Rifts and realities: The strained bond between Poland and Ukraine
In the dispute over grain and arms deliveries, Poland’s government is squandering the chance to shift Europe’s centre of gravity to the east
Commentary
The war of opportunity: How Azerbaijan’s offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh is shifting the geopolitics of the South Caucasus
Geopolitical shifts created an opportune moment for Azerbaijan to reclaim Nagorno-Karabakh. With the current ceasefire on shaky ground, the EU needs to use the leverage it has to prevent further escalation
Hanging in the balance: How the Polish far-right could swing the next election
As Poland’s parliamentary election nears, the rising far-right party Confederation is set to swing the balance between right-wing incumbents Law and Justice, and the liberal opposition. An alliance with either could spell political chaos
All-weather allies: Ukraine’s counteroffensive and the coming winter
With less than two months remaining until winter begins, Ukrainian forces are working to secure better positions for the 2024 campaign. Western allies can help them prepare
Loud complicity: Why Russian officials are breaking their silence on Ukraine
Russian officials are becoming increasingly vocal about their support for the war in Ukraine. This is likely to continue unless the EU ramps up personal sanctions against such individuals
Operational hazard: A better way to support peace and security missions in Africa
The UN rightly wishes to devolve responsibility for peace support operations to regional partners. But it should draw up novel ways to achieve this in Africa
Propaganda in holy orders: Africa, Ukraine, and the Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church’s expansion into Africa is a reminder that Western policymakers should treat the church as an arm of the Russian state
Arbitrary detention: The US-Iranian prisoner swap as a catalyst for a new approach
The Biden administration has secured the release of five US citizens from unjust detention in Iran. European countries should now coordinate with the US to tackle the use of arbitrary detention as diplomatic leverage in Iran and beyond
Intersections of influence: IMEC and Europe’s role in a multipolar Middle East
A new trade corridor linking India to Europe via the Middle East can offer opportunities for Europeans to strengthen their geo-economic influence with the Gulf. It can also be an opportunity for de-risking, but Europe should not expect to dislodge Chinese influence
The end of Germany’s China illusion
The German government has shed most of its illusions about the future political and economic relationship with China. How it navigates the implementation of its new approach will have significant implications for the EU and other member states