Russia

Serbia has long had close ties to Russia. But as with other Slavic countries, it's also looking to develop ties with Western Europe. It's a tough balance to strike these days.

As president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili boldly took on much larger Russia in 2008. He promptly lost. Now he's a governor in Ukraine, which is also doing battle with Russia.

Like young adults everywhere, soldiers in the Russian military are fond of documenting their doings via social media. One journalist traced a soldier's presence in Ukraine through his photos online.

Like many former Soviet satellite states, Poland is suspicious of Russian intentions these days. Poles are joining homegrown militias, and authorities have placed observation towers along the border.

The system was considered a triumph by the Soviets, but was built by the same ruthless means that helped cause a famine, which killed millions in the 1930s.