The French unwilling willingness
The renewed polarisation between Macron and Le Pen in the presidential election conceals a pas de deux.
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.
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.
A European solidarity pact
Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Frank Vandenbroucke, Thomas Dermine, Meryame Kitir, Frédéric Daerden, Christie Morréale and Nawal Ben Hamou
Europe’s political leaders must rise to today’s challenges.
What do ordinary Russians really think about the war?
Surveys suggest most Russians support the use of military force in Ukraine. Is this an accurate picture?
The obsession to ‘complete the single market’
Multinationals are pushing to open new frontiers in the single market with a deregulatory agenda.
Capturing the pessimists—exploiting status concerns
Concerns about status can sustain parties which promise change through nationhood.
The global struggle for democracy is in Ukraine
Russia’s military assault on Ukraine caps a period of political attacks on democracy around the world.
Ukraine’s EU membership: still some way off
There has been a positive response to the appeal by the Ukrainian president for EU membership. But it won’t come soon.