How the Netherlands Is Spending Billions More on Defense
Soldiers get a raise, the Air Force six F-35s and four Reaper drones.
Nick Ottens
Nick Ottens writes Atlantic Sentinel, an opinion blog and newsletter about the politics of France, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States. He has reported from Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for various Dutch- and English-language media, including the Atlantic Council, EUobserver, Newsweek, NRC, Trouw and World Politics Review. He is a columnist and investigative journalist for Wynia’s Week, and he designed prize competitions to accelerate innovation in agriculture, food and health care at XPRIZE.
In his spare time, Nick edits the online (alternate) history magazine Never Was and writes about the making of Star Trek for Forgotten Trek. He is a member of the Netherlands' liberal party, VVD, and its Liberal Green network.
Sánchez Takes Risk by Snubbing Catalans
Without their support, the prime minister would not have a majority in Congress.
Why Dutch Asylum Centers Are Full
There is not enough housing for immigrants.
Macron’s Party Is Up, But So Is the Left
The French president may defend his majority in parliament after all.
Dutch Government Created Housing Shortage, Blames Market
Far from trusting the market, politicians won’t leave housing alone.
Biden’s Housing Policies Are Steps in the Right Direction
Encouraging local zoning reform. Ending discrimination against prefabricated homes.
What Conservative Spain Has in Common with Putin
Both are insecure.
How Divided Government Works in France
Without a majority in the National Assembly, the president can still make foreign policy.
Northern Ireland’s Political System Will Need to Change
Power-sharing kept the peace for 25 years. Now it’s making it harder to govern.
To Fight Inflation, Liberalize Trade
It’s one of the few things politicians can do to make life cheaper.
Republicans Turn Their Backs on Private Enterprise
Florida’s retaliation against Disney marks an escalation.
Amsterdam Won’t Keep Weed from Tourists
Banning the sale of cannabis could cause a surge in street crime.
Two Parties May Be Better Than Three
The only thing worse than two-party polarization is permanent rule by the center.
Why Congress Let Biden’s Child Benefits Lapse
And what it can learn from the Dutch.
Macron’s Next Challenge: Defending His Majority in Parliament
The president’s second term could be a lot harder than his first.