World Won’t Let Catalonia or Kurdistan Come Quietly onto the Map
Independence for Catalonia and Kurdistan would upend the regional order in Europe and the Middle East.
Analysis
British Conservatives Face Three Structural Challenges
Membership is down. The youth vote has been lost. The political landscape is shifting in Labour’s favor.
Will Catalonia Declare Independence from Spain?
There are reasons to doubt the Catalans will go that far, but the politics don’t favor pragmatists.
European Fears of “Jamaica” Coalition Are Overblown
The Free Democrats are hawkish on eurozone reform, but so was Wolfgang Schäuble.
Catalonia Unlikely to Declare Independence After Referendum
Even if a majority votes to break away, the regional government could balk at declaring independence unilaterally.
German Election Shows Stabilizing Effect of Multiparty Democracy
Two-party systems are polarizing by design. Democracies with multiple parties are more stable.
Rebutting Trump’s Arguments for Canceling the Iran Nuclear Deal
The arguments for repealing the nuclear agreement are variously misguided and dishonest.
Evaluating Macron’s Proposals for EU Reform
The Frenchman’s proposals fall into three categories: difficult, doable and low-hanging fruit.
Emmanuel Macron Suffered Two Setbacks This Weekend
Senate elections in France and federal elections in Germany have made Macron’s job more difficult.
Trump Is Taking Over Republican Party, Making Realignment More Likely
Most Republicans support the president, but a large minority puts the party first. That could portend a political realignment.
“Jamaica” Coalition Looks Like Only Option in Germany
A three-party coalition won’t be easy, but it may be the only option short of minority government.
The Many Scenarios of a Republican Civil War
The business wing could prevail. America Firsters could split the right-wing vote. Or libertarians could spot an opportunity.
Attitudes in Spain’s Basque Country Mirror Those in Catalonia
Fears of a domino effect are overblown. The Basques have adapted to Spanish rule.
Why Marine Le Pen Turned on Her Right-Hand Man
On key issues, Florian Philippot was on the wrong side of the National Front’s electorate.
Social Democrats in Germany Make Same Mistake as Dutch
Center-left parties in both countries try to unite working- and middle-class voters. What if those groups no longer want to be united?