Yunus Poblome
Right-wing populism has gone beyond the nation state. Analysing JD Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference earlier this year, Yunus Poblome describes how US foreign policy under Trump depicts Europe as being led by a corrupt elite which refuses to listen to its conservative people. This, he argues, further legitimise Europe’s own right-wing populists Read more
Mimi Mihăilescu
In May, Romanian reality star Teodora Marcu was shot dead by her former partner. Thousands marched in protest, but the state remained silent. Mimi Mihăilescu argues that Romania’s democracy, which has long excluded women from power, must confront the systems that render women's deaths predictable and politically acceptable Read more
Jonathan Roll
International Relations theory would predict strong opposition from China and Russia to Israel’s assault on Iranian military and nuclear sites. In practice, says Jonathan Roll, other considerations got in the way, and the role of both powers has been minimal. This suggests US influence may be more durable than expected Read more
Albrecht Rothacher
In 2026, Bulgaria will likely join the eurozone. On the surface, the economic indicators look good. But Albrecht Rothacher and Martin Bull argue that this may be another example of the will of Brussels triumphing over hard socioeconomic reality. Bulgarians, they warn, should brace themselves for a fiscal shock Read more
Carolina Pantoliano
The world has entered a dangerous new nuclear age, prompting nuclear states to double down on their commitment to nuclear deterrence. Carolina Pantoliano and Rhys Crilley say we must critically examine this rhetoric. Here, they explore how popular culture shapes the nuclear issue, and how it can help build support for disarmament Read more
Sonia Sarkar
In May 2025 India launched a military assault against Pakistan to avenge the terrorist killings of Hindu men. Putatively carried out in the name of avenging the victims' widows, Sonia Sarkar argues that it was laden with patriarchal symbolism, the ruling Hindu nationalist BJP failing to conceal its anti-Muslim sentiment Read more
Lakshmy Ramakrishnan
Global health diplomacy, once a cornerstone of soft power and international cooperation, stands at a crossroads. Recent upheavals – such as the US retreat from the World Health Organization – are challenging its role. Amid geopolitical tensions and biological threats, Lakshmy Ramakrishnan explores why global health diplomacy remains indispensable, and how rising powers like China and India can reshape the landscape Read more
Sezen Kaya Sönmez
Turkey's proposed new waterway, 'Canal Istanbul', would connect the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. Sezen Kaya Sönmez describes how the project is about more than just transport, but has geopolitical, ecological, and climate aspects. Digging a new maritime corridor, she argues, threatens environmental resilience, regional stability, and long-term security Read more
