Berlin Policy Journal
International affairs from the heart of Europe
Home (Page 26)
Saving Europe
The real dividing line in the debate about Greece and the euro is whether Germany and Europe should give in to Athens’ demands, or force Greece to reform? Interestingly, both camps are firmly pro-European.
Transmission Impossible
American experts have no shortage of suggestions for how Europeans could save Greece and ultimately fix the euro crisis. Yet most of the commentary is as uninformed as it is critical.
Political Union Now!
If we want to keep the Europe we have – we must change it. The European Union needs more integration, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel must lead the way.
Words Don’t Come Easy: “France souveraine”
As the European Union shows signs of fraying at the edges, some in France are questioning its core.
The Return of Great Power Politics
As the balance of power shifts away from the United States, favoring China and others, the European Union must adapt to a new world order – and try to be a major player.
From the Wings to Center Stage
Europe urgently needs to become a credible actor in international affairs – but to play its role, it has to do a better job framing its stage, its story, and its audience.
East to West and Back
In the past 25 years, Russia has gone from being the defining member of the Eastern bloc to a European integration project, only to shift east once again – this time toward China. In which camp will it end up?
The Use and Abuse of History
The peculiar ways President Vladimir Putin’s regime understands Russia’s past are feeding the current conflict with the West.
Lessons From Afghanistan
After forteen years of a mostly fruitless war, and with the conflict still unresolved, the NATO coalition members have had different takeaways from the attempt at nation-building in the Hindu Kush.
Descending Into Chaos
Yemen is headed for all-out civil war, another theater of the sadly familiar cast of proxy wars, sectarian violence, state collapse, and militia rule. The only actors who will prosper are the likes of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
In 140 Characters (#i140c): Toomas Hendrik Ilves
The Estonian president on austerity and difficult neighbors.
In 140 Characters (#i140c): Jens Stoltenberg
NATO’s Secretary General on expecting the unexpected and how to relax in snow-deprived Brussels.
Europe by Numbers: Continental Drift
Recent polls show: Europeans want more independence from the United States, Germans in particular. However, Washington is still by far the preferred partner.
Helpless and Halfhearted
The extent to which the United States and Europe doubt the worth of their own systems and values has become self-destructive.
The Tasks Ahead
Pride in past achievements is great but far from good enough. The West needs to pursue a bold, imaginative agenda, lead an effort to redesign the international system, and make it work better.
Spies, Lies, and Politics
The latest “scandal” over NSA support from Germany’s foreign intelligence service reveals Berlin’s political class as ever willing to ride the tiger of German anger toward the Americans – and score cheap political points.
