The origins of Putin’s totalitarianism
The siloviki who gained power during Putin’s early years have been replaced by faceless security technocrats—real heirs to the KGB.
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.
A citizens’ Europe?
The Conference on the Future of Europe could lead to a new European constitution.
Seizing the assets of Russian oligarchs
The episode has proved, Branko Milanovic writes, that Russia is not ruled by a few rich men but by a single autocrat.
Why do Russians support the war against Ukraine?
Interviews by Russian researchers have shed light on the different groups in Russian society who are pro-war—and why.
A new era of containment?
The security architecture of the past 50 years is in ruins. Robert Misik maps a policy for the new cold war.
A new age of party democracy
Critical to the rebuilding of crumbled political pillars such as the Parti Socialiste in France is the installation of party democracy.
The French unwilling willingness
The renewed polarisation between Macron and Le Pen in the presidential election conceals a pas de deux.
Ukraine, NATO and a Zeitenwende
Russia has upended the old rules-based order, Paul Mason writes. Europe needs to shape a new one.
Fidesz and Orbán triumph in Hungary’s skewed elections
Orbán’s return to power was eased by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but the playing-field was already far from level.
Equality favours democracy
Ukraine has been invaded by one of Europe’s most unequal countries. But then equality is one of democracy’s strongest buttresses.
How the radical right uses emotions for political gain
Individuals prone to shame and resentment may be drawn to radical-right rhetoric.
Sanctions on Russia: the next phase
Sanctions have so far been economic and short-term. The long-term goal of political freedom in Russia must be kept in mind.
Putin’s war will destroy Russia
By attacking another European country, Putin crossed a line drawn after World War II. But he also changed Russia.
What’s at stake in Slovenia’s election?
Slovenia rarely makes headlines in Europe—but its election will say a lot about the future of the EU.
Orbán, Putin and prospects for democracy in Hungary
The popularity of Hungary’s authoritarian prime minister had been waning. The invasion of Ukraine may offer an electoral lifeline.
Time to decamp from cold-war ideas
Sections of the left which still think of the world in blocs, Sheri Berman writes, are guilty of blocked thinking.
A European basic income?
An EU-wide scheme could address progressives’ concerns.