The German Marshall Fund of the United States is a non-partisan American public policy and grantmaking institution dedicated to promoting better understanding and cooperation between North America and Europe on transatlantic and global issues. This blog is written by GMF experts and examines current world issues and their effects on Europe and North America. All posts in this blog are copyrighted to the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
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Mon, 07/01/2013 - 11:45

Obama’s Berlin Speech Delivered the Right Message

Fifty years after John F. Kennedy made his iconic Berlin speech — with its famous line of “Ich bin ein Berliner” — the parallels to the one delivered by his successor Barack Obama last week are unavoidable.
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Thu, 01/17/2013 - 10:52

Prolonging Assad’s Downfall in Syria Risks Regional Spillover

A dire outcome for Syria and the region are a certainty if the U.S. and Europe continue to wait the crisis out.
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Fri, 12/07/2012 - 13:41

Spain’s Growing Catalan Conundrum

While Catalan nationalists have temporarily been denied a clear figurehead to drive their cause boldly forward, the wind is not entirely out of their sails.
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Mon, 12/03/2012 - 14:22

A U.S. Air Force Detachment in Poland Presents a Strategic Opportunity

At a time when Central Europe has grown skeptical of Washington’s priorities, this new development is a clear signal of the United States’ strategic intent.
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Fri, 11/30/2012 - 11:28

Could Syria Be a Test of France’s Reemergence?

The only way for France to reappear on the global scene seems to be by spearheading efforts to recognize newly formed governments emerging from the Arab Spring.
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Thu, 11/22/2012 - 10:41

A New Moment of Opportunity for al Qaeda?

Zawahiri’s previous statements on the Arab Spring had been seemingly detached from the actual challenges facing Arab societies. His lastest communication, however, is concise, and seeks to imbue his organization with new initiative.
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Wed, 11/14/2012 - 12:13

Youths, Immigrants, and Outsiders are Southern Europe’s Best Hopes

Unemployed youth, immigrants, and societies that are either outside the EU should be at the front of a strategy for Southern Europe’s renaissance. These groups have the motivation to innovate and create new opportunities for growth in the region.
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Fri, 07/27/2012 - 10:24

International Terrorism Comes to Bulgaria

In the wake of a recent suicide bombing in Sofia, Israeli PM Netanyahu immediately cast blame on Hezbollah. Yet Bulgarian authorities were hesitant to point the finger. Here's why.
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Wed, 07/25/2012 - 13:40

Why Reinhold Niebuhr Matters for Transatlantic Relations Today

Appreciating Niebuhr today helps guard us against imagining an idyllic era in transatlantic relations that in reality never was.
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Wed, 07/25/2012 - 11:07

As Spain Protests Austerity, Catalonia Pushes for Independence

As workers from throughout the country converge on Madrid for protests, a second, altogether different movement is gathering strength in Catalonia.
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Wed, 07/18/2012 - 10:45

Europe is Good for Greece, and Turkey, too

Although it is possible to argue that EU membership ruined Greece and non-membership saved Turkey, this conclusion is as incorrect as it is intriguing.
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Mon, 07/16/2012 - 09:02

Fixing Romania’s Broken Carousel

Romanian politics are like a merry-go-round — it can be amusing for a while, but it never really changes. Ever since 1990, the general atmosphere in Romania has been dominated by tension, confusion, anger, and frustration.
Fri, 07/13/2012 - 16:42

For Afghanistan, a Glimmer of Hope – and Further Complications

Afghanistan is under the spotlight again with the recent unfolding of three critical developments: US's apology over a fatal air strike, Hilary Clinton's Kabul visit and aid donations.
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Tue, 06/12/2012 - 10:20

Separatism in Northern Mali: Watch This Space

Mali is currently experiencing a disastrous civil war in which a group of rebel Tuareg fighters have declared a separate state in the north and are threatening to form a coalition with local Islamists. Is this collateral damage of the Arab Spring?
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Wed, 06/06/2012 - 10:08

Will Europe Turn Left?

Francois Hollande’s victory in France, state elections in Germany, and Greece’s political radicalization all signal a possibility for a revival of the left in Europe. A left-wing wave was anticipated with the beginning of the 2008 financial crisis.
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Fri, 06/01/2012 - 10:22

In Italy’s Local Elections, a Professor and a Comedian Have the Last Laugh

The biggest surprise of this round of elections was Five Star Movement's victory in Parma. Led by former comedian Beppe Grillo, the party has focused on advocating for green energy, environmental sustainability and criticizing the political elites.
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Thu, 05/24/2012 - 09:30

What Did We Learn in Chicago?

If nothing else, this past weekend’s gathering in Chicago of NATO Allies and partners demonstrated the type of political resolve and commitment that has been the core of the Alliance’s ability to keep its members secure for over 60 years.
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Mon, 05/21/2012 - 13:40

Showcase Chicago: The NATO Summit

Seasoned NATO observers know to expect few surprises during this year’s NATO summit. After an ambitious effort at Lisbon in 2010 ushered in NATO’s new strategic concept, Chicago was always meant to be more about implementation than big or new ideas.
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Tue, 05/15/2012 - 11:04

Labor Pains: Why the Transatlantic Jobs Crisis is Worse than it Appears

Two recent official reports have dampened the economic mood on both sides of the Atlantic: U.S. Department of Labor data shows the U.S. job market is slowing down, while the European Commission’s spring economic outlook predicts rising unemployment.
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Fri, 05/11/2012 - 12:01

Why Europe’s Votes are not a Rejection of Austerity

A “throw-the-bums-out” sentiment tends to predominate in countries with growing unemployment and shrinking economies. This is why voter volatility and anxiety might produce a change in personnel, but not always a dramatic shift in economic policy.
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