Generals Gain Influence Over Trump, But This Is Not a Junta
Nobody expects John Kelly, James Mattis and H.R. McMaster to attempt a putsch.
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.
“For My Friends, Anything. For My Enemies, the Law.”
Donald Trump’s pardon of Sheriff Joe Arpaio brings to mind that adage of South American dictators.
Two Arguments for a More Proportional Voting System
Proportional representation would give voters more choice and discourage regional factionalism.
New Taxonomy, New Navigation and Editor’s View
Updates to the website’s categories, tags and navigation, and a new widget on the home page.
Macron Wins Central European Support for Posted-Workers Reform
The Frenchman argues rules must change to make Europeans feel the EU works for them.
Trump Would Win a Republican Civil War
Donald Trump is unpopular, but Republicans in Congress have even less support.
Germany’s Social Democrats Need to Pick Side in Culture War
It is hard to appeal to progressive middle-class and nativist working-class voters at the same time.
Allies Hope for the Best from Trump, Must Plan for the Worst
Donald Trump might still morph into a more conventional president, but allies cannot take chance.
Charlottesville and a Country Coming Apart
It’s not just Donald Trump’s shameful reaction. The violence in Charlottesville reveals something is rotten in America.
The Question in Germany: Who Will Govern with Merkel Next?
She could pick the Social Democrats, liberal Free Democrats or Greens.
Worry More About Iran Than North Korea
North Korea is unlikely to trigger a war. Iran just might.
European Fellow Travelers Refuse to Criticize Venezuelan Dictator
Left-wing admirers of Hugo Chávez will not see his heirs for the thugs they have become.
Macron’s Liberalization Has Made Travel More Affordable in France
Allowing buses to compete with railways on long-distance routes has lowered prices.
Repression Is the Wrong Approach to America’s Opioid Epidemic
Donald Trump promises a “tough law-and-order approach” to the drug crisis. That is the wrong approach.
Trump’s Big Mouth Fails to Impress the World
And that’s dangerous. At some point, the American may feel he needs to make good on his threats.