Reposted by Laura Thornton
ICYMI: McCain Institute Senior Director @laurathornton.bsky.social highlights the deepening democratic decline in Georgia following the October 4, 2025, local elections in her most recent op-ed for @justsecurity.org: www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/op...
ICYMI: McCain Institute’s Laura Thornton’s Op-Ed in Just Security: “After Another Sham Election in Georgia, the Country’s Citizens Persist” - McCain Institute
McCain Institute Senior Director of Global Democracy Programs Laura Thornton highlights the deepening democratic decline in Georgia following the October 4, 2025, local elections.
www.mccaininstitute.org
October 8, 2025 at 2:53 PM
ICYMI: McCain Institute Senior Director @laurathornton.bsky.social highlights the deepening democratic decline in Georgia following the October 4, 2025, local elections in her most recent op-ed for @justsecurity.org: www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/op...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social spoke on an @epde.bsky.social panel, “Georgia’s 2025 Municipal Elections: A Critical Test for Democracy amid Repression and Isolation,” today. Watch her full remarks: www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3Br...
Georgia’s 2025 Municipal Elections: A Critical Test for Democracy amid Repression and Isolation
YouTube video by European Platform for Democratic Elections EPDE
www.youtube.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:42 PM
McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social spoke on an @epde.bsky.social panel, “Georgia’s 2025 Municipal Elections: A Critical Test for Democracy amid Repression and Isolation,” today. Watch her full remarks: www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3Br...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
(4/4) With thanks to our authors this week:
@laurathornton.bsky.social
Leila Nadya Sadat
Lindsay Freeman
@mackenzieharms.bsky.social
Maya Nir
Michael Mattler
Rachel Goldrenner
Sasha Lezhnev
Steven J. Lepper
@tessbridgeman.bsky.social
Thomas E. Brzozowski
@laurathornton.bsky.social
Leila Nadya Sadat
Lindsay Freeman
@mackenzieharms.bsky.social
Maya Nir
Michael Mattler
Rachel Goldrenner
Sasha Lezhnev
Steven J. Lepper
@tessbridgeman.bsky.social
Thomas E. Brzozowski
October 11, 2025 at 12:07 PM
(4/4) With thanks to our authors this week:
@laurathornton.bsky.social
Leila Nadya Sadat
Lindsay Freeman
@mackenzieharms.bsky.social
Maya Nir
Michael Mattler
Rachel Goldrenner
Sasha Lezhnev
Steven J. Lepper
@tessbridgeman.bsky.social
Thomas E. Brzozowski
@laurathornton.bsky.social
Leila Nadya Sadat
Lindsay Freeman
@mackenzieharms.bsky.social
Maya Nir
Michael Mattler
Rachel Goldrenner
Sasha Lezhnev
Steven J. Lepper
@tessbridgeman.bsky.social
Thomas E. Brzozowski
Reposted by Laura Thornton
"“influence operations” is an utterly inaccurate term to describe what is happening in Moldova...Russia and its proxies are sowing the ground to reject the results of the elections [should the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity secure a majority]" By @laurathornton.bsky.social
Analysis: Pre-Election Mission to Moldova - McCain Institute
Analysis Pre-Election Mission to Moldova September 1-5, 2025 By Laura Thornton Introduction Moldovans head to the polls on September 28 to elect all 101 members of parliament, an election that will de...
www.mccaininstitute.org
September 18, 2025 at 6:52 PM
"“influence operations” is an utterly inaccurate term to describe what is happening in Moldova...Russia and its proxies are sowing the ground to reject the results of the elections [should the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity secure a majority]" By @laurathornton.bsky.social
Reposted by Laura Thornton
ICYMI: In a new @foreignpolicy.com op-ed, McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social warns that Russia’s “multi-vector war” of influence in Moldova’s upcoming elections poses a threat to democracy around the world: www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/op...
