Short or long term, states or universal order

There is undoubtedly a personal element to this, so it is only fair to start here: I do not believe that international political issues between states can be reduced to a zero-sum game in which, as realists say, only national interests are eternal. All the rest is subject to the convenience of the moment. For […]

US: Common Ground Lost

United States’ fabric is reaching a point of no return that resembles what happened less than 200 years ago with the Civil War. The reason for contention has changed, but its structure didn’t. The other side of the Nation is no longer a partner with whom political understandings may be negotiated but an enemy to […]

China recognizes rule-based international order

In a recent report,[1] Chinese President Xi Jinping recommended studying the influence of international law on Chinese internal and external affairs. Professor Huang Huikang presented an extensive report on the subject.[2] Xi underlined the importance of international law: «Strengthening the rule of law about foreign affairs is a top priority in responding to the challenges […]

Putin’s broader war and his survival calculus

By September, it was clear that while the much-expected Ukrainian offensive didn’t create a breakthrough, neither did the ensuing Russian counteroffensive. Neither side has a decisive advantage over the other. Lawrence Freedman argued[1] convincingly that we must think about the definition of victory for Ukraine, as Kyiv is not set on marching on Moscow. The […]

US and China: Difficult Coups and Institutions

American newspapers are voicing growing concern that Donald Trump, who is running for president, is sounding more like Mussolini and Hitler.[1] Also, following the 2020 January 6 attack on Capitol Hill, something like a preview of an attempted coup, some fear Trump may be tempted to repeat the game, only this time better organized. However, […]

When Gaza-like protests come to the West

Western countries should stop focusing on ending migration. The real problem is being careless about migrants’ integration. It is a priority to prevent Gaza-like insurrections in the West. The ongoing pro-Palestinian protests in Western countries are an important signal that something went very wrong with the relationship between some Muslim immigrants and their host countries. […]

Wars distractions and tough economic decisions for China

On the eve of American and Chinese presidents Joseph Biden and Xi Jinping meeting in San Francisco on November 14, Beijing may feel better than 24 months ago, when its main and sole objective was to take on China. As reported by David Goldman,[1] Beijing may feel it holds a few aces in the game. The […]