Ukraine’s armed forces surprised many when they managed to counter-invade Russia in early August. In part, the Ukrainians acted out of a sense of urgency, something that is sorely lacking in Western debates.
Whether in addressing voters or assessing foreign policy crises, those who take into account emotional factors can have an advantage. Making the case for more “emotional resonance” and “strategic empathy” in international politics.
With China and Russia collaborating on quantum technologies, the international race for superiority in this field is heating up. And Europe is well positioned to keep the pace.
The US presidential election in November will be pivotal for America’s role in the world and the future of US democracy.
After 10 years, China’s Belt and Road Initiative has done little to achieve its original aim of better integrating the People’s Republic’s western periphery. That might change in its second decade, with Beijing paying more attention to routes that circumvent Russia.
Across the globe, the traditional center-right is moving in the direction of the New Right. The emerging ideology is National Conservatism.
In parliamentary and presidential elections in May, the Turkish opposition has the best chance in 20 years of toppling long-term ruler Recep Tayyip Erdogan. However, even then change would only come slowly.
The root causes of the current wave of protests in Iran go beyond objection to the compulsory hijab. They are a clear indication of the government’s loss of legitimacy. However, there are no convincing scenarios for regime change.
A robust containment policy vis-à-vis Moscow is needed; the most important element of which is continued support for Ukraine. But a completely isolated Russia should not be the other aim.
When India abstained from condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it caused unease in Europe. But the EU should focus on what it can reasonably expect from New Delhi, and that means looking for cooperation on dealing with Beijing not Moscow.
The Ukraine war is forcing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reassess his course of maneuvering between Moscow and the West. Is a turnaround in Turkish foreign policy imminent?
With a new government in office, modernization and progress are buzzwords in Berlin. But will the rhetoric translate into a new and more courageous approach to foreign policy?
