China & Russia
The slow dance between Minsk and Brussels
10 April 2015
Buffeted by events in Ukraine, Belarus’s leaders are trying to balance their dependency on Moscow by enhancing ties with the EU. Brussels is responding.
Frozen: The politics and economics of sanctions against Russia
16 March 2015
Western sanctions are hurting Russia more than Europe. They will remain an essential tool to prevent a strong and aggressive Russia dominating its neighbours.
Reduced to rouble? An update on the Russian economy
24 February 2015
The Russian economy is heading for a long recession. Economic collapse, which could still occur, is not in the West's interests.
Russia's war in Ukraine: Is Minsk the end, or just the start?
13 February 2015
Putin was the winner in Minsk. Fighting in Ukraine is paused, not finished. Ukraine must reform faster, while the West adapts to confrontation with Russia.
Annual report 2014
02 February 2015
Charles Grant discusses three challenges facing the EU in 2015: the combined problems of Russia and Ukraine; the continuing fragility of the eurozone; and the growing risk of Brexit.
Iran nuclear talks: Patience is a virtue
13 November 2014
The EU and US should extend the nuclear negotiations with Iran. The falling oil price could pressure Tehran to compromise.
Ukraine, Russia and the EU
30 September 2014
So long as Ukraine’s state and economy remain weak, Russia may be tempted into making further incursions. The West must therefore help to strengthen the country.
No easy choices: Realpolitik in Mesopotamia
26 September 2014
To fight ISIS, the West will have to engage with its friends in the region, and its foes.
The challenge to the West: Restoring European deterrence
03 September 2014
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, deterrence in Europe has broken down. The EU and NATO must show resolve if they are to restore it.
Dealing with Russia: Law, jaw and war
08 August 2014
The EU should be ready to take more steps against Russia, and help defend Ukraine – but also talk directly to Putin to try to change his mind.
Three things for NATO to think about
29 July 2014
NATO’s summit in September should decide what to do, with whom and how. Russia’s new-style warfare in Ukraine should make the alliance think.
Issue 97 - 2014
29 July 2014
- An open letter to David Cameron, Charles Grant
- Three things for NATO to think about, Ian Bond
- The banking union alone cannot bring recovery, Christian Odendahl
A presence farther east: Can Europe play a strategic role in the Asia-Pacific region?
25 July 2014
Europe should increase its role to promote East Asian security. Its economic interests, transatlantic ties and relations with Asian partners are in jeopardy.
Russia's gas deal with China: Business is business
25 June 2014
Russia's gas deal with China helps Beijing more than Moscow. It should also encourage the EU to reduce its energy dependence on Russia.
Will Europe scratch Japan's back?
06 June 2014
Japan is drawing parallels between Russian and Chinese power politics. Tokyo supports European interests in Ukraine and elsewhere, but will Europe help Japan in its neighbourhood?
Issue 96 - 2014
06 June 2014
- Business as usual is not acceptable, Charles Grant
- The eurozone economy needs a kick-start, Christian Odendahl, Simon Tilford
- Will Europe scratch Japan's back?, Rem Korteweg
What is wrong with German foreign policy?
06 May 2014
Events in Ukraine give Germany a chance to lead EU foreign policy - if its own policy become less commercially-driven, and more strategic.
The EU and Russia: Uncommon spaces
16 April 2014
The House of Lords has published a report on the EU and Russia, incorporating recommendations from this 2014 policy brief - a good guide to a troubled relationship.
Russia is challenging the EU’s values and interests, above all in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. The Union has struggled...
Russia is challenging the EU’s values and interests, above all in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. The Union has struggled...
How to reduce dependence on Russian gas
10 April 2014
Europe should improve energy efficiency, develop all alternative gas sources, and expand renewable, CCS and nuclear energy. The foreign policy advantages would justify the cost.
Can the EU help Belarus to guard its independence?
03 April 2014
The annexation of Crimea has made Belarus nervous. It plans to join Russia's Eurasian Economic Union - but also hopes for closer ties to the EU.