Containing Russia
The post-Cold War order in Europe is finished, with Vladimir Putin its executioner. Russia’s withdrawal from the Treaty of Conventional Forces, its deliberate efforts to block the election monitoring of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Kremlin’s refusal to ratify the reform of the European Court on Human Rights (Protocol No 14 to the European Convention on Human Rights), all marked its passing. READ MORE
Director General of International Military Staff identifies NATO’s key challenges
In 2014, NATO will mark its 65th year as the world’s most powerful and successful military alliance. Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute on Tuesday (10 Dec. 2013), Air Marshal Sir Christopher Harper, Director General of NATO International Military Staff, discussed the key challenges the Alliance must seek “to restore its experience, capability and capacity to operate throughout the full range of the conflict spectrum.” READ MORE
Cameron 'prepared to block bigger EU defence role'
Prime Minister David Cameron is ready to block any attempt to give the EU a bigger role in co-ordinating defence policy, his office has indicated. READ MORE
A new Cold War in the Arctic?
The Arctic is heating up, both climatically and militarily. But experts differ in their views on whether the region, with its vast shipping opportunities and energy resources, could become the site of the next Cold War. READ MORE
New 'super minister' to redefine Germany's energy transition
Sigmar Gabriel will head a combined economy and energy ministry in Germany's new coalition government with a focus on lowering energy prices and boosting industrial output while rebooting the energy transition. READ MORE
France and Poland Leading Europe’s Defense Integration
When NATO Commander General Philip Breedlove revealed last month that the United States would be cutting its military spending in Europe by up to 20 percent next year, Europe did not react with the same concern it might have shown even a few years ago. That may be because a more strategic Europe is emerging after a prolonged period of soul-searching. Two countries in particular appear to be leading the way: France and Poland. READ MORE
A New Russia Policy for Germany
More than any other European state, Germany is responsible for developing and implementing the European Union’s (EU’s) policy toward Russia. Berlin needs to accept this responsibility, assume leadership, and develop a Russia policy fit for the twenty-first century. To succeed, Germans need to closely watch the evolution of the economic, social, and political situation in Russia and adapt their policy as necessary. The next several years in Russia will be interesting, and the next two decades will be decisive for the country’s development. READ MORE
Bulgaria Builds Fence on Border With Turkey
Bulgarian authorities say they are constructing a fence on a 30-kilometer (19-mile) stretch of the country's 274-kilometer (171-mile) border with Turkey in an effort to stop illegal immigration. READ MORE
