European security
The collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War left the North Atlantic Alliance without a clear mission. Funded mostly by the United States, it remains the chief guarantor of Europe’s security. Now, Washington is pushing for European members to foot more the cost of defence. New challenges, including migration, Russian assertiveness and the conflict in Ukraine, have all produced tensions within the EU and the NATO alliance.
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Turkey’s decisive entry into Libya’s civil war
The militias of Tobruk-based warlord Khalifa Haftar failed to take the capital of Libya and are being pushed out from the western part of the country, where there are strategic oil fields. Turkey’s intervention played a decisive role in this military outcome. As other external powers engaged in Libya consider their options, Ankara is close to securing its access to energy deposits in the Mediterranean Basin.
Europe and Huawei: Rising cybersecurity challenges
More than 100 times faster than 3G and 4G, the next generation of cellular technology could reshape economies and societies. European countries may face political and industrial espionage if they cooperate with Huawei in their 5G rollout, however completely excluding the Chinese telecommunications giant could prove costly and impractical. But ...
Estonia outperforms the EU
Estonia is one of Europe’s star performers in terms of economic growth and development, technological advancement, freedom and education. It faces three big dilemmas: defensive vulnerability, the non-integration of its Russian minority and rising nationalism. Yet the country seems well-placed to meet all three of these challenges.
Opinion: Russia and Ukraine, or who will outwait whom?
The leader of Ukraine had high hopes for the December 9, 2019, Normandy Four talks in Paris. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy promised Ukrainians the start of a vigorous peace process with Russia. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin is in no hurry to end the Donbas conflict. The United States has lost ...
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More Disruptions
Expanding state
A trend toward increased government influence in economies and personal life is curbing growth, and freedom, in many Western countries. The outsized role of government results in misplaced incentives, overregulation – which restrains markets and competition – and irresponsible budgetary ...
Middle East politics
The region, one of the cradles of civilization, is going through a turbulent period of historic realignment. Its powers are vying for political, military, economic and religious dominance with local players and outside actors. Armed conflicts, mainly civil wars, are ...
