Is Former Dutch PM Mark Rutte the Right Choice for NATO’s Helm?
Former Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, is set to replace the current NATO secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, in October. His four-year term starts amidst a moment of tension that transcends the Atlantic Ocean and will inevitably test the integrity of long-standing relationships within the alliance.
The EU and Kurdish Autonomy: Balancing Political Aspirations with Regional Stability
The EU finds itself in an awkward position regarding a specific issue within the Middle East: The Kurdish question.
The Turkey-EU Relationship: A Love to Nowhere?
As Turkey and the EU continue to drift apart politically and ideologically, the former’s now 60 year-old aspiration for Union accession becomes one increasingly in vain.
The EU as a Global Actor: The Enduring Relevance of de Gaulle’s Vision for Europe
As the rules-based world order is replaced by uncompromising power politics, the need for a coherent European foreign and defense policy independent of the US is increasingly urgent.
Franco-German Engine Failure: Why Europe Is Far From Ready to Disengage From US Security
Though a democratic presidency under Kamala Harris could be good news for European security, it would likely also mean further stagnation of European strategic autonomy.
The Scramble to Trump-Proof the Euro-Atlantic Relationship: An Anxiety not Just Over Security
Worry is brewing on both sides of the Atlantic, and it’s not just over NATO.
An Obsolete, German-led EU: Why Europe Should Look Eastward For New Leadership
As Europe settles into its new antagonistic phase in history, a re-examination of what led it here, and hence of its leadership, is long overdue.
Serbia’s Lucrative Global Arms Trade: A Glimpse Into its Secrecy, Scheme, and Double-Edged Sword
By leveraging its relatively robust military industry, Serbia has managed to covertly capitalise on its arms exports for lucrative and geopolitical motives. With international pressure growing against Serbia, partly as a consequence of its own gaffes, the question arises as to whether such lucrative endeavors will persist to be politically worthwhile.
Democratic Deficit as an Obstacle to EU-Level Parliamentary Legitimacy in External Relations
The EU’s internal democratic deficit’s extent is debatable. Yet, it seems clear that democratic standards are lacking more in the EU’s external action. How so?
Retreat in Ukraine, Escalation in Moldova: Time for a European Armoury?
As the Russian offensive in Ukraine picks up pace and the European leaders have conflicting views on supporting the defenders in Kyiv, trouble brews up in Moldova. What’s NATO’s next move?
Win-Win or Trojan Horse? Assessing Chinese FDI in Central and Eastern Europe
In a world marred by geopolitics, what do Chinese investments in Europe mean for the EU? Do these financial manoeuvres mark a collaborative milestone or a strategic ploy?
Neutralism Through Indifference: A Blade Lodged in Europe’s Soft Belly
As tensions around the world grow high, war fatigue looms over a Europe still at peace. An Italian case-study.

