William Echols

William Echols formerly served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kazakhstan and has an MA in International Politics from Queen's University Belfast. He has spent nearly 10 years living and traveling around the post-Soviet world, working as a volunteer, journalist, teacher and translator. He is also the founder of the blog Russian Avos.

Alexey Navalny and the moral pillars of democracy

Will the restoration of democratic institutions in Russia usher in a liberal paradise? The answer could very well be “no”.

By William Echols

/ 11 Aug 2017

Kazakhstan's quiet balancing act

Alongside partners east and west, Kazakhstan has learned how to play a quiet balancing act—with lessons for the Kremlin.

By William Echols

/ 31 Aug 2015