration has acknowledged at least 22 strikes against boats suspected of transporting narcotics, killing at least 87 people. https://to.pbs.org/4hCqmoj
All the U.S. military strikes against alleged drug boats
The U.S. military has killed dozens of people in targeted strikes on small vessels in waters off South America since early September.
www.pbs.org
December 8, 2025 at 11:34 PM
This is what, six months out of her life? Not to mention the mental, physical and financial costs.
US universities have led the world since 1945. They had lots of problems. World leadership is not one of their concerns any more.
Thanks, Mr. Trump, for my happy childhood.
US universities have led the world since 1945. They had lots of problems. World leadership is not one of their concerns any more.
Thanks, Mr. Trump, for my happy childhood.
This is the Tufts PhD student who seized by masked agents on the street and jailed for two months because she wrote an op-ed calling for the school to divest from Israel.
December 8, 2025 at 11:45 PM
This is what, six months out of her life? Not to mention the mental, physical and financial costs.
US universities have led the world since 1945. They had lots of problems. World leadership is not one of their concerns any more.
Thanks, Mr. Trump, for my happy childhood.
US universities have led the world since 1945. They had lots of problems. World leadership is not one of their concerns any more.
Thanks, Mr. Trump, for my happy childhood.
Reposted by Don Van Atta
And you think he would defend Taiwan?
December 8, 2025 at 11:28 PM
And you think he would defend Taiwan?
Reposted by Don Van Atta
The news media aren't going to remind you, but I will:
7 million people showed up on a single day in October to denounce Trump's fascism and defend liberty.
The resistance is strong. We can win. Join us.
7 million people showed up on a single day in October to denounce Trump's fascism and defend liberty.
The resistance is strong. We can win. Join us.
December 8, 2025 at 10:44 PM
The news media aren't going to remind you, but I will:
7 million people showed up on a single day in October to denounce Trump's fascism and defend liberty.
The resistance is strong. We can win. Join us.
7 million people showed up on a single day in October to denounce Trump's fascism and defend liberty.
The resistance is strong. We can win. Join us.
Reposted by Don Van Atta
After 9 days trapped under rubble, a Kyiv family's pet cat has been found alive.
The bedroom where the furry one was sleeping, was destroyed by a Russian drone strike. She was lost, feared dead. But a Christmas miracle, the cat was found with burned whiskers and dehydration.
The bedroom where the furry one was sleeping, was destroyed by a Russian drone strike. She was lost, feared dead. But a Christmas miracle, the cat was found with burned whiskers and dehydration.
December 8, 2025 at 1:54 PM
After 9 days trapped under rubble, a Kyiv family's pet cat has been found alive.
The bedroom where the furry one was sleeping, was destroyed by a Russian drone strike. She was lost, feared dead. But a Christmas miracle, the cat was found with burned whiskers and dehydration.
The bedroom where the furry one was sleeping, was destroyed by a Russian drone strike. She was lost, feared dead. But a Christmas miracle, the cat was found with burned whiskers and dehydration.
Reposted by Don Van Atta
Day 1384 of Russia's illegal (full) invasion of its neighbour - a second invasion in 8 years.
There will be a third too, and other countries seeing unwelcome visits from war criminals pretending to be peacemakers.
Today 4 European leaders meet - have they the balls to say "no"?
There will be a third too, and other countries seeing unwelcome visits from war criminals pretending to be peacemakers.
Today 4 European leaders meet - have they the balls to say "no"?
December 8, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Day 1384 of Russia's illegal (full) invasion of its neighbour - a second invasion in 8 years.
There will be a third too, and other countries seeing unwelcome visits from war criminals pretending to be peacemakers.
Today 4 European leaders meet - have they the balls to say "no"?
There will be a third too, and other countries seeing unwelcome visits from war criminals pretending to be peacemakers.
Today 4 European leaders meet - have they the balls to say "no"?
Reposted by Don Van Atta
I am not live posting the whole argument here because I want to listen closely to Trump v. Slaughter. But the solicitor general for Trump just said the point here in killing the independence of agencies like the FTC is that executive branch officers must “fear and obey” the president. Wow. #SCOTUS
December 8, 2025 at 3:58 PM
I am not live posting the whole argument here because I want to listen closely to Trump v. Slaughter. But the solicitor general for Trump just said the point here in killing the independence of agencies like the FTC is that executive branch officers must “fear and obey” the president. Wow. #SCOTUS
Reposted by Don Van Atta
Hi from Kyiv. It’s 1:22 pm and power is down and is gonna be for at least half an hour . But thnx gds for the gas stove , I made myself some green tea and light breakfast (and yes we have internet during outages ) . Generators are purring outside , I’m doing some writing , and how is your Monday ?
December 8, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Hi from Kyiv. It’s 1:22 pm and power is down and is gonna be for at least half an hour . But thnx gds for the gas stove , I made myself some green tea and light breakfast (and yes we have internet during outages ) . Generators are purring outside , I’m doing some writing , and how is your Monday ?
