Americans have 400 days to save their democracy
I never thought I’d see fear spread so far and fast. Next year’s midterm elections are now crucial for the Democratic party—and for democrats everywhere
United States
Peace in the Caucasus: Ensuring Europe plays a role after Trump’s ceremony
The Trump-brokered deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan signals public US involvement in one of Europe’s most protracted conflicts. But the ceremony may have come too soon, triggering dynamics that could threaten lasting peace
Trump’s quest to transform the West
The Trump administration is drawing on Roman Empire imagery, and Trump’s own version of Christianity, to reinforce its perception of Western values and impose conditional bilateral partnerships. Europeans need to be ready for America’s whole-hearted shift towards values-based diplomacy
Multilateralism with less America: Trump’s plan for international organisations
The Trump administration has made clear its distain for the multilateral system. As it reviews US participation, Europeans are faced with a tricky balance of selectively embracing these reforms while filling the America-sized hole
Scot-free: What Europeans should take from Trump’s trade deal
Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump have announced a 15% tariff on most EU goods exported to the US. The compromise has avoided a trade war for now—but Europeans need to safeguard the deal’s positive aspects in future trade negotiations
Air of superiority: What the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine can teach Europeans about NATO readiness
The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are different in a multitude of important ways. But they nonetheless offer some common lessons for Europeans on the importance of air superiority to military victory
LA falling: What Trump’s anti-immigration push means for transatlantic democracy
Donald Trump has deployed the National Guard after mass protests against his immigration policy in LA. Europeans should be wary of his drift towards authoritarianism—and to not get caught up in the furore
The bully’s pulpit: Finding patterns in Trump’s use of military force
Over two presidential terms, Donald Trump has used threats to intimidate his adversaries and mostly only employed force against his weaker victims. This pattern of bullying provides an insight into his future decision-making
Cards on the table: Why the EU should negotiate Trump’s tariffs in three phases
Trump’s tariff suspension gives the EU space to create clear negotiating terms, covering not only the next 90 days but also the next 90 weeks and 90 months. Only by establishing firm mid- and long-term targets can Europe hope to make the right calls in the short term
When culture war and trade war clash: Trump’s troubled alliance with Europe’s far right
The Trump administration and far-right European politicians see an opportunity to transform the EU from within. In turn, liberal Europeans have an opportunity to undermine this transatlantic alliance—before it gathers real momentum