From Protector to Bystander: Understanding France’s Declining Influence in Lebanon
In recent years, Lebanon has spiraled into crisis, marked by political instability, economic collapse, and regional tensions. Once a cornerstone of French influence in the Middle East, Lebanon now stands at a crossroads. How did France, the former protectorate power that shaped Lebanon’ s modern governance, become a mere observer?
Donald Trump’s First Moves as President: A Radical Shift with Global Implications
Donald Trump’s swift and decisive actions in his first days as the 47th President signal a radical shift from Biden’s legacy, reshaping America’s global standing and its relationships with key international players.
Precedent-setter or Pawn? The Chinese-Lithuanian Dispute Over Taiwan’s Representative Office
Course: China’s Ambitions in the 21st Century (University of Amsterdam)
The US has Hegemony Anxiety, why this is bad news for the EU
What does the Galactic Empire in Star Wars, House Harkonnen in Dune, and House Lannister in Game of Thrones have in common? The fear of being dethroned.
“Blood on Their Hands”: Uncovering Serbia’s Railway Station Tragedy
The Novi Sad railway station disaster, which claimed 15 lives, exposes a system where political influence and unregulated contractors prioritize profit over safety. As calls for justice intensify, the government’s response remains inadequate.
Negotiating Ukraine’s Future: The Countdown to a Possible Peace Agreement
An analysis of Ukraine’s path forward, the diplomatic shifts, and what the upcoming negotiations could mean for peace in Europe.
China’s Green-Technology Bid, the Western Containment Policy, and the European Green Deal
As China gambles on large-scale production and export of renewables, the West is faced with a dilemma that pits the commitment to green transition and foreign policy against each other.
The Geopolitical Fallout of Trump’s Arctic Ambitions: A Return to Greenland
In January 2025, President-elect Donald Trump reignited interest in acquiring Greenland, sparking opposition from EU leaders, Greenlandic officials, and analysts, while renewing debates on Arctic sovereignty, security, and geopolitics.
Finland’s Border Security Act: A Contentious Precedent in the EU?
Finland, the EU member state with the longest external border to Russia, recently passed legislation against instrumentalised migration, which has been widely criticised as violating international human rights. A closer look at this issue raises the question of whether it is part of a broader change in the EU’s migration and asylum policies and if it might act as a precedent for other EU member states.
Ukraine’s Shadow: Unpacking the War’s Role in Germany’s Political Breakdown
Germany’s government coalition has fallen apart over the leveraging of disagreements on spending and support for Ukraine, leading to a political crisis and a high likelihood of early elections.
BRICS by 2049: A China-Dependent Counter to the West?
As China’s economy decelerates, concern lingers among BRICS members over whether its Chinese powerhouse can rally the bloc and revive growth to sustain the bloc’s future relevance.
Are Trump’s Cabinet Picks the Real Nightmare for European Security?
Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in the US elections on November 5th has left European leaders bracing for another four years of uncertainty in transatlantic security cooperation. While the return of the 45th President to the White House is less shocking than his 2016 win, Trumps antics could once again put a strain on transatlantic relations. However, the real test for Europe may prove to be the officials he has appointed to his administration.
