Category: Europe

Alternating flags of China and Russia displayed at a summit.

Xi and Putin Unite Against Golden Dome at Beijing Summit

This analysis explores the strategic consolidation between Moscow and Beijing during the recent Beijing summit, where both leaders condemned the U.S. “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative. As energy ties deepen—driven by the disruptions of the ongoing Iran war—we examine how this anti-hegemonic alignment seeks to reshape the global security architecture while highlighting the growing structural asymmetry of the Russia-China relationship.

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Vladimir Putin speaking at a podium with Russian and Chinese flags in the background.

Why US Pressure Keeps Pushing Moscow and Beijing Closer

This analysis explores the resilience of the Sino-Russian partnership, arguing that Western pressure has inadvertently solidified their cooperation. By examining the shift from ideological alignment to a partnership built on shared threats—and analyzing the failure of recent U.S. “wedge strategies”—we highlight why Moscow and Beijing view their collaboration as an indispensable strategic necessity, even amidst growing economic asymmetries and localized frictions.

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Small desktop flags of Russia and China standing crossed against a soft, light-colored background.

Putin’s 25th Visit to China Tests Beijing’s Balancing Act

This article analyzes Vladimir Putin’s 25th presidential visit to China, arriving immediately after Donald Trump’s departure from Beijing. While the leaders target energy deals like the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, the summit highlights China’s strategic tightrope walk as an indispensable power broker managing ties with both Washington and Moscow.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping speaking at a podium during the Beijing Summit with a prominent orange background displaying Beijing China.

Beijing’s Double Summit Rewrites the Power Triangle

This analysis explores the geopolitical significance of Xi Jinping hosting the American and Russian presidents back-to-back in Beijing. Breaking from historical Cold War dynamics, China now occupies the center of this unequal power triangle, balancing massive Western commercial ties with an existential energy partnership with a sanctioned, anxious Moscow.

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A stylized graphic for an article. It features a grayscale cutout of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on the left and a younger man in a traditional-style jacket gesturing on the right. The background is a textured representation of the Hungarian national flag.

Iran War Accelerates Multipolar World Order

The recent confrontation involving Iran marks a turning point in global geopolitics, accelerating the transition toward a multipolar order. This analysis explores how strained transatlantic ties, the rise of non-Western economic networks, and new metrics of technological strength are redefining influence, proving that unilateral action faces increasing limits in 2026.

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A grayscale collage of Viktor Orbán and another political figure against the red, white, and green colors of the Hungarian flag.

European Votes Test Populist Staying Power

This analysis explores the recent electoral shifts in Britain and Hungary, highlighting the governance challenges facing populist movements. While outsider appeals can win elections, sustaining power requires delivering on economic stewardship and institutional integrity. As US conservatives look toward upcoming midterms, these European results serve as a vital warning.

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Close-up portrait of Keir Starmer looking downward with a serious expression.

Left Unity Emerges as Antidote to Farage Threat

The UK’s recent local elections have delivered a major blow to Keir Starmer’s leadership, with voters defecting to the Greens and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Driven by discontent over domestic austerity and the government’s stance on Gaza, this electoral fragmentation suggests that only a unified progressive coalition can counter the rising populist right.

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Vladimir Putin walking past a line of Russian military guards in uniform.

Trump’s America Foils Putin’s Global Strategy

The return of Donald Trump has disrupted Vladimir Putin’s long-term global strategy by devaluing the international institutions where Russia holds formal power. As Washington pivots to parallel mechanisms and unilateral action, Moscow finds its traditional diplomatic leverage weakened, forcing the Kremlin to recalibrate its influence amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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Karaganov’s Nuclear Gambit: Russia’s Hawkish Voice Grows Louder

Sergey Karaganov is intensifying his call for a radical overhaul of Russia’s nuclear strategy following the expiration of the New START treaty. His May 2026 proposals advocate for offensive deterrence, resumed nuclear testing, and targeting European centers, reflecting a dangerous shift in Moscow’s rhetoric toward global escalation and strategic compellence.

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Portrait montage of world leaders Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Donald Trump.

Why Grand Bargains Elude Washington, Beijing and Moscow

High-level summits in Beijing between leaders of the U.S., China, and Russia highlight a new era of strategic distrust. As interdependence fades, these powers are prioritizing economic resilience and flexible, time-limited understandings over comprehensive global accords. This shift reflects a broader trend toward a fragmented, multipolar world defined by competition rather than shared rules.

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Split screen showing Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump both speaking on landline telephones.

Putin-Trump Talks Chart Path Beyond Ukraine Stalemate

Recent high-level discussions between President Trump and Vladimir Putin suggest a pivot beyond the Ukraine stalemate. Building on the 2025 Anchorage Summit, the leaders are exploring limited cooperation on Iranian enrichment and energy markets. This evolving dialogue signals a shift toward pragmatism, as both capitals navigate a complex multipolar landscape.

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Ursula von der Leyen and Isaac Herzog walking together at the European Commission building in Brussels.

Europe’s Israel Policy Faces Public Reckoning

European nations are facing a significant public reckoning regarding their Israel policies. As favorable views reach single digits in several countries, a massive citizens’ petition has forced EU leaders to debate the suspension of the Israel Association Agreement, exposing a deepening divide between government diplomacy and public sentiment.

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