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.
Politics
Analysis and debate on European and national politics, democracy, the rule of law, parties and elections, and Europe’s place in 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.
From shock therapy to Putin’s war
Putin is alone responsible for the war in Ukraine but prominent westerners played a key role in Russia’s post-Soviet trajectory.
Labour’s opportunity: a multi-party government
If the Conservatives are to be defeated at the next Westminster election, Labour must back a coalition alternative.
Democracy and security in the EU’s neighbourhood
Nicoletta Pirozzi opens a Social Europe column by sketching the political vision the EU must hold out to its neighbours such as Ukraine.
Ukraine’s refugees: hospitality required
It’s time for the rest of Europe to show solidarity with Ukrainians through temporary protection of refugees.
Solidarity in time of war
The Russian invasion of Ukraine demands a multi-pronged, enduring European response sending a very clear signal to the Kremlin.
Ordinary Russians don’t want this war
Ilya Matveev and Ilya Budraitskis
The Russian president has launched his invasion of Ukraine but the attack could severely destabilise his regime.
Will Europe deliver on corporate responsibility?
The EU must enforce mandatory due diligence on corporations and their supply chains and involve workers in its strategy.
Why we need a European supply-chain act
Human-rights due diligence must be taken seriously—as the Brumadinho case showed.
Apprehend, detain, deport—towards a securitised EU?
Pushbacks at Europe’s borders have not been compliant with the Refugee Convention. Nor would internal ones.
Boris Johnson’s last affair?
His cardinal sin is to have forgotten the core tenet of the rule of law: those who make the rules are bound by them.
Beyond dystopia
To change the pessimistic Zeitgeist, left-wing politics and radical art must renew their alliance, Robert Misik writes.
Let them eat respect?
The idea that social-democratic parties should accommodate anti-immigrant sentiment is not only misguided but empirically wrong.
Europe and the future of US democracy
Europe needs to address the risk come 2024 of facing not only a non-democratic superpower to its east—but to its west too.
Corporate due diligence—it’s in short supply
Rosie Monaghan and Evie Clarke
The EU must enforce robust human-rights due diligence in company supply chains.