coronavirus

Commentators have hailed Portugal’s politics as an “exception” in Europe. In Lisbon, a socialist party presides over a healthy economy while far-right and populist-right parties lack significant support. The pandemic, however, is challenging that status quo – increasingly statist solutions from the government are holding back growth, while right-wing parties ...

In the Western Balkans, Moscow and Beijing’s vaccine diplomacy has strengthened their influence, especially over Serbia. Other countries in the region have mostly placed their hopes on the European Union, but deliveries are delayed. On the whole, the pandemic is likely to lead to civic dissatisfaction in response to increasing ...

As in the dystopian “Planet of the Apes” films, people in the developed, democratic world may find themselves stripped of their freedom and wealth if they continue turning a blind eye to the autocratic tendencies of expanding governments. Another big leap in this expansion is taking place during the coronavirus ...

While there is no shortage of debate over future risks in the public sphere, little is said about the dangers of collapsing health and retirement systems – a near-inevitable reality given the demographic situation in many Western states. The current pandemic provided governments with the opportunity to engage in a ...