Nicholas Castillo is a Lead for South Caucasus at the Strategic Security Initiative (SSI). He is a researcher, journalist, and graduate student pursuing an MA in regional studies for Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia at Harvard University's Davis Center. His primary research areas include the politics and security of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus and the politics of identity, ethnic conflict, and authoritarianism. Nicholas has over two years of experience writing for newsrooms and think tanks. His work has appeared in a variety of publications including The Moscow Times, OC Media, CivilNet, and New Eastern Europe. Additionally, he is a managing editor and contributing writer for a Substack titled the Eastern Neighborhood Bulletin.