Beijing on the Danube
Hungary’s unapologetic embrace of China defies Washington’s pressure, all while Viktor Orbán bets on economic alchemy to deliver political dividends by 2026—and maybe a second EV revolution
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EUROPE
Romania elections and the anatomy of a democratic self-sabotage
The ban on the “dangerous” Georgescu led to the electoral surge of the “normal” far-right Simion, highlighting the paradox of liberal interventions that ultimately strengthen what they attempt to prevent
Democracies in crisis, or rather liberal democracy at a crossroads?
Liberal democracy stands at a crossroads, as mounting tensions between democratic majoritarianism and liberal constitutionalism threaten to unravel the political stability of Western systems and reshape global governance norms
Steel without velvet
Drawing from Paolo Falconio’s stark analysis, Germany’s rearmament is not a footnote in policy—it is a turning point in European geopolitics
How Trump’s tariffs expose a global divide
The U.S. embraces trade war, Europe braces for military conflict, while Asia’s major economies strategize for stability. Trump’s tariffs reveal a fractured world order
Eastern Europe on the brink: Military buildup and geopolitical tensions escalate
For the first time since World War II, Germany is permanently stationing troops abroad. A 5,000-strong brigade in Lithuania marks a turning point in Europe’s rapid militarization
Europe’s energy transition between hydrogen and nuclear power
Europe is at a critical crossroads in its energy strategy. From North African hydrogen to Italy’s nuclear revival, the energy transition is shaped by geopolitical and technological challenges
Trump’s price tag on the Red Sea effort collides with shipping realities
The U.S. bombed Yemen to reopen the Red Sea, but shipowners remain unconvinced. Trump wants Europe to pay for the effort, yet global trade has already adapted
Europe’s dilemma caught between eagles and dragons
The views expressed here are those of George Magnus from Engelsberg Ideas, dissecting Europe’s geopolitical and economic dilemmas in a fractured world where alliances fray, ambitions clash, and history’s echoes shape an uncertain future
Türkiye’s rise in Europe—is media shaping policy or reflecting it?
As Europe scrambles to rearm, Türkiye finds itself in a uniquely advantageous position. But are the latest media narratives on Ankara’s indispensable role in European security purely organic—or something more coordinated?