The Ants and the Grasshoppers
Strategic ambiguity from great powers compels middle powers to seize the initiative.
Political Theory
Is the World System Changing?
Could the wars and unrest in the Middle East herald a shift in the international order?
Despots Who Fight to the Bitter End
Wikistrat wonders what to do about hardheaded old dictators who refuse to go when their time is up.
Why Concessions Hasten a Regime’s Demise
Bashir Assad promises reforms but like Mubarak before him, he may only embolden his opponents.
India’s Civil War Against Corruption
One hundred and fifty years after the American Civil War, Balaji Chandramoha considers India’s political divide.
Hungary’s New and Dangerous Constitution
Eva Balogh explains the constitutional reforms of Hungary’s right-wing government and argues that it should fail.
America Is Hastening Its Own Decline
Commentators warn of decline, but they don’t seem to know the reason.
What Democrats Like Government to Do
According to Howard Dean, “what governments do, is redistribute income.” Is that what government should do though?
Economic Freedom and the Arab Revolts
From Tunisia to Egypt to Jordan, high unemployment and corruption fuel popular uprisings.
Dalrymple Defends Big Society Philosophy
“Big Society” may be rather an unfortunate choice of words but it’s a sensible idea, writes Theodore Dalrymple.
David Cameron Lambastes “State Multiculturalism”
In order to combat Muslim extremism, Europe needs a “more active, muscular liberalism.”
Harry Reid and Government-Given Rights
The Democrat suggests that rights are “given” by the government. Whatever happened to “inalienable rights”?
Hosni Mubarak’s Clever Ploy
By announcing he will leave in September, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is hoping the protests will lose steam.
The Far Right’s Revival in France
France’s far right is prospering in the polls. It may well doom Nicolas Sarkozy’s chances for reelection.
British, German Liberals Losing Appeal
In coalition with conservatives, Britain’s and Germany’s liberal parties are trailing in the polls.