2024 US Presidential Election

A Trump-Vance White House could undermine European security – and end up pushing Russia and China closer

— Donald Trump’s pick of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as running mate could shift US focus from Europe to China, sparking European fears of diminished American support. Vance’s stance might weaken transatlantic security ties.

Disinformation

5 ways for governments to better tackle foreign disinformation

— Canada faces challenges in countering foreign disinformation, particularly from Russia. Efforts include blocking Russian media and improving internal resilience, but inconsistent policies and potential backfires complicate the issue.

UK Politics

Major donor to Nigel Farage’s Reform party owns Russian assets

— After Nigel Farage faced criticism for claiming the West provoked Putin’s Ukraine invasion, it emerged that a major donor to his Reform party, with significant Russian business interests, owns vast farmland in Russia.

European Union

Trump-proofing NATO: Why Europe’s current nuclear deterrents may not be enough to face biggest threats since WWII

— NATO members are urgently rethinking their nuclear strategy as Donald Trump’s potential presidency might weaken U.S. commitments, prompting Europe to consider independent defence capabilities amid rising Russian threats.

European Union

Mounting tension and instability in the Western Balkans is playing into Russia’s hands

— Tension in the Western Balkans, which has been troubled by ethnic tensions since the wars of the 1990s, is becoming an increasing concern for the EU and NATO.

War in Ukraine

Ukraine war: Why many NATO countries are thinking of introducing conscription and the issues that involves

— Amid global conflicts and political debates, several European nations, including new NATO members, are reconsidering or reintroducing conscription to enhance military and civic preparedness.

Georgia

Georgia’s government plays into Putin’s hands as it moves to suppress art and culture

— The Georgian government’s embrace of Russian-style social conservatism sparks fears of Russification, with controversial laws and cultural purges targeting dissent, impacting cultural heritage and international partnerships.

Foreign Policy

Waiting for Trump to be re-elected is wrong – Nato leaders need to Trump-proof their policies now

— The potential re-election of Trump could disrupt global stability. Leaders must not wait but proactively fortify foreign policies and alliances like NATO to mitigate unpredictable actions.

Russia

Moscow attacks: Why the Kremlin may have ignored any terrorist warnings from the CIA

— Despite receiving advance warnings from the US about a potential attack weeks before the Crocus City Hall massacre, the Kremlin may have disregarded the CIA’s intelligence due to geopolitical tensions and suspicions towards Western sources.

War in Ukraine

Russia’s Baltic neighbours to create massive border defences as Trump continues undermining Nato

— Donald Trump’s remarks on NATO, Ukraine aid, and Article 5 concern the Baltic States, fearing Russian aggression. Despite bolstering defences, their small populations make them vulnerable to Russian expansion, especially with potential US disengagement.

Elections 2024

Half the world will vote in 2024, but how many elections will be fair?

— The year 2024 heralds numerous elections globally, promising democratic empowerment. However, marred by issues like rigging and crackdowns, they reflect a concerning trend of democratic decline, warranting concerted efforts for improvement.

War in Ukraine

Ukraine war: Ten years after Putin annexed Crimea, Russia’s grip on the peninsula looks shaky

— Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 hasn’t secured the region as Vladimir Putin hoped. Recent Ukrainian attacks expose vulnerability, leading to losses like the Black Sea fleet. Ukrainian successes challenge Russia’s grip.

War in Ukraine

Macron won’t rule out using Western ground troops in Ukraine – but is NATO prepared for war with Russia?

— French President Macron doesn’t exclude the possibility of deploying Western troops to Ukraine following a meeting with European leaders. However, the question remains: could the deployment of ground troops to Ukraine provoke a broader and more dangerous conflict with Russia?

Long-Read

Britain is slowly learning what Brexit means

— Brexit’s repercussions on UK-EU ties, notably in defence, are evident amid recent events like Navalny’s death and Russian threats. Despite challenges, closer integration seems unavoidable, exposing Brexiters’ impractical expectations.

Long-Read

Brexit, Brexitism, and the Trump and Russian threats

— Brexit fractures the UK’s geopolitical strategy, hindering cooperation with the EU on security. Amidst the Russian threat and potential European conflict, deeper UK-EU security ties are crucial for stability.

Ukraine

Vladimir Putin has never understood why Ukrainians want to control their own destiny

— Ukraine’s journey from a distant democracy to the eastern edge of Western Europe, symbolised by the Euromaidan protests, underscores its distinct political culture and fervent embrace of democratic values, contrasting sharply with Russia’s authoritarianism.