Europe’s understanding of China remains overly ideological, lacking a deep and rational grasp of China’s social transformation, governance logic, and evolving international role. The future trajectory of China–Europe relations will depend on three key dynamics: Europe’s internal political evolution, the spillover effects of U.S. policies, and China’s strategic adaptability.
In recent decades the conflict landscape appears to have changed markedly. Geopolitics are back; there has been an uptick in intra- and inter-state conflicts; there are more and more proxy wars and armed non-state actors; and the multilateral system is less integral to peacemaking efforts than it once was. What does this say about the practice of mediation – is it an outdated tool? Or does it merely need rethinking and refining to make it fit for purpose?
This podcast episode explores the events of July 2025, when Ukraine swiftly passed a law that—under the guise of addressing the issue of missing persons during wartime—introduced far-reaching changes to the country’s anti-corruption framework. The podcast discusses how these amendments undermined the independence of Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption agencies and threatened more than a decade of anti-corruption progress.
In this interview with Dr Brian Wong, former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Djoomart Otorbaev talked about Central Asia’s rise as a popular destination for investment from global and regional powers and the challenges it faces. He emphasized that Central Asia wants to be friend with everyone, and won’t take sides in geopolitical conflicts.The mineral-rich region wants to be competitive, not only for its natural resources, but also human resources and innovation.
Book reviews from Dr Sarah Nason at Bangor University and Professor Francesco Bilancia at Sapienza, University of Rome
Tiny Georgia is a crucible of East-West and regional tensions. In the months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine the US and European governments pressed Georgia to open a second front against Russia. When the government refused, western sources denigrated it as “pro Russia”, and several leaders became subject to sanctions. What lay behind the western pressure and the Georgian government’s response?
