Why is widespread social anxiety fuelling xenophobia rather than criticism of neoliberal capitalism? What role has the state played? Have we arrived at the paradoxical situation where the best we can do is to call on the state to do its job?
It is an established fact that lobbyists, consultants, MPs, civil servants and journalists are integrated in a closed circuit of information. Less well known, however, is the extent to which journalists and politicians actively cultivate close ties with this "Fifth Estate". Thomas Leif reports on
The international bailout of Ireland’s economy is another epic moment in the crisis of the eurozone. Angela Merkel’s government in Berlin is, as ever, at the heart of events. Katinka Barysch maps the political logic that guides Germany’s current strategy.
We are all here to stay and we like it this way
On Monday, Sarkozy, Merkel and Medvedev will sit down to discuss a new European conception of global security. With the current order dysfunctional and inadequate, it is not before time that Russia is included in the discussion, writes Mark Leonard.
Iran subject to largest-ever cyber-attack. Nigerian Independence Day marred by bombings. Europe steps up terror-alert following US warnings. All this and more in this week's security briefing.
Today, we see that the rules of western European racism are shifting. On the one hand, they are becoming less racialist; on the other hand they are seeking to become official. How should we Europeans understand this, and how should we respond? In the first of her Inter Alia columns, Markha Valenta
The great engine both of Europe’s economic strength and its political unity is falling out of love with its creation. The challenge to the continent is profound, says Ulrike Guérot.
US condemns release of tens of thousands of classified Afghan war documents. Duch, Pol Pot’s infamous prison chief, is jailed for 19 years. Tehran reacts angrily to further EU sanctions on Iran. Bangladeshi war crimes court issues first arrest warrants. All this and more in today's security briefi
German public service broadcasters face a similar upheaval to those in Britain but enter the fray encumbered by a different set of regulations and supervisory bodies.
The European Union has been split by the crisis over Greece’s debt. The lesson is that Germany needs to resume its place at the heart of the European project, says Ulrike Guérot.
On previous occasions of decline, social democracy has bounced back in Europe, but this time the record includes ideological and cultural meltdown. What would it take to survive the current crisis?
