May/June 2015
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.
Words Don’t Come Easy: “Vezhlivye Lyudi”
When “polite people” do impolite things, they can redraw the map of Europe. After facilitating the annexation of Crimea, Russia’s “gentlemen soldiers” have become a national meme.
Death in the Mediterranean
The European Council in April missed another chance to create an effective refugee and migration policy. The new Commission agenda at least acknowledges: Rescued people need to be put somewhere.
Great Games Revisited
Athen’s and Moscow’s tactical coupling of the Greece crisis and the Russia-Ukraine conflict is upping the ante for the EU. Geopolitical thinking, once passé in Germany, is experiencing a comeback.
Sisyphus Hasn’t Even Gotten Started Yet
Even three decades after joining the EU, Greece is still ruled by feudal Ottoman tendencies.
Deterrence Plus
Recent conflicts have shown that European security won’t work without a hybrid security policy. Here’s what a triad of deterrence, resilience, and defense could look like.
The Costs of Coexistence
It’s clear that Europe needs a new relationship with Moscow. But it cannot be one that sacrifices European values of democracy and self-determination for stability.
If Xi Does a Putin
The crisis in Ukraine has forced the West to reconsider how it defends international law. As tensions in South East Asia grow, can Berlin apply the same lessons to a European Asia policy?
