European strategists keep thinking about vulnerabilities and dependencies. Adopting a “middle power mindset” instead would help them to focus on the continent’s strong points—and on how to use them.
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.
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.
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 trips to New Delhi by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speak of the success of forging closer ties between Europe and India. But further efforts are needed.
The special relationship has never been better—between a special type of American and a special type of Brit. Donald Trump could not be happier with the progress being made by Nigel Farage and his Reform UK.
Polling suggests that big majorities across Europe support common policies on defense, foreign policy, and trade, inter alia. And the latest EU summit showed how a more capable EU may come about.
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.
