Benjamin Daßler
International organisations are being challenged from two sides. Weak and rising states are demanding more influence, while declining Western powers turn away from institutions they helped to create. Benjamin Daßler, Tim Heinkelmann-Wild, and Martijn Huysmans argue that institutional rules can help balance power relations and stabilise international cooperation in times of power shifts Read more
Lucas Schramm
Rising geopolitical pressures, including an ongoing war in its immediate neighbourhood, have thrust EU enlargement back onto the agenda. Lucas Schramm contends that the European Council must reconcile the dual challenges of widening and deepening, as it has done historically. Despite formidable obstacles, enlargement could spur internal reforms and innovations Read more
Bruno Sowden-Carvalho
Donald Trump’s pledges to rename the Gulf of Mexico, to rechristen Mount Denali as Mount McKinley, and to ‘take back’ the Panama Canal, are all intended to evoke America’s imperial past. Bruno Sowden-Carvalho analyses how the emotional appeal of sea power and ontological security sheds light on the political psychology behind Trump’s motivations Read more
John Chin
Romania’s Constitutional Court has annulled the country's recent presidential elections, alleging Russian meddling. John Chin, Mirren Hibbert and Staten Rector argue that its decision raises profound questions about the legacy of Romania’s 1989 revolution, and the future of democracy and Western influence in this frontline state Read more
Dennis Shen
Georgia’s elections on 26 October highlighted its balancing act between ties with the West and managing a complex relationship with Russia. Dennis Shen explains how competing visions for the country’s future, challenging geopolitics and potential sanctions threaten socio-political stability. Read more
Özlem Terzi
European politics are becoming increasingly emotional. But in times of war and rising autocratic populism, rational policy choices depend upon emotions to be effective. Özlem Terzi and Seda Gürkan argue that it's time for policy makers to start paying attention to fear and anger, but also to positive feelings. Read more
Zarina Mukasheva
The EU has a grand vision for democracy across the globe, and Central Asia is no exception. However, writes Zarina Mukasheva, the EU’s strategy to promote democracy in the region has so far failed to deliver. Read more
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