Linguistic precision matters, but the term 'hard right' isn’t the real threat to clarity. Federico Taddei argues that the real problem lies in how journalists and scholars misuse or oversimplify the categories political science has worked long and hard to define
Political parties are increasingly adopting populist appeals, not necessarily because of ideological realignments, but out of a desire to mimic the successful strategies of their competitors. Vlad Surdea-Hernea reveals how anti-elite messaging is spreading like a virus across European democracies, reshaping political discourse as parties emulate populist tactics
The people of Kazakhstan are still grappling with the toxic legacy of twentieth-century Soviet nuclear tests. Marzhan Nurzhan examines nuclear identity and decoloniality in Kazakhstan's atomic past, through the medium of visual art
Democracy is in trouble, and so is democracy research. In response, the Science of Democracy 2.0 lays out an ambitious agenda. While applauding this endeavour, Jonas Wolff explores a fundamental tension: is a radically pluralist approach to democracy research a tool to defend democracy?
As part of its ambitious innovation strategy, the EU is focusing on developments in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum tech, and advanced connectivity. Roland Benedikter argues that stronger transregional collaboration, and a holistic vision, will help make practical, inclusive progress in this exciting field
Hungary’s blocking behaviour risks derailing Ukraine’s fragile pro-European momentum. If not addressed, it could fuel Euroscepticism, embolden authoritarian spoilers, and hollow out the EU’s enlargement promise. Tyyne Karjalainen explores what options are on the table to restore credibility to the accession process
Anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment has surged in Romania, especially since the 2024 presidential elections. Avery Gozu argues that illiberal candidates' weaponisation of homophobia runs deeper than surface-level insults – it is embedded in a socio-cultural web of hetero-nationalism and hegemonic masculinity
As the US retreats from global health leadership, Lakshmy Ramakrishnan examines how BRICS is stepping up as a key player. With the Pandemic Agreement still under negotiation. This gives BRICS countries an opportunity to promote a more equitable, inclusive approach to global health diplomacy in a shifting geopolitical landscape
The once steady alliance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has now become a bitter feud. It has transformed what should be serious political discourse into a social media spectacle that perfectly encapsulates our current democratic crisis. Mimi Mihăilescu argues that American democracy is crumbling into a grotesque theatre where the world's most powerful men treat governance like a reality show
Donald Trump's trade tariffs to fund his 'Big Beautiful Bill' are intended to forge business deals that serve only his own interests. But Albrecht Rothacher warns that for ordinary Americans, the tariffs will cause price hikes on essential goods such as fuel and medicine, and the resulting inflationary surge may well damage Trump's prospects in next year's midterms
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