COMMENT
— Donald Trump’s presidency revives Turkey’s EU ambitions as European leaders, driven by security concerns, reconsider Ankara’s value — armed with NATO’s second-largest F-16 fleet and strategic leverage.
France-Russia Relationship
— Emmanuel Macron rebuked Vladimir Putin, dismissing the Kremlin’s nuclear rhetoric and exposing Russia’s war ambitions. At an EU emergency summit, he advocated for a European nuclear shield amid uncertainty within NATO, urging stronger defence as tensions with Russia escalate.
Trump-Zelensky Clash
— Trump’s press conference with Zelensky signalled a geopolitical shift, aligning closer to Putin while unsettling US allies. Europe braces for leadership, China gains leverage, and Nato faces uncertainty amid Trump’s America-first stance.
Trump-Zelensky Clash
— A fiery Oval Office clash between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky led to a diplomatic rift, with Europe rallying behind Ukraine as the U.S. considers halting military aid, reshaping transatlantic alliances.
War in Ukraine
— As Ukraine’s war nears its third anniversary, Western support is crumbling. Donald Trump’s abrupt policy shift leaves Europe scrambling, while Russia gains the upper hand. With diplomacy stalled, bloodier battles loom.
UK Defence
— Britain lacks the military capability for a prolonged conflict, yet Keir Starmer has proposed deploying troops to Ukraine. However, years of defence cuts have left the UK unable to deter aggression, despite NATO’s growing security concerns.
European Security
— European leaders face a seismic shift as US support wanes. Trump’s unilateralism, Ukraine war talks excluding Europe, and efforts to divide the EU demand urgent European unity to safeguard security and sovereignty.
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.
US Politics
— Donald Trump’s unpredictability, as demonstrated during his first presidency, leaves global leaders uncertain about his potential actions in his second mandate. His approach mirrors game theory’s “chicken game,” where risk-taking can deter adversaries.
Far-Right
— Far-right independent Călin Georgescu leads Romania’s presidential race after leveraging TikTok for propaganda and controversial appeals. Allegations of bot-driven manipulation and pro-Putin stances heighten the stakes for next week’s decisive vote.
Long-Read
— The debate over Brexit resurfaces amid economic challenges and Trump’s return. Key concerns include UK-EU relations, trade uncertainties, and Labour’s struggle to reconcile Brexit’s political and economic implications.
US-EU Relationship
— Donald Trump’s potential second-term foreign policy poses significant challenges for Europe, threatening trade relations, NATO stability, and collective security. Europe faces increasing pressure to bolster defence and self-sufficiency amid shifting U.S. priorities.
UK-US Relationship
— Britain faces urgent defence challenges, from poor readiness to unclear strategy. With Trump’s return, reliance on the US for nuclear deterrence and NATO commitments demands reassessment. Britain must redefine its role.
2024 US Presidential Election
— Donald Trump’s pick of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as running mate could shift US focus from Europe to China, sparking European fears of diminished American support. Vance’s stance might weaken transatlantic security ties.
2024 US Presidential Election
— Six months before the US election, global attention focuses on Trump’s potential return, especially his foreign policies towards China, NATO, Ukraine, and Gaza. A second term might increase US isolationism and weaken international alliances.
European Union
— NATO members are urgently rethinking their nuclear strategy as Donald Trump’s potential presidency might weaken U.S. commitments, prompting Europe to consider independent defence capabilities amid rising Russian threats.
