NATO & the new European balance op power

In the last ten years NATO has demonstrated weaknesses of the US role in the Atlantic alliance and the need to redefine its mission to reflect the new geopolitical realities. As a defense organization with principally a political role NATO can only be useful if it continues to serve all of its members’ best overall [...]

Europe’s Werewolves: Roma (Gypsies) on the Run

“Roma” (gypsies) have been Europe’s werewolves for nearly one thousand years. As the mythological werewolf in Hollywood motion pictures is attacking “normal folk” and then running to save its life, “Roma” have that kind of mythological reputation. This is the case even among those who romanticize gypsies as free spirits, exotic dancers and mesmerizing musicians [...]

Spain and the EU’s ‘creditor-debtor conflict’

Now that Portugal has joined Greece and Ireland in the group of EU members to undergo IMF-EU austerity measures in order to qualify for bailout money, Spain is the next target. Should Spain not take the lead to form a mini-bloc of EU debtor nations that threaten default unless their demands for substantial debt write [...]

The State of the Disunion – Inconsistency Backfires on European Union’s Foreign Policy

The revolutionary uprisings in North Africa have been a true earthquake for Europe’s foreign policy standing in the region. The way how the EU reacted on this critical challenge tells a lot about the state of disunion in regard to its foreign policy. Both individual EU Member States and the EU itself were slow to [...]

Chinese Investments in Europe – A Year in Review

Last year we saw developments in the EU-China trade relationship that can signify a greater convergence between these two trading partners. The global financial crisis that led to temporary drop in western demand for Chinese goods during 2009 was followed by an aggressive investment strategy by China in 2010, acquiring a number of businesses in [...]