Nearly every Western country has seen at least some democratic decline over the past years, and much of it is related to the steady mainstreaming of extremism. However, seeing the ghosts of the past rise to prominence in places like Germany and Austria is of particular concern.
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Elections in East Germany reveal how Russia’s war on Ukraine can be exploited for political gain. Rising domestic pressures fueled by societal discontent are becoming a risk for collective Western support for Kyiv.
Europe’s biggest economy is struggling to cope with a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. Chancellor Scholz has yet to provide the necessary leadership.
Optimists have faith that the EU will always pull through but crisis-fighting depends on choices made in Berlin.
Ahead of the European elections, much commentary has focused on how the far right's success could undermine the EU's fundamental values. But Europe's democratic challenge goes beyond containing the far right.
Despite embracing democracy, radical-right parties pose a significant challenge to the EU’s fundamental values. European leaders and institutions must address this challenge to safeguard democracy in the EU and ensure a more effective foreign policy.
Great power competition between the United States and both Russia and China, the return of war and nuclear threats to Europe, and the emergence of new technologies have created a turning point in Germany. In Berlin, policymakers are discussing potential adaptations to Germany's nuclear policies.
