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The siloviki who gained power during Putin’s early years have been replaced by faceless security technocrats—real heirs to the KGB.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, economy and employment & labour
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The siloviki who gained power during Putin’s early years have been replaced by faceless security technocrats—real heirs to the KGB.
Michele Fiorillo, Seamus Montgomery, Fabio Di Nunno and Alvaro Oleart
The Conference on the Future of Europe could lead to a new European constitution.
The episode has proved, Branko Milanovic writes, that Russia is not ruled by a few rich men but by a single autocrat.
Interviews by Russian researchers have shed light on the different groups in Russian society who are pro-war—and why.
The security architecture of the past 50 years is in ruins. Robert Misik maps a policy for the new cold war.
Critical to the rebuilding of crumbled political pillars such as the Parti Socialiste in France is the installation of party democracy.
The renewed polarisation between Macron and Le Pen in the presidential election conceals a pas de deux.
Russia has upended the old rules-based order, Paul Mason writes. Europe needs to shape a new one.
Orbán’s return to power was eased by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but the playing-field was already far from level.
Ukraine has been invaded by one of Europe’s most unequal countries. But then equality is one of democracy’s strongest buttresses.
Individuals prone to shame and resentment may be drawn to radical-right rhetoric.
Sanctions have so far been economic and short-term. The long-term goal of political freedom in Russia must be kept in mind.
By attacking another European country, Putin crossed a line drawn after World War II. But he also changed Russia.
Slovenia rarely makes headlines in Europe—but its election will say a lot about the future of the EU.
The popularity of Hungary’s authoritarian prime minister had been waning. The invasion of Ukraine may offer an electoral lifeline.
Sections of the left which still think of the world in blocs, Sheri Berman writes, are guilty of blocked thinking.
Dominic Afscharian, Viktoriia Muliavka, Marius Ostrowski and Lukáš Siegel
An EU-wide scheme could address progressives’ concerns.
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.
Surveys suggest most Russians support the use of military force in Ukraine. Is this an accurate picture?
Multinationals are pushing to open new frontiers in the single market with a deregulatory agenda.
Concerns about status can sustain parties which promise change through nationhood.