The world in 2026
Mark Leonard welcomes Julien Barnes-Dacey, Jana Kobzová, Andrew Small and Alex Vines to discuss upcoming political changes in 2026
Africa
Caught in the Corridor: Angola, Europe and America
The EU must recalibrate to the new strategic environment driving the Lobito Corridor project specifically, and relations in southern Africa more generally
When the army comes knocking: Benin’s failed coup and West African instability
A failed coup in Benin is the latest in an increasingly volatile West Africa. To encourage stability, Europeans should support the region’s governments while doubling down on countering disinformation—but do so discretely
Zeros and wins: How Europe can support Africa’s digital growth
Africa’s digital economy is growing fast, and America and China have been sure to get a foothold. To compete, the EU’s Global Gateway needs to make a better offer to African partners
Africa
Navigating multipolarity: Angola’s middle power ambitions
In 2025, Angola has gained increased visibility on the global stage through its presidency of the African Union and hosting the US-Africa Business Summit as well as the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda last month. Despite internal challenges, such as inequality and weak institutional capacity, the country has managed to position itself as an aspiring middle power with…
Africa
Climate realism: Rethinking EU–South Africa engagement after COP30 and the G20 Summit
Join us for a timely webinar exploring insights from ECFR’s policy brief, “Long walk to realism: Climate cooperation to reset EU-South Africa relations.” The discussion will reflect on South Africa’s G20 presidency and recent global gatherings—including the AU-EU Summit in Angola and COP30 in Brazil—to assess how the EU and South Africa can…
Middle power dreaming: The geopolitics of Angola’s emergence
Angola is increasingly active in the world. Here is how Europeans can cooperate with this rising middle power
Europe, Angola and the UAE: Navigating competition on Africa’s Atlantic coast
Angola’s close cooperation with the UAE demonstrates Africa’s diversification of external partners. Europe needs to overcome internal disunity, temper its reliance on the US and engage with emerging actors to remain a key player in the region
Russia’s hybrid war in Africa
Mark Leonard welcomes Will Brown and Beverly Ochieng to discuss what Russia’s growing influence in the Sahel means for Europe
Sudan: A war Europe cannot stop, but cannot ignore
El-Fasher in North Darfur is now the epicentre of the world’s greatest humanitarian catastrophe. Europe’s options are limited, but there are still ways to hold the responsible accountable