ICYMI: McCain Institute’s Laura Thornton in Foreign Policy: “Russia Isn’t ‘Influencing’ Moldova’s Election” - McCain Institute
In a new op-ed, “Russia Isn’t ‘Influencing’ Moldova’s Election,” McCain Institute's Laura Thornton warns that Russia's disinformation and financial campaigns in Moldova are more than just “influence o...
www.mccaininstitute.org
September 22, 2025 at 7:31 PM
ICYMI: In a new @foreignpolicy.com op-ed, McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social warns that Russia’s “multi-vector war” of influence in Moldova’s upcoming elections poses a threat to democracy around the world: www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/op...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
“We need to start treating this as the warfare that it is,” said McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social on the Power Vertical podcast. "Russia’s disinformation campaign in Moldova’s election wasn’t just noise—it was strategy." Listen: www.powervertical.org/2025/09/26/t...
THE BATTLE FOR MOLDOVA
powervertical · THE BATTLE FOR MOLDOVA Another election, another geopolitical crisis. Moldovans go to the polls this weekend to elect a new parliament in a critical vote that will determine whether…
www.powervertical.org
September 29, 2025 at 3:17 PM
“We need to start treating this as the warfare that it is,” said McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social on the Power Vertical podcast. "Russia’s disinformation campaign in Moldova’s election wasn’t just noise—it was strategy." Listen: www.powervertical.org/2025/09/26/t...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social joined BBC News America to discuss the victory of Moldova’s pro-EU party in this weekend's election.
September 30, 2025 at 2:39 PM
McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social joined BBC News America to discuss the victory of Moldova’s pro-EU party in this weekend's election.
Reposted by Laura Thornton
On the latest episode of @cnas.bsky.social's Brussels Sprouts podcast, @laurathornton.bsky.social discusses Russia's attempted influence on Moldova's election and what's ahead. Listen: brusselssprouts.podbean.com/e/moldova-ch...
Moldova Chooses Its Future with William Hill and Laura Thornton | Brussels Sprouts
On September 28th, Moldovan voters went to the polls in parliamentary elections to choose between competing visions for their country's future. Despite intense efforts by the Kremlin to influence the ...
brusselssprouts.podbean.com
October 3, 2025 at 4:44 PM
On the latest episode of @cnas.bsky.social's Brussels Sprouts podcast, @laurathornton.bsky.social discusses Russia's attempted influence on Moldova's election and what's ahead. Listen: brusselssprouts.podbean.com/e/moldova-ch...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
Excellent analysis by @laurathornton.bsky.social of the heartbreaking slide of Georgia back into Russia’s orbit, defying its citizens’ wishes for democracy and freedom www.justsecurity.org/122040/georg...
After Another Sham Election in Georgia, the Country’s Citizens Persist
Georgians will fight for their democracy. The ruling party is now one more paranoid, insecure dictatorship that knows its days are numbered.
www.justsecurity.org
October 7, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Excellent analysis by @laurathornton.bsky.social of the heartbreaking slide of Georgia back into Russia’s orbit, defying its citizens’ wishes for democracy and freedom www.justsecurity.org/122040/georg...
Come work for us! McCain Institute seeks a program coordinator for the Global Democracy Team! asu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/ASUStaffCare...
Program Coordinator - Global Democracy
Department Statement: At McCain Institute, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfe...
asu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
March 21, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Come work for us! McCain Institute seeks a program coordinator for the Global Democracy Team! asu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/ASUStaffCare...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
From the @thepublicsquare.bsky.social’s “What Alliances Do We Need in Perilous Times?”: McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social joined Nina Hachigian, Angelica Salas, & JoeMathew for a discussion on state, national, & global governance. www.youtube.com/live/yAbNzWg...
What Alliances Do We Need in Perilous Times?
YouTube video by Zócalo Public Square
www.youtube.com
March 14, 2025 at 4:08 PM
From the @thepublicsquare.bsky.social’s “What Alliances Do We Need in Perilous Times?”: McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social joined Nina Hachigian, Angelica Salas, & JoeMathew for a discussion on state, national, & global governance. www.youtube.com/live/yAbNzWg...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
In a new op-ed, McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social suggests the current administration should work to improve rather than eliminate the government in order to “effectively and efficiently produce the best outcomes for Americans.” Read here: www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/op...
