The Other Transatlantic Alliance
Challenges to the liberal West are no longer limited to Russia and China. Within the West, a new generation of transatlantic right-wing populists are networking and looking to attack the establishment, as developments in France show.
The Underwater Battlefield: Protecting Submarine Critical Infrastructure
Submarine critical infrastructure is vital for Europe’s data and energy needs and is vulnerable to attacks. European policymakers are faced with the triple challenge of attribution, deterrence, and resilience.
A Touch of Trumpism Reaches Germany’s Election Campaign
Elon Musk has been trolling Germany’s parliamentary election campaign during the holidays. His AI-supported interventions are unlikely to have much effect, but they remind the country that it needs new ideas—which so far are lacking.
How Europe Should Deal with Trump’s Oligarch-in-Chief
As Donald Trump takes office again, tech billionaire Elon Musk will go from speaking for six companies to speaking for a $27 trillion economy. In response, Europe needs to concentrate on accumulating tech power.
“The Status Quo Is History”
Donald Trump’s re-election speaks of the definite end of the globalization consensus in the United States. It also represents a tectonic shift in US foreign policy, says Emily Haber, Germany’s ambassador to Washington during the first Trump administration.
Russia’s Axis of Autocrats
As Russia continues its advances in Ukraine, China, Iran, and North Korea are playing increasingly pivotal roles in supporting Putin’s war and undermining Western sanctions.
Macron vs. the Extremists’ Nihilism
The far right and the far left want to throw France into chaos to force President Emmanuel Macron to resign. But they are unlikely to get their way, at least for now.
Germany Needs to Move Beyond Black-and-White Thinking on Escalation Risks
German politicians need to conduct a more nuanced debate about the risks that Russia might opt for more escalation over the West's support for Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his political rival Friedrich Merz should address their blind spots.
The Indo-Pacific and its Emergence as a Global Powerhouse
Power politics, fear of war, world trade, and booming economies: The Indo-Pacific is increasingly becoming a global powerhouse. The strategic constellation of the greater region is conflict-laden—and a major challenge for Europe.
Germany’s Last Chance to Redefine Its Role in Europe
The coming election campaign in Germany is expected to focus on domestic issues. Whether the country is really prepared to play a greater leadership role in Europe, especially when it comes to Ukraine, remains an open question.
The Underwhelming Scholz Government Meets an Untimely End
The break-up of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’ coalition government was expected, but is still taking place at an extremely critical time. Its successor will have to set clearer priorities—and find greater fiscal space.
Asia as the New Center of Geopolitics
Asia’s rise is the story of a region becoming the center of geopolitics for the 21st century. Asian security, economic, technological, and ecological dynamics will define global affairs. There is a chance for Europe to engage more deeply with the region.