The greatest democrat Russia ever had
Mikhail Gorbachev was Russia's last liberal leader. His spirit lives on for the next.
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.
The life and death of Italian centrism
Former leaders from the Italian left have joined forces to form a centrist coalition.
Draghi’s resignation: what next?
Only one political figure will benefit from chaos in Italy. He is in Moscow, not Rome.
Paving the way for radicalised violence
Mainstream politicians, Lisa Pelling writes, must recognise that their words have consequences.
Politicians should stop the ‘Uberisation’ of EU politics
The Uber Files contain a fearful reference to a European NGO. One of its campaigners responds.
The Uber Files—a wake-up call for the EU institutions
The huge challenges facing the EU can only be met if citizens are confident it acts in the public interest.
European Parliament brings decisions closer to the public
Further empowering the parliament and reducing unanimous decision-making would help tackle the EU’s democratic deficit.
EU foreign & security policy: flexibility and leadership
Nicoletta Pirozzi argues that to mitigate its foreign policy dysfunctionalities the EU needs to end the unanimity requirement.
Don’t cancel Russian culture
Refusing to engage with Russian culture will not change Putin’s calculations, let alone impel him to withdraw from Ukraine.
Ukraine’s EU candidate status—not just symbolic
The prospects of Ukraine joining soon remain slim, but the EU has reacted differently than to the collapse of Yugoslavia.
China to the rescue?
Who could soften the apocalyptic effects of the war in Ukraine on the global south? China could, says Branko Milanovic.
A social-democratic decade ahead?
Now Austria's SPÖ too has left its competitors far behind, Robert Misik asks: is the Zeitgeist moving to the left?
Von der Leyen is losing ground
If the European Union does not stand up for the rule of law in Poland and Hungary, it will embolden authoritarians everywhere.
Boris Johnson: blustering on
The grandiose promises Johnson makes to survive, Paul Mason writes, rely on a state like those ... in the European Union.
A new Atlantic Charter
Ending the war in Ukraine and establishing a lasting peace in Europe require a new security architecture.
WhatsApp Europe?
How official instant messaging can be made accessible is a big question. Whether it is compatible with democracy is a bigger one.
Polarisation and the threat to democracy
In a polarised US, Sheri Berman writes, the tyranny of unrepresentative minorities represents the main threat to democracy.