Hard Times for Soft Power
US President Donald Trump promotes a brash new global credo which holds that might is right. Research shows, though, that how much good a country does can be just as important.
The US-India Breakdown Creates an Opening for Europe
Germany’s relationship with India is slowly improving, and so is Europe’s at large. President Donald Trump’s torpedoing of US-India ties offers an opportunity to enhance this relationship even further.
Europe’s Deepening Security Ties with the Philippines
Since 2024, European countries and the EU have intensified military and security cooperation with the Philippines. Manila is emerging as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific.
Shockwaves Made in China
Beijing’s brute-force push in technology and industry is doing more than triggering a second “China shock.” It is operating like a vortex, submerging global markets with overproduction and pulling under Europe’s industrial competitiveness.
Trump’s America: An Economic Challenge for the EU
The Trump administration’s policy of coercive protectionism is doing great damage to the international trade regime. The EU must prepare for continued uncertain transatlantic trade relations—and strengthen its geoeconomic deterrence policies.
Ursula von der Leyen: Queen in the Commission, Servant in the Council
A year into her second term, the European Commission’s notoriously controlling president is attracting criticism for neutering her college of commissioners while blindly following the EU’s 27 national leaders.
Ukraine’s Artists Respond to War
Seeking new visual languages and forms of expression, Ukrainian artists are playing their part in the country’s war effort and sending bold messages of defiance.
Germany’s Government Lacks New Ideas, and It Shows
The Christian Democrats and Social Democrats of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’ coalition government have made an effort to get along better. So far, however, they have failed to come up with the new approaches in security and economic policy that the country needs.
Under Pressure from Trump and Xi, Europeans Want a Stronger EU
US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and a deteriorating relationship with Xi Jinping’s China have alerted EU citizens to the importance of economic security.
Germany Needs to Face the New Economic Reality
The Merz government has the chance to improve the country’s geoeconomic resilience and strengthen its global economic position with its proposed new Economic Security Strategy.
Climate Change Upends the Logic of Insurance
Fires and floods caused by extreme weather are becoming ever more common—and making insurance unaffordable. This will have dramatic consequences for economic security as well.
Beijing Showcases Its Global Order Pitch
Chinese President Xi Jinping used the recent gathering of over 25 heads of governments in Beijing to launch a new phase of China’s efforts to change the world order. European states should take note.