Trump Cedes Initiative to China and Russia
The American allows China to take the lead in technology and Russia the lead in postwar Syria.
Nick Ottens
Nick Ottens is a public affairs officer for the Dutch Animal Coalition and a board member for Liberal Green, the sustainability network of the Dutch liberal party VVD. He is a former political risk consultant and a former research manager for XPRIZE, where he designed prize competitions to incentivize breakthrough innovation in agriculture, food and health care. He has also worked as a journalist in Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for EUobserver, NRC, Trouw, World Politics Review and Wynia’s Week, among others.
Polls Vindicate Puigdemont’s Decision to Form Separatist List
The deposed Catalan president is more popular than his old party.
Italy’s Small Left Rejects Pact, Making Defeat More Likely
By refusing to do a deal with the center-left, Pier Luigi Bersani makes a populist or right-wing victory more likely.
Don’t Panic: Merkel Still Has Options
The collapse of three-party talks is a setback, not the end of the world.
German Coalition Talks Collapse as Free Democrats Walk Out
Christian Lindner argues it is better not to govern than to govern in the wrong way.
New Author Bylines and Country Menu
The author bio has been replaced with a more elegant byline and there is a new country menu in the sidebar.
Brexit’s Broken Promises
Leaving the EU is not unleashing growth. There is no extra money for health care.
Progress in German Coalition Talks, But Four Sticking Points
The parties still disagree about coal power, Europe and immigration.
Catalan Socialists Choose Opposition Over Deal with Separatists
Miquel Iceta condemns his party to four more years in opposition by refusing deals with both separatists and unionists.
Rajoy Walks Back Promise of Constitutional Reform
The conservative’s intransigence gives credence to separatists who argue Spain will never respect Catalonia.
Italy’s Leftists Open Door to Necessary Alliance
The left won’t stand a chance divided, but it will be hard to set aside personal feuds and policy differences.
Don’t Exaggerate Russian Meddling in the Catalan Independence Crisis
Yes, Russia tried to exacerbate the crisis, but it didn’t create Catalan separatism.
EU Countries Deepen Military Cooperation Outside NATO
Countries agree to raise defense spending and pool procurement.
World Not Waiting for America: Pacific Nations Continue Trade Deal
Asian and Latin American nations keep the Trans Pacific Partnership alive.
Pressure Builds on May As Brexit Hardliners Close Ranks
More and more Conservatives want Theresa May gone.