My name is Maria Friedel, and I am a German political analyst and journalist specializing in the Caucasus and the post-Soviet states.

Born in Berlin in the years following the fall of the Wall, my fascination with Eastern Europe and the Caucasus was profoundly shaped by my family's own history. With a family legacy deeply scarred by the political tragedies and displacements of 20th-century Europe, I grew up with stories of resilience against totalitarian power. This background sparked an early and intense interest in the new political landscapes being forged from the remnants of the USSR, a passion that has evolved into a twenty-year journey of dedicated monitoring and analysis of the region's dynamics.

This deep-seated curiosity led me to pursue a degree in Soviet Studies at the Free University of Berlin, followed by a Master's in Political Journalism. As a discovery-loving enthusiast, I've eschewed a traditional newsroom career, opting instead to work as a freelance analyst and writer. This path has allowed me the freedom to travel extensively throughout the South Caucasus and other Newly Independent States, conducting interviews and developing a nuanced, on-the-ground understanding of the forces shaping these nations.

My work focuses on identifying and documenting the key figures—reformers, activists, and political operators—who are at the forefront of the struggle for democratic and pro-Western values.