Op-Ed: What is Good Governance? - McCain Institute
Countries with positive economic growth and happy citizens share traits in governing. The actions of the current Trump administration do not reflect these governing pillars that other safe, thriving c...
www.mccaininstitute.org
February 26, 2025 at 6:04 PM
In a new op-ed, McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social suggests the current administration should work to improve rather than eliminate the government in order to “effectively and efficiently produce the best outcomes for Americans.” Read here: www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/op...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
March 13 at ASU California Center Broadway: McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social will join a panel discussion on state, national, and global governance with a new U.S. administration. Register to attend in person or via livestream: www.zocalopublicsquare.org/what-allianc...
What Alliances Do We Need in Perilous Times? | Upcoming Experiences | Zócalo Public Square
As coalitions, partnerships, and allegiances shift and emerge, Zócalo and an alliance of partners will convene two back-to-back panels to discuss how we might best ally to survive this moment in histo...
www.zocalopublicsquare.org
March 3, 2025 at 9:00 PM
March 13 at ASU California Center Broadway: McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social will join a panel discussion on state, national, and global governance with a new U.S. administration. Register to attend in person or via livestream: www.zocalopublicsquare.org/what-allianc...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
On this third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we speak with @laurathornton.bsky.social about the vote in the UN by the Trump administration against a resolution condemning Russia. soundcloud.com/user-8304426...
Trump's Shameful Vote at the UN on the Third Anniversary of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Background Briefing goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard elsewhere in American media. Background Briefing features international and national news, ex
soundcloud.com
February 24, 2025 at 11:40 PM
On this third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we speak with @laurathornton.bsky.social about the vote in the UN by the Trump administration against a resolution condemning Russia. soundcloud.com/user-8304426...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
What makes a democratic protest movement succeed? McCain’s Institute @laurathornton.bsky.social explores this question as the Georgian resistance builds momentum in op-ed in Civil Georgia. Read here: civil.ge/archives/663....
Op-ed | How can the protesters win? - Civil Georgia
Following the October 2024 elections in Georgia, which were deemed neither free nor fair by reputabl
civil.ge
February 19, 2025 at 8:45 PM
What makes a democratic protest movement succeed? McCain’s Institute @laurathornton.bsky.social explores this question as the Georgian resistance builds momentum in op-ed in Civil Georgia. Read here: civil.ge/archives/663....
Reposted by Laura Thornton
President Trump’s slashing of US foreign aid sets back his influence and sends ominous signals abroad.
@laurathornton.bsky.social looks at the impact and how a familiar scenario is playing out in the Republic of Georgia:
www.justsecurity.org/107864/forei...
@laurathornton.bsky.social looks at the impact and how a familiar scenario is playing out in the Republic of Georgia:
www.justsecurity.org/107864/forei...
Supporting Freedom and a Foreign Aid Freeze are Incompatible -- But Perhaps the Point? A Case Study
The Trump administration’s action undermines bipartisan efforts to support freedom fighters, and it enables corrupt autocrats.
www.justsecurity.org
February 13, 2025 at 2:14 PM
President Trump’s slashing of US foreign aid sets back his influence and sends ominous signals abroad.
@laurathornton.bsky.social looks at the impact and how a familiar scenario is playing out in the Republic of Georgia:
www.justsecurity.org/107864/forei...
@laurathornton.bsky.social looks at the impact and how a familiar scenario is playing out in the Republic of Georgia:
www.justsecurity.org/107864/forei...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social in @justsecurity.org.web.brid.gy: “The decision to eliminate USAID and dramatically shrink foreign assistance is a magnificent gift to anti-democratic leaders worldwide.” Read here: www.justsecurity.org/107864/forei...
Supporting Freedom and a Foreign Aid Freeze are Incompatible -- But Perhaps the Point? A Case Study
The Trump administration’s action undermines bipartisan efforts to support freedom fighters, and it enables corrupt autocrats.
www.justsecurity.org
February 13, 2025 at 5:10 PM
McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social in @justsecurity.org.web.brid.gy: “The decision to eliminate USAID and dramatically shrink foreign assistance is a magnificent gift to anti-democratic leaders worldwide.” Read here: www.justsecurity.org/107864/forei...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
In a statement advocating for increased #funding for frontline democracies, McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social explains the selection of #freedomfighter & former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili as McCain Institute’s 2025 Kissinger Fellow: www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/op...
