The Greek crisis came out of marrying a European project with a specifically Greek political culture of populism and clientelism. These have roots in the post-1974 settlement and the left's positioning against the centre right's pragmatic, European statism
Multiple bombs destined for top-level targets discovered in Greece. Iran chides Russia over decision not to honour arms deal. Months after Kyrgyzstan violence, tensions and resentment still running high. All this and more in today's security briefing.
Vote in Abyei to be delayed, say northern officials, stoking fears of a return to conflict in Sudan. Greek police gas protesting public sector workers in Acropolis. Junta number two arrested in Niger amid rumours of a coup. Human rights groups refuse to appear before Sri Lanka war crimes commissio
Rebuilding the Greek economy will require creative interaction with the underlying realities of Greek society: the family, the small business, the habits of rentocracy and of low-trust opportunism. (This article was first published in Greek in the Athens Review of Books, June 2010)
The concept of the ‘clash of civilisations’ is usually traced back to Classical Greece. In Classical times as today, this idea of an unbridgeable gap between the West and the Rest does not describe reality, but is instead a line of political rhetoric. The article continues our series Lest we forge
The Greek crisis may spur further integration in the EU, rather than signal its downfall.
African Union warns of bomb attacks in Somalia. Nigerian President Yar’Adua dies. Greek austerity protests turn deadly. Darfur’s largest rebel group pulls out of Doha peace talks. Mumbai gunman sentenced to death. All this and more in today’s briefing.
US extends sanctions on Syria for a further year. Times Square bomb suspect. Yemeni ship seized by Somali pirates. Greeks take to street in protest at latest package of austerity measures. All this and more in today's update.
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.
General McChrystal offers public apology for Afghans killed by NATO airstrike. Turkish top military officials arrested over alleged coup plot. US army has contingency plans for delaying Iraq withdrawal. Afghan immigrant admits plans to bomb New York subway. All this and much more, in today’s secur
As the left across Europe flounders in the wake of the economic crisis, the Greek socialist party under George Papandreou could prove the exception with its dramatic election victory. His aim is nothing less than a pioneering form of progressive government that combines green development, democrat
