Dutch Socialists Struggle to Claim Mantle of Left-Wing Purists
The far-left Socialists attempt to distinguish themselves from Labor by ruling out a coalition with the right.
Western Europe
Rural Areas and Small Towns Feel Left Behind as Cities Grow
Globalization benefits big cities. Rural areas and small towns feel left behind, even if they’re not necessarily poor.
Valls Jeopardizes His Credibility as a Reformer by Tilting to the Left
Winning the support of his own party could cost Manuel Valls his credibility.
Brexiteers Demand Subjugation of Institutions to Will of “The People”
Anybody who stands in the way of making Britain’s exit from the European Union a “success” must be a traitor to the cause.
Germans Refuse to Panic After Berlin Terrorist Attack
Few blame Angela Merkel and her immigration policy for the terrorist attack in Berlin.
Rutte Persuades EU Leaders to Rule Out Membership for Ukraine
The Dutch prime minister hopes a promise to keep Ukraine out will satisfy Euroskeptics.
Revenge Against the City: Populists Revolt in America and Europe
Rural areas assert themselves by electing Donald Trump and voting Britain out of the EU.
French Socialists Could Make Same Mistake as Britain’s
The Socialists would cede the center ground by nominating a far-left firebrand like Arnaud Montebourg.
The French Far Right’s Family Feud Explained
Historical and geographical divisions help explain why the Le Pens are at odds.
Wilders’ Negativity an Opportunity for Optimist Rutte
The Dutch prime minister has more faith in his country than Freedom Party voters.
European Social Democrats Warm to Coalitions with Far Left
From Lisbon to Berlin, center-left parties are breaking the taboo on pacts with the far left.
Wonder Boy Asscher Could Disappoint Dutch Labor Party
Like Labor leaders before him, Lodewijk Asscher is hailed as a future prime minister. He may not live up to expectations.
Netherlands’ Wilders Attacks Court After Discrimination Verdict
The controversial anti-Islam politician calls the legitimacy of Dutch courts into question.
Merkel Proposes to Ban the Burqa: Why and Why Now?
The German leader was never a multiculturalist.
Sound Policies Not Enough to Fend Off Populist Challenge
Defeating reactionaries is going to require a full-throated defense of liberal ideas.