The consequences of neoliberal capitalism in eastern Europe
Sheri Berman argues that post-communist left embrace of economic as well as political liberalism allowed populists to target the latter.
Politics
Social Europe is an award-winning digital media publisher driven by the core values of freedom, sustainability, and equality. These principles guide our exploration of society’s most pressing challenges. This archive page curates Social Europe articles focused on political issues, offering a rich resource for innovative thinking and informed debate.
Progressive mayors in central and eastern Europe challenge the status quo
Major cities in central and eastern Europe have elected liberal mayors. But socially conservative attitudes are unlikely to shift at national level.
Turkey and the Istanbul convention—fighting to keep it alive
The Turkish president no doubt thinks his decision to de-ratify the Istanbul convention is irreversible. The main opposition party disagrees.
Stefan Löfven—welding progressives together and keeping the far right at bay
The Swedish social-democrat leader, shortly to step down, didn’t buckle under pressure despite a slender parliamentary hold.
How Big Tech money skews the European playing-field
Record spending by technology companies lobbying the EU represents a democratic problem.
Apocalypse or co-operation?
The perfect storm of Covid-19 and climate change, and resulting economic damage, will likely trigger much more social and political instability.
Move fast and break Big Tech’s power
‘Surveillance capitalism’ can only be regulated on at least a European scale—and the mood for change is growing.
Mission-driven localities
While exposing and exacerbating longstanding inequalities, the pandemic has given rise to a wealth of promising local initiatives.
In Poland, public funding is given to those threatening liberal democracy
Right-wing, conservative and nationalist magazines were the primary beneficiaries of funds recently allocated by the country’s Ministry of Culture.
Enhancing the political participation of women from under-represented groups
The author of a report to the Council of Europe elaborates how representation gaps can be closed so politics is refreshed and reflects wider society.
The long and winding road to global corporate tax justice
In theory, the Biden administration and the EU can collaborate to end multinational tax abuse. In practice, it’s not that simple.
Transatlantic trade co-operation: a lever for environmental and labour protection?
If the pitfalls of the last attempted transatlantic trade deal are avoided, this could be a vehicle for improving standards.
Fighting Covid-19 requires fewer patents and more state
Big Pharma has not been the real innovator in the fight against the pandemic and intellectual property rights must be reshaped to restore fairness.
Towards global progressiveness
Branko Milanovic sets out an agenda for global progressives in the 21st century.
Voices from the borders of Europe
It’s a lot easier to ignore the plight of the refugees at Europe’s borders if one doesn’t hear their stories.
A stronger voice for citizens in EU decision-making
Last week the European Parliament endorsed a report by the author on enhancing civic participation in the deliberations of the union.
The future, post-Brexit
Recognition of the EU’s gravitational pull on ‘global Britain’—and so any rapprochement—will take many years.