The United States bears a great deal of the responsibility for the situation in Afghanistan, but the EU should also reflect on how its overly narrow conception of democracy contributed to the shortcomings of Afghan reconstruction efforts.
Ahead of the Democracy Summit, non-Western democracies remain doubtful of U.S.-centric coordination. Here are five guidelines that can help shape a truly global democratic agenda and halt the further advance of authoritarianism.
In the aftermath of the 2020 Armenia-Azerbaijan war, the South Caucasus is experiencing a major reset in trade links and economic cooperation. New railway and highway construction projects could bring new life—but who stands to win or lose?
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s initial anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine approach to the pandemic has caused a significant decline in his credibility. While his stance has since softened, the erosion of trust in government institutions has made it more difficult to stem the virus’ spread.
The technological is alarmingly becoming too geopolitical, especially in the case of the current global semiconductor shortage. As such, the EU should not focus on chip sovereignty, but rather find common ground with other states and commercial players.
The EU should make the most of its economic leverage in Cuba to more deftly balance its engagement with the single-party regime with more outreach to an emerging wave of new civic activists pressing for change.
The stress of the pandemic has reinforced nation-first mentalities, deepened inequalities, and weakened the multilateral system. To fight global warming, governments must move beyond thinking in such narrow national terms and re-energize foreign policy as a crucial tool of effective climate action.
After Poland’s legal challenge, the European Union is struggling to maintain its integration project. The EU needs to assert its legal authority over Poland and other member states that challenge the rule of law and the EU’s treaty itself.
China’s presence has brought socioeconomic opportunities to Georgia, Greece, Hungary, and Romania. Yet it has exacerbated governance shortfalls, undermined elements of political and economic stability, and complicated the European Union’s ability to reach consensus on key issues.
One hundred years ago, Christian Lange won the Nobel Peace Prize and set a manifesto for internationalism. Is there much hope left for his cause?
For many years, analysis on European foreign policies has centered on the notion of EU norms being diffused outwards. This dynamic is now facing greater resistance around the world and within Europe, as the EU's external policies become more equivocal. A new conceptual framework is required.
Despite serious concerns over the state of European democracy, a spirit of democratic resistance has gained significant traction. Still, to turn the tide decisively in democracy’s favor, more ambitious renewal will be needed.
COP26 provides a forum for deliberating about climate adaptation, but such global meetings must also account for the needs of developing nations. A narrow climate agenda will only perpetuate divisions between postindustrial and developing countries.
Civil society groups are simultaneously responding to the pandemic’s direct impacts and looking to a post-pandemic future. Many economic, political, and geostrategic challenges are shaping their thinking and their strategies.
Numerous—sometimes competing—forms of democratic engagement have tried to answer the rallying cry for climate action. If harmonized, initiatives including depoliticized democracy, climate assemblies, and protest movements can bring Europe closer to green democracy.
In a bid to gain political ground at home, Ankara has launched multiple military operations in Syria. These have laid the groundwork for a more aggressive, nationalist foreign policy with profound implications for relations with the United States, Russia, and the EU.
The rise of dominant political parties contributes to the resurgence of authoritarianism and impedes democracy support. Paying greater attention to party support and talks, elections, and direct activism in countries such as Georgia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, and Zimbabwe will advance sound governance and democracy.
Germany and Europe should not focus solely on the Iran nuclear file. Instead, they should develop a coherent and comprehensive approach to regional security that includes securing maritime routes and investing in environmental cooperation.
The 1951 Refugee Convention is no longer suitable for today. Increased funding, strengthened enforcement mechanisms, and a new definition of refugee will help bring the global regime into the 21st century.
As part of the EU’s strategic autonomy, the concept of technological sovereignty has risen in importance. What steps can Europe take to grow its technological capacity?