Global governance & international security
A sea of troubles: Addressing the EU's incoherence on the Indo-Pacific
08 January 2024
A security crisis in the Indo-Pacific would severely affect European interests.
Plugging in the British: EU foreign policy
06 March 2018
As part of the EU, the UK has been able to leverage the resources of other member-states to support Britain’s foreign and development priorities. After Brexit, that will be harder.
From 14 points to 280 characters: Trump vs Wilson
22 January 2018
Woodrow Wilson's 14 points of January 1918 were the first sketch of the liberal, rules-based international order. A century later, Donald Trump risks demolishing the edifice.
Trump and the Iran deal: Not yet the nuclear option?
13 December 2017
Trump has placed the international nuclear agreement with Iran in jeopardy. The EU should try to save the deal, but be prepared in case it fails.
Can the world live with North Korea's bomb?
19 September 2017
The world should stop pretending that North Korea will give up its nuclear weapons, and focus on minimising the risks of further proliferation and of accidental or deliberate conflict.
Unfreezing TTIP: Why a transatlantic trade pact still makes strategic sense
11 May 2017
Despite concerns about Trump's views on trade, a transatlantic deal would bring foreign policy benefits. If only Europe could get its act together.
The EU, the Eurasian Economic Union and One Belt, One Road: Can they work together?
16 March 2017
The EU, Russia's Eurasian Economic Union and China's One Belt, One Road initiative may become rival spheres of influence. But could they complement each other instead?
Iran nuclear talks: Patience is a virtue
13 November 2014
The EU and US should extend the nuclear negotiations with Iran. The falling oil price could pressure Tehran to compromise.
The challenge to the West: Restoring European deterrence
03 September 2014
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, deterrence in Europe has broken down. The EU and NATO must show resolve if they are to restore it.
Dealing with Russia: Law, jaw and war
08 August 2014
The EU should be ready to take more steps against Russia, and help defend Ukraine – but also talk directly to Putin to try to change his mind.
Issue 97 - 2014
29 July 2014
- An open letter to David Cameron, Charles Grant
- Three things for NATO to think about, Ian Bond
- The banking union alone cannot bring recovery, Christian Odendahl
Three things for NATO to think about
29 July 2014
NATO’s summit in September should decide what to do, with whom and how. Russia’s new-style warfare in Ukraine should make the alliance think.
Russia's gas deal with China: Business is business
25 June 2014
Russia's gas deal with China helps Beijing more than Moscow. It should also encourage the EU to reduce its energy dependence on Russia.
Will Europe scratch Japan's back?
06 June 2014
Japan is drawing parallels between Russian and Chinese power politics. Tokyo supports European interests in Ukraine and elsewhere, but will Europe help Japan in its neighbourhood?
What is wrong with German foreign policy?
06 May 2014
Events in Ukraine give Germany a chance to lead EU foreign policy - if its own policy become less commercially-driven, and more strategic.
The EU and Russia: Uncommon spaces
16 April 2014
The House of Lords has published a report on the EU and Russia, incorporating recommendations from this 2014 policy brief - a good guide to a troubled relationship.
Russia is challenging the EU’s values and interests, above all in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. The Union has struggled...
Russia is challenging the EU’s values and interests, above all in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. The Union has struggled...
Can the EU help Belarus to guard its independence?
03 April 2014
The annexation of Crimea has made Belarus nervous. It plans to join Russia's Eurasian Economic Union - but also hopes for closer ties to the EU.
Europe and Russia: Continental divide?
01 April 2014
In annexing Crimea, Putin has violated a taboo. The West should respond by deterring further adventurism, reinforcing regional security and encouraging change in Russia.
Division and indecision over Syria
18 September 2013
The Syrian crisis has split Europe and the US. They should push for a common Security Council position, but an ambiguous resolution may lead to military action and further division.
Out of range, out of mind: Is there a role for Europe in the Korean crisis?
12 April 2013
The Korean Peninsula is a long way away, but what happens there affects Europe. In a modest way, the EU can do some good.