Western Europe
United Kingdom Foreign Minister Echoes the Need for a Ceasefire in Lebanon
In a joint statement on Sept. 29, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy reaffirmed their countries commitment to Israel’s security while simultaneously calling for the promotion of peace and security in the Middle East.
Mark Rutte's First Week as Secretary General of NATO
Mark Rutte officially took office as Secretary General of NATO on Oct. 1, 2024, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg at the organization’s headquarters in Brussels.
Hungary Fined for Breaking Migrant Laws: The Implications for Isolationism and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in Europe
The ongoing tension between Hungary and the European Union (EU) regarding immigration laws has reached a critical juncture. Hungary has faced increasing scrutiny for its inhumane treatment of migrants and the unlawful detention of asylum seekers.
The New French Interior Minister’s Conservative Ideologies Sparks Concern for the Country’s Future
Bruno Retailleau, a prominent figure in French politics and longstanding member of The Republicans party, was recently appointed as France’s newest Interior Minister on Sept. 21, 2024.
Sanctions or Suffering: Europe's Syrian Dilemma at the UN Security Council
On Sept. 20, the UN Security Council convened during the kick-off of the United Nations’ high-level Week. Political representatives discussed the political future of Syria, drawing the world’s eyes once again to this persistent crisis. Yet, the meeting underscored more than just concern for Syria’s wellbeing.
ASML Sales Display State of Global Microchip Race
On Nov. 8, Dutch Company ASML reported a shipment increase of 29.5 percent in October year on year to PRC-based companies and the PRC itself. ASML is responsible for creating the machinery required to create the world's most advanced microchips.
Europe’s New Threat Within its Most Beneficiary Policies
On Sept. 6th 2023, Spain, which will hold the European Union’s presidency until this December, took a major step in restructuring the bloc’s electricity market.
West Europe & Israel: Patterns in Individualism
The conflict between Hamas and Israel has captured the attention of the world, from Copenhagen to Cartajena protests of support or condemnation for one side or another are continuously thrown. From the IR perspective, though, it is certainly well to step back to see the wider picture of how the individual reactions of individual nations lend to a picture of the wider whole.
The "New German Speed"
As the war in Ukraine progresses and an economic recession looms, EU nations have been forced to reinvent their economic models in order to cut their dependence on authoritarian regimes and dim the effects of the climate crisis.
The EU's New Migrant Crisis
The international community has been aware of the migrant crisis in Europe for a decade.
Finland First: Sweden still seeks a path to NATO Membership
On March 17th, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave Finnish President Sauli Niinisto the green light to apply for NATO membership, signaling a shift in Erdogan's policy.
Italy’s Fight Against Russian Aggression, on Two Fronts
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussed the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Two Women Are Now Italy’s Most Powerful Politicians
After winning a primary vote on Feb. 27, Elena Ethel "Elly" Schlein was elected the leader of Partito Democratico (the Democratic Party of Italy), or PD.
United Kingdom and European Union Strike New Deal regarding Ireland
The European Union and United Kingdom reached a historic deal on Monday regarding post-Brexit legal issues.
German Parliament to Vote on Purchase of F-35 Fighter Jets
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, the German Parliament announced its intent to vote on the proposed plan to set aside €10 billion (or $10.5 billion) to purchase the F-35 stealth fighter jets from American company Lockheed Martin.
UK-China Tensions Rise as BBC Journalist is Arrested During Protests
Nov. 27, 2022, BBC journalist Edward Lawrence was arrested whilst covering protests against coronavirus lockdowns in Shanghai, China.
EU Sparks Debates at COP27 Over Loss and Damage Fund
Global climate talks at the COP27 conference in Egypt have dragged on as countries continue to debate the best way to help nations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
The UK Awaits as Sunak and Hunt Announce their Economic Plan for the Country
On Nov. 17, 2022, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt will announce the government’s new spending plan.
Lisbon Climate Protests Intensify in the Midst of the COP27 Conference
On Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022 climate protesters organized in the streets of Lisbon, Portugal and stormed the building where Antonio Costa Silva, Portugal’s Economy Minister, was speaking.
Sweden and Finland Unlikely to Join NATO Soon
What was expected to be a smooth transition into NATO has turned into a long-winded diplomatic negotiation as Sweden and Finland face difficulties joining the organization due to Turkey’s persistent opposition.