Secular European rulers needed to create institutions to collect taxes and have an institutional base for fighting wars and negotiating peace on a fragmented continent. As a result, the church withdrew from politics. In the Muslim world, the state still...
The US and the UK torpedoed peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in March. They have continued to adopt a hawkish policy against Russia but misgivings against the war are on the rise not only in Europe but also in the US. Negotiations are the only way forward.
By spreading its nationalist ideology, Germany’s far-right party is trying to appeal to the strong sense of home and belonging among many members of the country’s minorities and capitalize on this electorally.
Belgium committed war crimes and vicious human rights abuses against the Congolese people. The Belgian King has finally expressed regrets but still not offered an apology. Belgium must offer an apology, pay reparations and bring its brutal officials to justice. So must the US, which colluded with the Belgians to exploit the Congolese.
Ireland could suffer disruption of natural gas supplies next winter because of a potential EU-UK trade war. Demands to throw money at this problem will lead to higher taxes and/or greater debt, hurting the economy and even future generations. To face its challenges, the country needs a dose of realism.
This is a critical year for European stability and security. With the ongoing energy crisis, surging COVID-19 cases and Russia’s intenisfying hostilities in Ukraine, Italy has just lost one of its most competent and respected prime ministers at the worst possible time.
The war in Ukraine has had an immediate effect on the security and defense discourse in Europe. This discourse reflects how the European security architecture might evolve in the future.
