UNIFIL’s Fig Leaf on Diverging Worldviews

The crisis between Israel and UNIFIL highlights the collapse of a unified UN perspective and differing agendas between Washington and Beijing. It is difficult to patch up the situation or dismantle the organization entirely. After World War I, the victorious powers created the League of Nations to avoid the mistakes and misunderstandings that led to […]

Peace in Ukraine and Chaos for the World?

Is peace in Ukraine possible soon? The American elections are pivotal, of course. If Donald Trump wins, he has said he’ll achieve peace quickly. However, even if Kamala Harris is elected (as recent polls suggest is more likely), Russian President Vladimir Putin may seek a compromise, facing the prospect of four more years of fighting […]

A Lebanese Operation for Ukraine?

The Israeli land operation in Lebanon is opening up new perspectives on the war in Ukraine and tensions with China. If Iran pulls back, peace in Ukraine could also become easier. As its hostages are still held in Gaza with no quick solution in sight, Israel is preparing for a land operation in Lebanon against […]

The EU’s Challenge with Chinese Electric Vehicles

The European Union faces significant challenges in dealing firmly with China’s electric vehicle industry. Predictions suggest that the EU may eventually lower some tariffs or abandon them altogether, highlighting broader difficulties the Union currently faces. The EU is at a critical historical juncture. The recently published Draghi report argues for increased political integration and stronger […]

A German Mirror for China

The recent electoral results from Germany’s Länder interweave short-term concerns and long-term challenges, and these challenges extend to China, which is facing the choices Germany made a century ago. The immediate implications of the Saxony and Thuringia elections—precisely the success of the AfD and BSW—are compounded by the complex nature of local government coalitions. The […]

American and Global Web of Silk Roads

China’s rising challenge presents an opportunity for the United States to articulate a more compelling world order grounded in its values, technologies, and a new set of infrastructures. The Vatican could help In the early 1990s, as the victor of the Cold War, the United States embarked on its globalization project. In essence, this initiative […]

Kursk’s Shot at Meloni

The Ukrainian offensive in the Russian Kursk region has been underway for a week now—this is not just a sortie but has broad strategic implications. It is unclear how the situation will evolve, but it is obviously a hard blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the fallout could reach as far as Italy. After […]