Hungary’s Eastern Turn: Moscow’s Growing Influence, and Budapest’s Rift With Its Western Allies
As Hungary becomes the outcast of Europe, Orbán’s government strengthens ties with Russia and cracks down on civil rights. The influence of China and Moscow increases, and the rule of law concerns continue to grow.
Can Ekrem Imamoğlu, Istanbul’s Imprisoned Mayor, Become a Turkish Nelson Mandela?
Türkiye had been singing the song “Go West” for centuries. Now the country is nearing a point of no return. At this critical juncture, Türkiye will either join the league of Asian autocracies, or change its course back to European oriented democratic tradition.
Poland’s Rule Under PiS and the Usefulness of ‘Illiberalism’ as an Academic Concept
How does the rise of ‘illiberalism’ in Poland challenge the concept’s usefulness in political analysis?
Wilders to Trump: The Dutch and US Populist Approaches to the Ukrainian Conflict
The United States and the Netherlands, both key Western allies, have played significant roles in supporting Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. As the U.S. recalibrates its stance on Ukraine—debating military aid, economic support, and long-term strategic commitments—populist movements on both sides of the Atlantic are influencing the conversation.
The End of American Guarantees? Why Europe Must Take Charge of Its Own Defense
As America’s security commitments grow increasingly uncertain, Europe’s choice is now clearer than ever: continue relying on Washington or forge its path to strategic independence.
Tariff Wars: A Strategic Opportunity Brewing?
With the start of a second Trump presidency, a previously thought-to-be-buried trade strategy has reemerged: a tariff-first approach back on the table of EU-US Trade relations.
The TUSIAD Case: The Inevitable Divorce of Erdoğan and Türkiye’s Business Elites
What began as a strong partnership between TUSIAD, Türkiye’s largest business organisation, and the AK Party’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has turned into a fierce political rift, with the business elite now facing trial for criticising the leader they once fervently supported.
The Influential Role of the Judiciary in the Democratic Process: A Delicate Balance
Do judges and courts of Western democracies represent an obstacle to popular will?
Could DeepSeek Help Europe to Close the AI Innovation Gap?
With the EU shifting its focus from regulation to innovation, could the AI competition disruption be the opportunity the EU needs to close the innovation gap?
Hezbollah’s Decline: A Window for EU Engagement in Lebanon and Its Impact on EU-Iran Ties
As Hezbollah navigates shifting Middle Eastern power dynamics after Assad’s collapse, its role as Iran’s proxy challenges EU foreign policy. How can the EU exploit Hezbollah’s weakness to influence its ties with Iran and the region?
The Beginning of the End? Hungary’s Reshaped Political Landscape and Economic Crisis
The unfolding crises in Orbán’s Hungary: a crumbling economy, political scandals and the swift rise of the opposition.
The Evolution of Iran’s Nuclear Program: From Cooperation to Controversy
Will diplomatic efforts and global pressure be enough to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, or is the world witnessing the rise of a new nuclear power in the Middle East?
