Posts From Alexander Brotman
Hungary: Coronavirus and Orban’s Power Play
For Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban, the coronavirus pandemic is another opportunity to pursue his approach of power politics in a democracy, that is increasingly at odds with the EU’s values.
Rise of Sinn Fein: Prospect of a United Ireland
The surprisingly strong showing of Sinn Fein, the left-leaning Irish republican party is yet another profound political development for the British Isles in the period since Brexit.
Malta: Challenges for the new Prime Minister
Malta elected a new prime minister in January, Robert Abela of the Labour Party, and he has a daunting task ahead in trying to unify the country and uphold the rule of law.
Italy after the European Parliament Elections: the Populists prevail
Despite gains in France, the UK and other nations, Italy remains the sole EU member state to have a populist governing coalition after the EU Parliament elections. What does this mean for the future of Italy-Brussels relations and key policy debates likely to emerge in the next session?
Where do the Yellow Vests stand?
More violence has broken out in France over President Macron’s proposed reforms. Will the Yellow Vests movement fade or is the unrest set to continue? Much depends on Macron’s image and the movement he is able to put together.
The Ongoing US Entanglement with Saudi Arabia over Yemen
President Trump’s veto over the Saudi-led war in Yemen represents a sharp divide between Congress and the White House over US foreign policy. This is unlikely to be the last time this divide occurs, raising questions over US leadership and its commitment to human rights.
Viktor Orbán and risks of suspension from European Parliament
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party was suspended with immediate effect in March from the EPP centre-right bloc in the European Parliament. Brussels is taking a stand, but what are the risks to relations between the EU and newer member states like Hungary?
Brexit effect on security in the UK
The downstream effects of Brexit, and particularly a no-deal Brexit, have harrowing consequences for the safety of Britons. If there is no deal on 29 March, the UK’s counterterrorism and policing operations risk being significantly burdened by borders and hindered by restrictions on intelligence sharing.
The risks of American military involvement in Venezuela
The world got a glimpse of National Security Advisor John Bolton’s notepad at a White House briefing this week, and it said ‘5,000 troops to Colombia.’ Is this a viable strategy to help ensure stability in Venezuela? What are the risks of the US military becoming involved in another Latin American nation where memories are still rife with US interference? Will it cause conflict with Russia?
US troops withdrawal from Syria and the threat of Islamic State
President Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria has infuriated allies and strengthened adversaries on the ground. This has allowed Turkey to potentially eliminate a key Kurdish fighting force. This article assesses who stands to win and lose from this decision and the long-term impact for relations in the Middle East.
