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| Download The StrategEast Westernization Index 2026 |
The StrategEast Westernization Index 2026 is a comprehensive analytical report that assesses how post-Soviet countries — excluding Russia — are progressing in aligning with Western values and systems. Covering 14 countries, the Index evaluates transformation across five key dimensions: political, legal, economic, cultural, and lifestyle. By taking a full-system approach, it captures not only individual reforms but the broader direction and coherence of change across the region.
What distinguishes the Index is its holistic and region-wide methodology. Since 2018, it has been the only study to analyze all non-Russian post-Soviet countries as an interconnected space — recognizing their shared legacy while highlighting their increasingly divergent paths. The research is grounded in local expertise, with contributions from in-country analysts who provide nuanced, on-the-ground perspectives often missing from external assessments.
The 2026 edition comes at a critical juncture. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the region is undergoing profound structural shifts, fragmenting into distinct geopolitical and economic trajectories. In this context, the Index not only tracks Westernization trends but also offers insights into the evolving role and effectiveness of Western engagement in Eurasia.
