Foreign Policy Blogs

Europe

Three Problems Facing Spain’s Government Today

Three Problems Facing Spain’s Government Today

The medium-term outlook in Spain is under pressure from three issues. Its politicians will have to act judiciously to avoid a constitutional crisis. 

read more

Brexit and the Irish Border

Brexit and the Irish Border

Brexit was fought and decided on immigration. Yet while the argument about migrants was debated, the issue of the Irish border was largely ignored.

read more

The Lessons of Dead Empires

The Lessons of Dead Empires

The collapse of the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires are lessons on how underestimating national identities can lead to unintended political change.

read more

Emmanuel Macron and the Refugee Question

Emmanuel Macron and the Refugee Question

Macron emphasized the need to address the humanitarian aspects of the crisis, praising Merkel’s open door refugee policy for rescuing “our collective dignity.”

read more

The EU at 60: Between Globalism and Nationalism

The EU at 60: Between Globalism and Nationalism

In their quest for power, populist parties prescribe protectionism and the reestablishment of national sovereignty as panacea to all of the EU’s ills.

read more

EU Funds Allocation: Is Brussels Flexing Its Muscles?

EU Funds Allocation: Is Brussels Flexing Its Muscles?

European Commissioner for Justice Vera Jourová proposed to make the distribution of EU funding dependent on whether states uphold fundamental EU principles like the rule of law.

read more

What Germany Got Right

What Germany Got Right

The media cannot help but highlight the fallouts from Brexit and a Trump presidency. What we do not hear enough about is what went right elsewhere in 2016.

read more

Can Better Policy Curb Irregular Migration to Europe?

Can Better Policy Curb Irregular Migration to Europe?

With over a million migrants arriving on Greek and Italian shores last year looking to enter the EU, curbing the flow of third country asylum seekers from places like Eritrea is an urgent policy priority for European leaders.

read more

Europe’s ‘Fault Lines’ should be Discussed at the UN: Ambassador Almeida

Europe’s ‘Fault Lines’ should be Discussed at the UN: Ambassador Almeida

The head of Europe’s delegation to the United Nations describes an ideological battle in the EU between globalism and nationalism.

read more

The Rise of Schulz: Merkel’s Götterdämmerung?

The Rise of Schulz: Merkel’s Götterdämmerung?

Schulz’ relative obscurity has allowed him to position himself as a fresh-faced outsider free from the entanglements of the Berlin establishment.

read more

Of Drones and Overseas Military Bases: The New Face of the War on Terror

Of Drones and Overseas Military Bases: The New Face of the War on Terror

In the summer of 2016, thousands of German citizens stood outside of Ramstein Air Base to protest U.S. drone strikes conducted from there.

read more

Italy and the Consequences of the “No” Vote

Italy and the Consequences of the “No” Vote

Italy voted “No” to the national referendum on December 4th resulting in important economic and political consequences for the nation and the European Union.

read more

Eastern Europe’s Duplicitous Tango with Moscow and Brussels

Eastern Europe’s Duplicitous Tango with Moscow and Brussels

Far from having strong ideological persuasions one way or the other, Eastern Europe’s leaders exploit cultural divides inside their countries for short-term political gain.

read more

What Saakashvili’s Resignation Means for Ukraine’s Future?

What Saakashvili’s Resignation Means for Ukraine’s Future?

The decision may symbolize the increasingly anti-reformist environment in Ukraine and the likely failure of promises spearheaded during the 2014 Euromaidan.

read more

Military Power Europe: A Contradiction in Terms?

Military Power Europe: A Contradiction in Terms?

The EU’s foreign policy mostly relies on soft power. However, European leaders are suggesting a more proactive role for the EU as a global military power.

read more