Britain voted for independence, but it has achieved isolation
The irony of recent British neo-poodleism is that the UK needs an EU trade deal much more than it needs a US trade deal
Commentary
How Italy was marginalised in Libya
Italy has achieved little through independent diplomacy in Libya. It may have more success by acting within a European framework
How to repair Europe’s credibility in Libya
European countries and the EU can still use the strength of their diplomatic assets to reassert their influence in Libya. But they will first need to overcome their internal divisions to do so.
Will he stay or will he go? Putin’s role will change
A political transition has started in Russia. While preserving a powerful role for Vladimir Putin, 2024 might nonetheless bring about real-enough change.
Europe’s new gamble: Dispute resolution and the Iran nuclear deal
The dispute resolution mechanism presents the E3 with risks but it could also buy them time to keep the nuclear deal on life support until the US presidential election in November
Control issues: The UK’s defence procurement woes
The UK Ministry of Defence has shown a chronic lack of decision discipline, sometimes undermining its role in joint European projects
After Qaboos: The future of Oman and Gulf geopolitics
The fractious context of the Gulf means Oman’s new ruler could soon find himself seeking to emulate his predecessor and championing regional diplomatic dialogue
Trading places: Europe and China in 2020
The US-China trade deal could make life tougher for Europe. But there are risks for China too in provoking greater coalition-building against it
“More coordination” won’t fix the Sahel
Picking sides and intervening via local proxies often makes matters only worse, not better, in the countries of the Sahel
Soleimani strike: Loosening future restraints on military action?
The drone strike against Soleimani marks a novel shift in targeted killing, dangerous to the global order