Given the outcome of the US presidential election, it’s an interesting time to be looking at Eastern Europe. Nobody quite knows how the next few years will play out with the United States, Russia, the countries immediately surrounding Russia, the larger European region and outwards.

Many of the people I’m talking to in the localization industry are wary of the cultural shifts happening in the West, and for good reason. Any pull towards nationalism or against friendly cross-country exchange will likely have a chilling effect on international markets. Maybe. Again, it’s difficult to say for sure.

For now, though, as always, we will look for ways to promote friendly cross-cultural exchange. We have two articles focusing on Russia — one on the Russian localization market, another on the Russian localization market coming together to form a code of ethics for the region. Looking at their process may be helpful for anyone wanting to create a similar code of ethics.

We also have an article studying the defense opportunities in Poland — particularly prescient now, although the topic may not be one that necessarily appeals to our humanitarian instincts. Unless, of course, you see lines of defense in Poland as necessary for peacekeeping in the region. And although this may be controversial, it is the approach Poland seems to be taking. Privacy and language in German localization are also covered — German bridges Western and Eastern Europe, and privacy concerns will likely become more and more relevant in any localization, particularly for countries like Germany.

Whether you’re from Eastern Europe or somewhere else, please know that as far as I am concerned, you are welcome to visit my beautiful hometown in the USA whenever you would like. We can nerd out about the industry and I can take you hiking.