6 May 2021/Zack Kramer, Simone Neads, Zuzana Krulichová

PSSI Perspective #9 examines the Czech Republic’s membership in the Russia-led International Investment Bank (IIB), a tool of malign Russian influence. The Perspective examines a long overdue action that should be taken by the government forthwith, arguing that, in the context of the current Czech-Russia diplomatic crisis, the Czech government should take steps to resign its membership in the Bank immediately. 

Amidst new tensions with Russia over the 2014 Vrbětice bombings, many in the Czech Republic are demanding a more robust response by the Czech government than solely diplomatic expulsions. PSSI’s latest Perspective examines a long overdue action that should be taken by the government forthwith: resigning its membership in Moscow’s scandal-ridden International Investment Bank, a tool of malign Russian influence. The Institute tracks the history of Czech involvement with this former Comecon Bank, provides a case study of a particularly troubling transaction and otherwise demonstrates the reputational damage to the country every day it remains a member of such a soiling institution.

Download the Perspective here to read more.