Prominent Polish-American analyst Janusz Bugajski, a respected expert on international affairs with a deep focus on Eastern Europe and the Balkans, has passed away.
Bugajski was known as a staunch defender of democracy, good governance and freedom of the press. He was a senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation in Washington, DC, and a regular analyst at Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK), where his contributions on Euro-Atlantic issues were valued for clarity and depth.
The sad news was shared with the public by the former director of the Voice of America for Europe and Eurasia, Elez Biberaj, who described Bugajski as a close friend and colleague.
“Janusz was a brilliant analyst of Eurasian affairs, a prolific author whose publications profoundly shaped our understanding of the region, and a steadfast advocate for democracy,” Biberaj wrote, adding that his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A career in the service of regional analysis
During his career, Bugajski, born September 23, 1954, in England, has held influential positions, previously serving as a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). He also served as director of the New European Democracy Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Bugajski was the author of a number of books and analyzes focusing on the developments in the Balkans, NATO and transatlantic relations. He also served as the presenter of the television show “Bugajski Hour” that was broadcast in the Balkans.
In addition to his analytical work, Bugajski has served as a consultant on Eastern European affairs for various US government agencies, including USAID, the Department of Defense, and the International Republican Institute (IRI).
