Germany’s new coalition government is comprised of three very unequal partners. The SPD and the Greens campaigned for massive tax increases for the rich, while the FDP called for tax cuts for all. The result: nothing will change. The SPD and the Greens blocked tax cuts, the FDP blocked tax increases. Read More Here
Although the United States has long commanded the technological cutting edge, China is mounting a credible challenge in key areas. But, ultimately, the balance of power will be decided not by technological development but by diplomacy and strategic choices, both at home and abroad. Read More Here
Post-Biden-Xi summit diplomacy is a test of intentions. The only way to answer fundamental relationship questions is to put aside assumptions and pursue negotiations that will test intentions on the issues that created friction. This will necessarily be an incremental and protracted process. Read More Here
After the Sixth Plenum, Xi Jinping’s “Historical Resolution” makes it clear that he views the telling of Chinese Communist Party history as a tool of regime survival—to succeed where Moscow failed. Read More Here
While U.S.-Russian relations continue to deteriorate in many spheres, the Arctic provides an arena for possible cooperation. In particular, Russian wariness of China’s Arctic ambitions could provide novel opportunities for warming ties between Moscow and Washington. Read More Here
Bangladesh’s motivations are less about growing fondness for China, however, and more about geopolitical realities in South Asia and long-term dissatisfaction with India. Read More Here
A dominant public narrative has been created in the United States and much of Europe that Russia is a “revisionist” power, seeking to overthrow the existing status quo, but in the greater Middle East it is in fact the United States that has acted as a disruptor of the existing status quo. Read More Here
China’s ultimate goal is to win any war without fighting a major battle by making any potential counter-intervention by the US on behalf of Taiwan too costly to bear. As one Chinese military insider put it, “The ultimate goal…is not to take action but [instead] to deter foreign forces’ attempts to intervene in the Taiwan issue.” […]
Germany’s new ruling coalition has advanced a much-needed vision for the country, but realizing it will depend largely on its party leaders’ political skill. If the coalition fails, Germany will risk reverting to its old habit of doing too little too late – an outcome that would jeopardize its position in Europe and the world. […]
The logic of India’s geography is coming back into view: Even a cursory look at a map suggests the subcontinent’s natural salience for both East Asia and the Middle East. Read More Here
looking beyond borders 