Why such an imperfect union?
US political dysfunctionality is put down to partisanship and polarisation. But Sheri Berman argues it’s the issue agenda that counts.
Politics
Analysis and debate on European and national politics, democracy, the rule of law, parties and elections, and Europe’s place in the world.
From moonshots to earthshots
The pandemic has created a huge opportunity to restore mission-driven governance in the public interest.
Time to act on pay transparency
The pandemic provides no excuse for inaction by the European Commission on gender pay transparency. It should be the incentive.
A time to celebrate … or worry?
Branko Milanovic worries that in the new global constellation a second cold war—with China—could be in the offing.
‘The day of liberation is a bit like a second birthday for me’
Knut Dethlefsen offers a personal reflection on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Unsplendid isolation: Britain after ‘Brexit’
Paul Mason writes that a Biden US presidency allied to an EU pursuing ‘strategic autonomy’ leaves a ‘sovereign’ UK with a bit-part role.
Belarus needs more than the Sakharov Prize
Strengthening of civil society, construction of democratic institutions and economic support must all figure in an EU agenda for a post-Lukashenka Belarus.
Whither America?
It will take more than one person—and more than one presidential term—to overcome America’s longstanding challenges.
What saved American democracy?
Democracy in the United States survived the assault by Donald Trump and his supporting mob. But why it survived raises questions awkward for some.
Build back better—then pay for it
The pandemic-linked crisis is not the time for fiscal consolidation. But introducing a genuinely progressive tax system will become essential.
The UK’s European question is far from over
‘Brexit’ stemmed from the takeover of the Tory party by its Eurosceptic fringe, whose prejudices will now collide with reality.
Border pushbacks: it’s time for impunity to end
Research on pushbacks of asylum-seekers reveals a massive number of such human-rights violations—yet it could be just the tip of the iceberg.
Closing the representation gap
Sheri Berman argues that the embourgeoisement of centre-left parties has fostered a crisis of representation, at the heart of democratic dissatisfaction.
Corporate taxation—momentum is building
The international system for business taxation is starting to crumble. Now is the time for civil society to apply pressure.
Joe Biden’s missing coat-tails
Attention across the world to the US elections has focused only on the federal level. But the battle for the statehouses mattered too.
A fair, humane and realistic asylum policy
A workable asylum policy in line with European values could be pursued by a Schengen-style coalition of the willing.