Iran’s growing grip on the Middle East risks Europe’s global future
Every year the advent of Yom Kippur marks the holiest and most meaningful day in the Jewish religious calendar, a time of atonement and deep reflection.
Putin may not think invading Ukraine was a mistake. Here’s why
One idea that is deeply embedded in the mainstream Western conversation on the Ukraine war is that Putin made a “mistake” in launching his full-scale invasion in February…
Western statecraft is failing: We need a new strategic mindset
The current drift of Western statecraft is not sustainable.
Europe needs to get serious about its capacity for independent military action
For hardcore Eurofederalists the military question is foundational to their vision of a United States of Europe.
An enduring peace without victory in Ukraine: what it might look like
With the war now past its one-and-a-half year mark and no decisive Russian military defeat or political surrender in sight, the public conversation should start reflecting…
Neither Cold War Two, nor Balance of Power: absent a clear concept for the state of today’s world, Western policy is aimless
When the Luna-25 probe entered Moon orbit last week, the global headlines were reminiscent of the old US-Soviet space race during the Cold War.
War with China is now more likely than not
Since world affairs took a sharp turn back towards great power competition – particularly after Russia’s takeover of Crimea in 2014 – we have become used to sabre rattling…
The problem of peace: Détente vs appeasement
The recent gathering of diplomats hosted by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah was a notable event – at least in size and participation, if not outcomes.
Six scenarios for peace in Ukraine: a reality-check
Even in the darkest depths of war there has always been, in all ages, some faint hope of peace.
Has Russia identified a weak spot on Nato’s eastern flank? The drone strike on Reni port was a political attack on Romania
One of the most significant events of the war took place last week – in the least-known corner of Ukraine.
Europe’s strategic future is now inextricably tied to the Indo-Pacific
In Vilnius last week the centre-stage was taken by the mini-drama over Ukraine’s future NATO prospects – and by President Zelensky’s quite extraordinary Twitter tantrum,…
NATO will only grow stronger, regardless of what happens in Ukraine
As more milestones come and go – the NATO summit, the 500th day of war – it is worth reflecting on the remarkable expansion and growing strength of the largest and most…
The age of American power has barely begun – that’s what the history of Rome suggests
Comparisons of the United States with Rome often make the implicit mistake of assuming that America’s founding – 247 years ago this week – aligns with that of the “eternal…
Has the Wagner ‘coup’ really weakened Putin? Prigozhin’s escapade may have strengthened Russia’s ruler
Much of the West, especially its media, appeared to enjoy the breathtaking plot of the Wagner 'coup'.
Not so much Zeitenwende as progressive puffery: Germany’s first national security strategy is long on modish clichés and short on military thinking
Not since Willy Brandt’s 1970s Ostpolitik has a German geopolitical term made such waves as Olaf Scholz’s Zeitenwende.
New Europe had the potential to save the European project from its federalist excesses – but is this another victim of the Ukraine war?
There was a time, not too long ago, when New Europe seemed set to become a coherent force in continental affairs.
Prepare for a long war: With no end in sight the Ukraine war is a generational struggle
As Leopard panzers spearhead what appears to be Kyiv’s long-awaited counteroffensive, expectations of a major Ukrainian victory this year are running high.