Jonathan Freedland reflects on the speed at the which the national life of the United Kingdom has been completely transformed by coronavirus – and on the emerging questions and divisions. Divisions that came down to the government’s preference for the voluntary over the compulsory; a social libertarianism approach that may prove to have been just too cavalier.
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Published by Transparency International on 19 March 2020, this article looks at the importance of transparency as governments around the world face shortages of medical supplies, prioritising of access to medical services, and allocation of relief funds. It is essential that transparency, openness and integrity are maintained and extended across the health sector. It is vital that emergency powers are exercised only for the purposes for which they were granted. Since many normal oversight and
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This report discusses two main questions: What is the relevance of Chinese involvement in European ports for China’s political influence in the European Union? What are the long-term implications for the Netherlands of the Maritime Silk Road, in particular in regard to Chinese involvement in European ports?
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China’s Belt and Road Initiative opens a clear set of crossroads for the EU. The report’s authors Cornell and Swanstrom ask, has the EU payed enough attention to the geopolitics? And should the EU focus more on European interests, and not only on norms and values?
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From the Danish Institute for International Studies, a useful illustrated description of the currently fragmented Iraqi and Syrian states with the presence of multiple militias backed by foreign actors. Fertile ground for the return of the Islamic State?
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Marisa Lino looks at the ways in which China is stepping up its activities in the far north, seeking economic opportunities presented by the impacts of climate change, and how otherstates have responded. What are the strategic implications of China’s activities and could they take on a military dimension?
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A report focused on EU countries’ difficult balancing act between the US, a long-term strategic and economic partner, and China, the EU’s second most important market and, probably, the next economic superpower. The report shows how US unilateralism and Chinese assertiveness have triggered a rethinking of the EU’s strategic landscape.
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Against the backdrop of US withdrawal from the Intermediate Range Treaty, and increasing pessimism about prospects for the renewal of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty in 2021, this Brief identifies the stakes for the EU and outlines how it could achieve the internal consensus required to make a positive impact in the 10th NPT Review Conference (April-May 2020).
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This report takes a close look at the extent to which the institutions of the European Union have been operationalised to meet the stated ambition of playing a part in conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict peace- building through civil and/or military operations, through stabilisation efforts, and by building resilience at home and abroad.
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The Egmont Institute’s Sven Biscop asks: How does the EU take the implementation of the security and defence dimension of the European Union Global Strategy forward? Does the EU need a ‘Strategic Compass’? Does it need a military strategy?
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SIPRI looks at the geopolitical and security issues in the Arctic region against a backdrop of unprecedented changes in its physical, social, geo-economic and geopolitical realities. The Paper offers a clear account of the challenges facing states bordering the Arctic, as well as others, as global warming causes the sea ice disappear and the polar resources to become available.
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