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
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
John Chin
On 1 January, Hungary's six-month presidency of the EU Council ended and the EU made the unprecedented decision to withhold aid to Hungary over rule-of-law violations. John Chin and Mirren Hibbert put these developments in the context of continuing democratic backsliding in Hungary – and divisions over the future of Europe Read more
Gülşen Doğan
Gülşen Doğan describes how charismatic leadership, propaganda, and a commitment to stable governance are behind the rise of autocratic populists. Read more
Polina Zavershinskaia
Russia-friendly parties are exploiting Europe’s war-torn past to justify Russia’s aggression and undermine Europe’s support for Ukraine. Polina Zavershinskaia argues that there is evidence in Germany and Italy that the strategy is working. Read more
Peter Aagaard
Peter Aagaard explores whether we can use the language of social psychology to understand the longevity of the MAGA-movement and Putinism Read more
