When Netflix and other US streaming companies arrived in Europe, governments feared the destruction of their local film industries. They shouldn’t have worried.
In-Depth Research & Analysis
Analysis & Commentary
Au Revoir Lupin: AVMS Squeezes European Streaming
Europe’s 2018 audiovisual directive required international streaming companies led by Netflix to expand local film production.
Storm Clouds Build Over Putin’s War
There can now be no doubt: Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has produced a durable “rally round the flag” effect. The rising tide of public sentiment, however, may be pushing the regime towards dangerous shoals.
Visa Bans: Help Our Russian Friends, Punish Our Enemies
Refusing entry to Russians may look like an appealing policy, but it could hurt the West’s friends and help its enemies.
Extreme Tourism+? Visit Ukraine
The situation in Western and Central Ukraine has for now stabilized; a trip to Kyiv provides those interested in international affairs with a unique opportunity.
Russia to the World — Get Lost
The Kremlin has blazed an extraordinary trail of self-destruction in its determination to extinguish Ukrainian statehood. Now it stands alone and unloved.
Ignore NATO’s Southern Flank at Your Peril
Ukraine’s fight for existence is naturally a key area of focus on NATO’s Eastern Flank. But the alliance must keep an eye on perils facing it on the Southern Flank too.
UK Drives Bumpy Tech Road Between EU and US
Britain wants to be a tech powerhouse, nimbler and less regulated than Europe but with stronger antitrust action than in the US.
Preparing the West for the Coming China Crisis
Democracies face a strategic competitor in China, which produces destructive technology at great speed and in large quantities. The West must rapidly rethink to stay ahead.
The Chinese Roots of Hybrid Warfare
It has been more than two decades since a little-noticed text foreshadowed China’s exceptionally broad approach to conflict with enemies, notably the West.
Tech Sanctions Against Russia Are Working
Western sanctions are crippling Russian industry, including its military producers. Russia will now try to use China, Iran, and India to fill the gap.
A Small City, its T-34, and the Empire of Putin
The Estonian city of Narva has been the scene of sieges and destruction throughout its long history. Now, an old Soviet war memorial is threatening new unrest.
Germany’s Zeitenwende: Be Patient, It’s Early Days
It is unsurprising that German efforts to reverse its foreign policy are a slow process. This is a huge undertaking — but it is happening.
Prisoner Swaps, Putin Style
The Russian leader delights in Cold War-style trades; expect more Westerners to be arrested as he forms a “bank” of people for future prisoner exchanges.
The West Has Forgotten How to Keep Secrets
Russian military planners now have access to a treasure trove of European data which can be used to circumvent Western defenses.
Russia Raises Stakes on the World’s Oceans
A new maritime strategy document signals Russia’s growing global ambitions and plans to claim areas previously regarded as international waters.
Anger Management
Thin-skinnedness is a sign of weakness
US Abortion Ruling Sparks Transatlantic Tech Tensions
The US Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade has sparked fears that tech companies will be forced to hand over data on women looking for abortions.
Chips Ahoy: New US Semiconductor Law Brings Welcome Relief
The US CHIPS and Science Act is smart, supporting national security and leveling the competitive playing field. It compliments European initiatives.
Tech Must Fight Terrorist Hate Speech
Tech platforms should combat the spread of extremist propaganda by terrorist groups, says Lucinda Creighton. Europe is leading the way in a crackdown.
Why Shouldn’t Ukraine Strike Back?
Russia gives itself the right to invade sovereign neighbors, while denying their legally established right to retaliate.
Hesitantly, Ukraine’s Grain Begins to Ship
All eyes are fixed on the Black Sea, where grain carriers offering some hope of easing the world’s food shortage are once again leaving Ukrainian ports.
Orbán Mixes it Up
The Hungarian populist leader is challenging the fundamentals of the European order in a time of war.
Eroding the Russian Imperium
Armenia and Turkey are signaling a willingness to normalize long-stalled bilateral ties. Obstacles remain, but there is reason for optimism.
Grains of Hope and Risk in the Black Sea
There are numerous barriers to be overcome before Ukrainian grain flows freely to world markets.
In-Depth Research
Chinese Influence in Latvia
Chinese malign influence efforts in Latvia so far have been relatively passive, focused mostly on building local networks and probing investments opportunities
Chinese Influence in Slovenia
China’s primary goal in Slovenia is to secure a comprehensive long-term political and security partnership with Ljubljana.
Chinese Influence in Estonia
China has traditionally been perceived as a remote, yet enormous international player with limited, if any, interest in Estonian affairs.
Chinese Influence in Lithuania
Chinese influence activities in Lithuania take place amid a gradual deterioration of the relationship since 2019 that became particularly acute in 2021.
Chinese Influence in Poland
Polish decision-makers have also grown weary of Chinese promises and Poland’s importance to the Chinese Communist Party’s influence operations in Europe is low.
Chinese Influence in Central and Eastern Europe
The Chinese Communist Party takes an opportunistic approach to Central and Eastern Europe. But success has been limited.
TRACKING TECH POLICY: Transatlantic Efforts To Regulate the Net
As technology shapes our societies, the transatlantic tech alliance is moving its regulatory agenda ahead to increase government oversight.
Divided Digital Europe: The Continent Connects at Different Speeds
The European Union’s digital decade is unfolding at different speeds across member states.
Digital Denmark: The Little Mermaid Wakes Up to Big Tech’s Risks
Denmark chooses to balance its pro-market tendencies while providing cautious support for regulations targeting US tech firms.
La France Numérique: Grandeur and Decadence
French digital policy produces undeniable tech success stories but its quest for digital independence creates tension within the EU.