2025 German Elections
— Germany’s economy is stagnating, with recession, high inflation, and low productivity growth driving voter concerns ahead of the election. Energy costs, weak labour supply, and sluggish investment hinder recovery.
Analysis
Our analyses thoroughly examine current events and complex issues, providing nuanced insights into politics, health, economics, and social trends. Supported by evidence-based perspectives from experts, these articles go beyond the headlines to explore underlying causes and impacts, fostering informed discussions on the forces shaping our world.
Analysis
— Sir Keir Starmer’s public HIV test echoes Elvis Presley’s 1956 polio vaccination, using celebrity influence to shift social norms. Success hinges on credibility, authenticity, and sustained follow-up beyond headline moments.
Brexit Reset
— Keir Starmer’s EU summit dinner last week marked a UK-EU diplomatic thaw, highlighting security cooperation amid geopolitical shifts. Both sides seek deeper ties, but trust-building remains key ahead of May’s institutional summit.
UK Economy
— Chancellor Rachel Reeves vows to accelerate UK economic growth, but Brexit hurdles, fiscal constraints, and bureaucratic delays pose challenges. Ambitious plans demand private sector support, decisive execution, and immediate fiscal action.
Germany
— Germany’s CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, has shifted rightward on immigration, passing a Bundestag vote with the support of the far-right AfD, breaking a political firewall. This controversial move intensifies Germany’s polarised election climate.
UK-US Relationship
— Keir Starmer and Donald Trump’s overlapping terms create diplomatic uncertainty. Historical tensions suggest a strained relationship, exacerbated by past criticisms. Starmer faces transactional Trump diplomacy, challenging UK-US ties amid major global policy disagreements.
Democracy
— New research shows growing authoritarian sympathies among Gen Z in the UK, driven by political distrust. However, they still value democracy and seek engagement. Better education and representation can rebuild trust and inspire participation.
Middle East
— Donald Trump’s remarks on relocating Gaza’s Palestinians to neighbouring countries, seen as a potential “second Nakba,” face widespread regional condemnation, threatening ceasefire negotiations and complicating Middle East diplomacy.
Holocaust
— The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz highlights the urgent need to preserve Holocaust survivors’ testimonies. With dwindling survivor numbers, interactive archives and creative education are vital to sustain remembrance.
Belarus
— Belarus’ Alexander Lukashenko seeks a seventh term in 2025, solidifying his authoritarian rule. His Russia-aligned regime fuels regional tensions, suppresses freedoms, aids Moscow’s military, and weaponises NATO borders, deepening global instability.
Analysis
— The UK faces a diplomatic dilemma as Lord Peter Mandelson’s controversial appointment as ambassador to the US clashes with Trump-era tensions. His credentials impress, but political baggage risks rejection.
Analysis
— Elon Musk’s controversial ‘salute’, widely perceived as a fascist gesture during inauguration day, has sparked a heated debate. While his supporters argue it was a Roman salute, experts assert that it lacks any historical connection to ancient Rome.
Donald Trump
— After two years investigating Donald Trump, special counsel Jack Smith’s work ended with a scathing but legally impotent report, highlighting alleged election lies, pressures, and violence-linked rhetoric.
Analysis
— Tulip Siddiq has resigned as anti-corruption minister following corruption allegations involving her family ties and property transactions. Despite no proven misconduct, public perception and ministerial code concerns sealed her fate.
United States
— Donald Trump’s return heralds dramatic shifts in US foreign policy, blending bluster, deal-making, and strategic disengagement from Europe and the Middle East, while intensifying Western Hemisphere dominance and China confrontation.
Long-Read
— Donald Trump’s second presidency heralds a transformative right-wing revolution, threatening US democratic institutions and global stability. Rising inequality, populism, and mistrust in government magnify economic and political challenges worldwide.
