The brunt of Iran’s response to the Israeli-American attacks has been directed at the Arab Gulf states. As a result, their business model is in danger. The Europeans may also feel the consequences.
Japan, Germany, and the EU should work more closely together on economic security to reduce vulnerabilities, thus supporting the rules-based international economic order that underpins their prosperity.
For a long time, Germany’s political and business elites have chosen to ignore the economic threat emanating from Xi Jinping’s China. It’s now time to confront it.
Beijing is largely unconcerned by recent US actions. From a European perspective, China may now appear more reliable than the United States. But Chinese policies and strategic objectives have not changed.
Washington’s behavior on the global stage at the beginning of 2026 has increased doubts about the Trump administration’s reliability, MSC chairman Wolfgang Ischinger warns.
German policy on Europe is changing fundamentally. The worse the global crises become, the more Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing for quick decisions—if necessary, even against Germany's closest partner, France, and in smaller formats.
Mark Carney’s Davos speech was outstanding. However, as inspiring as the Canadian prime minister’s new middle powers doctrine is, it needs more honesty and realism.
The Europeans are increasingly relying on ad hoc formats to address security questions. Those should no longer be seen as temporary fixes but as the place where Europe’s new security architecture is being built.
Amid Russia’s continued aggression and military build-up, Europe needs to ramp up its defense capabilities, and fast. Joint procurement and industry consolidation will be key, European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius tells IPQ.
The resolve of a strengthened Europe will grow as its capabilities expand. Here’s what needs to happen to take security into European hands—and to actively avert the worst-case scenario.
