Mike Smeltzer is the senior research analyst for Nations in Transit, Freedom House’s annual survey of democratic governance from Central Europe to Eurasia. He serves as an expert on developments in the post-Soviet space in the Nations in Transit survey region. Prior to joining Freedom House, Mike’s professional experience included stints in both the non-profit and higher education sectors, where he worked in operational and research capacities. He earned a master’s degree from the Davis Center's REECA Program in 2016 and holds a B.A. in Russian language and philosophy from St. Olaf College.
