Miruna Butnaru-Troncotă
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine forced the EU to revive its enlargement agenda, but growing politicisation risks sidelining the Western Balkans yet again. Miruna Butnaru Troncotă argues that the EU's future credibility and cohesion hinge on treating Western Balkan integration just as urgently as Eastern enlargement Read more
Antoaneta L. Dimitrova
EU enlargement to Ukraine is a strategic necessity, but cannot rest on geopolitics alone. To avoid backlash, the EU must confront policy dilemmas openly, from rule of law to agriculture, and offer realistic compromises. Antoaneta Dimitrova argues that public support depends on political leaders’ ability to offer a credible narrative to counter negative publicity Read more
John Chin
Since 2024, Slovakia has witnessed democratic backsliding and major political unrest. The future of populist nationalism in Slovakia – and Slovakia’s position in Europe – are at stake. John Chin and Daniel Hayase contextualise this unrest, reviewing the challenges posed by Prime Minister Robert Fico’s efforts to consolidate power and to build a bridge between […] Read more
Stefan Telle
Differentiated membership may offer a pragmatic path to EU enlargement, but it risks undermining unity in a multipolar world. Stefan Telle argues that without investment in centre-formation and shared political identity, the EU could drift into transactionalism, weakening its global voice and eroding the ideal of an ever-closer union Differentiated membership is gaining traction as […] Read more
Mahmoud Javadi
Mahmoud Javadi examines the paradox of nuclear politics as peacekeepers and existential threats. Exploring disarmament efforts, technological disruptions and global rivalries, he reimagines pathways beyond this precarious balance, towards lasting stability Read more
Doğuş Sönmez
Russia’s Arctic policy has shifted from economic ambitions to military dominance, especially since the outbreak of war in Ukraine. As Western sanctions isolate Moscow, it is deepening ties with China while militarising the Arctic to counter NATO’s northern expansion. Doğuş Sönmez explains how Russia's policy on the Arctic is reshaping the geopolitical balance of the region Read more
Aly Verjee
Aly Verjee and Valerie Sticher argue that an international monitoring mission could bolster a ceasefire. But any new ceasefire faces serious challenges, and will hold only if all parties heed the experience of past monitoring efforts in eastern Ukraine Read more
Paul Whiteley
The row in the White House between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy shocked the world. It threatens the transatlantic alliance between the US and Europe. However, Paul Whiteley argues that Trump may be unwittingly creating a situation which will see the United States weaker and more isolated in the long term Read more
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