China & Russia
Putin's last term: Taking the long view
23 January 2019
Putin has dominated Russia since 1999. He now faces many problems, including how to transfer power, if at all. The West should prepare for change – or for no change.
No shock in Russian election: But can Europe surprise Putin?
26 March 2018
After his re-election, the West is more likely to face Putin the aggressive nationalist than Putin the economic reformer. It should respond firmly.
Nord Stream 2: More hot air than gas?
12 January 2018
Some EU member-states see the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline as Russia’s latest anti-European weapon. But even if they are right, the threat can be mitigated.
The EU, the Eurasian Economic Union and One Belt, One Road: Can they work together?
16 March 2017
The EU, Russia's Eurasian Economic Union and China's One Belt, One Road initiative may become rival spheres of influence. But could they complement each other instead?
Contested space: Eastern Europe between Russia and the EU
09 March 2017
The EU's Eastern Partners are caught between the West, which excludes them from its organisations, and Russia, which tries to force them into its orbit.
Russia, the West and Eastern Europe: Lenin's long shadow
26 January 2017
Russia's neighbours in Eastern Europe are dogged by their Soviet legacy. Both Russia and the West need better strategies to deal with Europe's contested spaces.
Russia and China: Partners of choice and necessity?
08 December 2016
Russia and China are not natural allies. Western policy should reflect their different interests, not drive them together. China may be the easier one to accommodate.
Europe and its South China Sea dilemma
19 September 2016
Few issues in today's international politics are as thorny as the disputes in the South China Sea. A recent international ruling complicates matters further. Europe's response has been too weak.
China's European charm offensive: Silk Road or Silk Rope?
27 November 2015
China is building closer relations with European countries, offering investments to all. EU member-states should welcome China’s contribution, without abandoning European values and interests.
Chasing the dragon: Russia's courtship of China
04 August 2015
Russia wants the West to fear a Moscow-Beijing axis. But China sees Russia as a route to Europe, not a destination in itself.
The Riga Summit: Enter, pursued by a bear
18 May 2015
The future of the EU’s Eastern Partnership is uncertain. Though it is under pressure from Russian hostility and EU apathy, it can and should be saved.
The insoluble Syrian problem: Only wrong answers?
29 September 2015
No-one, including Putin, has a peace plan for Syria. The EU should stop pursuing unrealistic military and political aims and focus on helping the war’s victims.
The battle for reform in Kyiv
16 September 2015
The government in Kyiv has introduced some important reforms. But vested interests and corruption are thwarting its efforts to modernise the state and the economy.
Don't mention Beijing: The EU and Asia's maritime security
27 May 2015
With tensions rising in the South China Sea, Europe should intensify its dialogue with south-east Asia about maritime security.
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.
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...
EU-Russia relations: Partnership on ice?
27 January 2014
The EU and Russia hold too many unproductive summits. The EU should defend its interests, instead of pretending that it has a partnership with Russia.
Is Putin going soft?
16 October 2013
Vladimir Putin seems to be opening up Russia’s political system, a little. But his hard-line tactics in Russia’s neighbourhood are failing to win friends.