Op-Ed: Supporting Countries on the Front Lines of Democracy Essential to Fighting Rising Axis of Autocracy - McCain Institute
Op-ed about the President of Georgia who was recently selected as the McCain Institute’s 2025 Kissinger Fellow and why supporting countries on the front lines of democracy is essential to fighting the...
www.mccaininstitute.org
February 3, 2025 at 5:36 PM
In a statement advocating for increased #funding for frontline democracies, McCain Institute’s @laurathornton.bsky.social explains the selection of #freedomfighter & former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili as McCain Institute’s 2025 Kissinger Fellow: www.mccaininstitute.org/resources/op...
Reposted by Laura Thornton
At the Hudson Institute in Washington today: A demand for free and fair elections in the Republic of Georgia. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), Georgia Pres. Salome Zourabichvili (via video). Panel discussion with Moderator Peter Rough, @laurathornton.bsky.social @lukecoffey.bsky.social and Amb. Kurt Volker.
January 9, 2025 at 9:55 PM
At the Hudson Institute in Washington today: A demand for free and fair elections in the Republic of Georgia. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), Georgia Pres. Salome Zourabichvili (via video). Panel discussion with Moderator Peter Rough, @laurathornton.bsky.social @lukecoffey.bsky.social and Amb. Kurt Volker.
Half of the electoral college in Georgia is parliament. GD convened parl illegally bc pending electoral cases with const court and failure to have the President’s sign off as required. Thus, the college is not formed. Ergo elections not legitimate. #GeorgiaProtests
December 14, 2024 at 12:06 PM
Half of the electoral college in Georgia is parliament. GD convened parl illegally bc pending electoral cases with const court and failure to have the President’s sign off as required. Thus, the college is not formed. Ergo elections not legitimate. #GeorgiaProtests
My latest in The Hill on Georgia. It was written days ago so doesn’t capture the latest horrors but the recommendations remain the same - act now, US and EU! urldefense.com/v3/__https:/...
To avoid Ukraine 2.0, the US must support the Georgian people
Georgia has seen widespread protests against the government’s decision to suspend EU accession and the passage of laws targeting civil society, and the U.S. and EU should respond with consequ…
urldefense.com
December 7, 2024 at 3:56 PM
My latest in The Hill on Georgia. It was written days ago so doesn’t capture the latest horrors but the recommendations remain the same - act now, US and EU! urldefense.com/v3/__https:/...
Your daily Arendt: "He (the leader) was always right and will always be right. To a member of a totalitarian movement this knowledge has nothing to do with truth and this being right nothing to do with objective truthfulness." Facts don't matter.
December 5, 2024 at 10:37 PM
Your daily Arendt: "He (the leader) was always right and will always be right. To a member of a totalitarian movement this knowledge has nothing to do with truth and this being right nothing to do with objective truthfulness." Facts don't matter.
Reposted by Laura Thornton
2/ Signatories of the 'Open Letter on Georgia from Former US Diplomats' who are on Bluesky include
@ambdanfried.bsky.social
@general-ben.bsky.social
@laurathornton.bsky.social
@ljlinderman.bsky.social
@lukecoffey.bsky.social
Contains specific policy recommendations for US #diplomacy.
Full list⬇️
@ambdanfried.bsky.social
@general-ben.bsky.social
@laurathornton.bsky.social
@ljlinderman.bsky.social
@lukecoffey.bsky.social
Contains specific policy recommendations for US #diplomacy.
Full list⬇️
December 4, 2024 at 12:52 AM
2/ Signatories of the 'Open Letter on Georgia from Former US Diplomats' who are on Bluesky include
@ambdanfried.bsky.social
@general-ben.bsky.social
@laurathornton.bsky.social
@ljlinderman.bsky.social
@lukecoffey.bsky.social
Contains specific policy recommendations for US #diplomacy.
Full list⬇️
@ambdanfried.bsky.social
@general-ben.bsky.social
@laurathornton.bsky.social
@ljlinderman.bsky.social
@lukecoffey.bsky.social
Contains specific policy recommendations for US #diplomacy.
Full list⬇️
You will not win this, GD. You may have a temporary state of control but you won’t win against democracy!
November 29, 2024 at 10:17 PM
You will not win this, GD. You may have a temporary state of control but you won’t win against democracy!