Erdogan, Trump and Putin share common traits, which undoubtedly feed their feelings of affinity toward one another. All three are diplomatically unorthodox populists who are outspoken in their views. All three are impulsive and equally disliked internationally. This, however, doesn’t portend a three-way match made in heaven. Read Here – Al-Monitor
President Tayyip Erdoğan announced his narrow win for the constitutional shift from a parliamentary to an executive system as a result of the April 16 referendum, representing a radical change in Turkey’s administrative regime. Read Here – Hurriyet Daily News
Turkey’s shift toward a more authoritarian system under Erdogan will no doubt elicit further condemnation from the European Union, but European powers also understand that they still need Turkey’s cooperation in containing migrant traffic and in keeping a check on Russia. Read Here – Stratfor
It has been many years since France last had a revolution, or even a serious attempt at reform. Stagnation, both political and economic, has been the hallmark of a country where little has changed for decades, even as power has rotated between the established parties of left and right. Until now. This year’s presidential election, […]
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced her intention to run for a fourth term. But it is unclear whether she is the right leader to confront the immense challenges facing the country. No less than liberal democracy is at stake. Read Here – Der Spiegel
Populist parties have been flourishing across Europe, and are already in power in Hungary and Poland, but a far-right resurgence in Germany is uniquely alarming, both because of its history—the postwar constitution was designed to curb populist influence—and because of its dominant position on the continent. Read Here – The New Yorker
A record 1.3 million migrants applied for asylum in the 28 member states of the European Union, Norway and Switzerland in 2015 – nearly double the previous high water mark of roughly 700,000 that was set in 1992 after the fall of the Iron Curtain and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Read Here – […]
The situation in Turkey brings a question back to the center for consideration: are Islam and Liberal Democracy compatible? For those who answer yes, the country in Asia Minor has long been a shining example that both these schools of thought and ways of life can coexist. But such an answer was muddled when the […]
A deep collective angst has taken Germany over ever since Angela Merkel decided to open the borders to over a million refugees last summer. The fervent optimism of the “refugees welcome” movement has long since faded, and now people are scared. Read Here – The Telegraph
China gaining market economy status is a cause for concern within the EU. Ultimately, though, it is for Europe and its WTO partners to ensure that this status comes as part of a negotiated deal to protect against unfair dumping practices. Read Here – EuropeanCEO
looking beyond borders 