Poland’s Election and the Populist Playbook
Can an unfair election campaign produce a fair result? After Hungary and Turkey, Poland, too, might drift deeper into illiberalism.
Where AI Can Replace Diplomats—and Where It Shouldn’t
Artificial intelligence is upending the art of diplomacy. But is the field ready?
EU-Mercosur: An Opportunity Not to Be Missed
The EU-Mercosur agreement has been dormant since 2019. However, it is the key missing piece in the EU’s approach to Latin America and the Caribbean. Its enactment would be an important sign of Brussels’ willingness to engage differently with the so-called Global South.
Europe’s Geopolitical Confusion
Those calling for a more “geopolitical” European Union rarely define exactly what that means.
Meloni’s Complicated Victory
Giorgia Meloni and her Brothers of Italy have won big–but not big enough to easily change Italy’s democratic path. Nonetheless, her new government may well be tempted to seek close relations with Poland and Hungary and join their struggle with Brussels.
The Great Disruptor
Boris Johnson relishes his role as Mr. Unpredictable when it comes to the United Kingdom’s foreign relations. Other countries will have to get used to the mayhem.
China’s Shadow over Germany’s “New Era”
Even if China’s pro-Moscow stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not set in stone, it cannot be without consequences for Germany’s new China strategy.
Hungary in the Spotlight
The opposition in Hungary had seemed to be losing momentum, but a recent corruption scandal has damaged the ruling Fidesz party. Will it be enough to unseat longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán?
Afghanistan, AUKUS, and Albion
Forget about the UK’s soul searching about Afghanistan—to the EU’s surprise, AUKUS seems to show that Global Britain can deliver. This raises tricky questions for European defense.
Learning the Tough Lessons of Vaccine Geopolitics
Within a few weeks the EU will have vaccinated the same share of its population as the United States and the United Kingdom. But Brussels will not forget the vaccine-hoarding behavior of the EU’s Western allies.
The Invisible Battle for Russia’s Future
There are homegrown democrats in Russia who do not automatically sympathize with the West. They rarely make the headlines, but they could be instrumental in leading the country to change from the top.
A Daunting Agenda for Brexit Britain
The United Kingdom finally has its Brexit deal but the real challenges lie ahead, both at home and abroad.