Reposted by Don Van Atta
The EU discourse is perfect because there's something in it for everyone. First of all, the European Union genuinely does have a lot of problems. But more importantly, a lot of people hate it for largely unrelated and often contradictory reasons. It's a great enemy
December 8, 2025 at 10:16 AM
The EU discourse is perfect because there's something in it for everyone. First of all, the European Union genuinely does have a lot of problems. But more importantly, a lot of people hate it for largely unrelated and often contradictory reasons. It's a great enemy
Reposted by Don Van Atta
Today’s Russian papers are loving the new US national security strategy. One Russian paper on the implications for Europe: “Trump isn’t their Daddy any more.” Kremlin spokesman comments: “The adjustments in the updated strategy correspond in many ways to our vision” #ReadingRussia
“Trump’s not their Daddy any more.” Russian paper on Europe, over new US national security strategy
YouTube video by Steve Rosenberg
youtu.be
December 8, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Today’s Russian papers are loving the new US national security strategy. One Russian paper on the implications for Europe: “Trump isn’t their Daddy any more.” Kremlin spokesman comments: “The adjustments in the updated strategy correspond in many ways to our vision” #ReadingRussia
Reposted by Don Van Atta
Today’s campaigns against the BBC, from Donald Trump to The Daily Telegraph, have a surprisingly long history.
In our latest article, David Nowell Smith explores how commercial rivalries inspired the first accusations of left-wing bias at the BBC.
In our latest article, David Nowell Smith explores how commercial rivalries inspired the first accusations of left-wing bias at the BBC.
The Surprising Origins of the BBC’s ‘Left-Wing Bias’
David Nowell Smith explores how commercial rivalries inspired the first accusations of institutional bias at the BBC.
www.historyworkshop.org.uk
December 8, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Today’s campaigns against the BBC, from Donald Trump to The Daily Telegraph, have a surprisingly long history.
In our latest article, David Nowell Smith explores how commercial rivalries inspired the first accusations of left-wing bias at the BBC.
In our latest article, David Nowell Smith explores how commercial rivalries inspired the first accusations of left-wing bias at the BBC.
Not sure that this is “finally,” a response, since the US surrender to Russia and racism was issued just before a weekend US time, but it is surely a rational one.
Unfortunately, my country’s current leaders have a very skewed rationality in their acts.
Unfortunately, my country’s current leaders have a very skewed rationality in their acts.
Finally an EU leader hits back vs US NSS - Costa:
"US no longer believes in multilateralism, rules-based order, climate change. We have differences in our worldviews. The strategy continues to speak of Europe as an ally. That’s good. But if we are allies, we must act as allies..
"US no longer believes in multilateralism, rules-based order, climate change. We have differences in our worldviews. The strategy continues to speak of Europe as an ally. That’s good. But if we are allies, we must act as allies..
December 8, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Not sure that this is “finally,” a response, since the US surrender to Russia and racism was issued just before a weekend US time, but it is surely a rational one.
Unfortunately, my country’s current leaders have a very skewed rationality in their acts.
Unfortunately, my country’s current leaders have a very skewed rationality in their acts.
Reposted by Don Van Atta
So Europe now knows what the official US strategy is, and its main hope lies in the Trump administration being too incompetent to implement it.
Banking on the (selective) incompetence of your most important ally is not a great position to be in.
Banking on the (selective) incompetence of your most important ally is not a great position to be in.
December 8, 2025 at 7:32 AM
So Europe now knows what the official US strategy is, and its main hope lies in the Trump administration being too incompetent to implement it.
Banking on the (selective) incompetence of your most important ally is not a great position to be in.
Banking on the (selective) incompetence of your most important ally is not a great position to be in.
Reposted by Don Van Atta
Ivanishvili's son also has a Russian citizenship.
Always a pleasure when your actions and mentality align with your passport.
Always a pleasure when your actions and mentality align with your passport.
December 8, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Ivanishvili's son also has a Russian citizenship.
Always a pleasure when your actions and mentality align with your passport.
Always a pleasure when your actions and mentality align with your passport.
Reposted by Don Van Atta
NEW @propublica.org: In just a matter of weeks in 1993, Trump got 2 mortgages for 2 Palm Beach houses, pledging in each case that the house would be his principal residence.
In reality, both houses were investment properties. “They were rentals from the beginning,” says the rental agent.
In reality, both houses were investment properties. “They were rentals from the beginning,” says the rental agent.
Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
The Trump administration has argued that Fed board member Lisa Cook may have committed mortgage fraud by declaring more than one primary residence on her loans. We found Trump once did the very thing ...
www.propublica.org
December 8, 2025 at 11:49 AM
NEW @propublica.org: In just a matter of weeks in 1993, Trump got 2 mortgages for 2 Palm Beach houses, pledging in each case that the house would be his principal residence.
In reality, both houses were investment properties. “They were rentals from the beginning,” says the rental agent.
In reality, both houses were investment properties. “They were rentals from the beginning,” says the rental agent.