All Europe
- In Russia, getting arrested isn’t personal. It’s just business.
The vicious nature of Russia’s business world is usually hidden. But the arrest of a US investment firm founder has drawn back the curtain on how cutthroat and corrupt the Russian business environment can be.
- First LookFar-right election gains complicate Estonia coalition talks
A surge of support for an anti-immigrant and nationalist party in Estonia's general election will likely upend the typical governing coalition, continuing the trend of far-right parties gaining popularity and power in countries across Europe.
- The ExplainerWhy protests are roiling Serbia anew, 20 years after Milošević
In the ex-Yugoslav state, threats mount to press freedom and political dissent. The ongoing “1 of 5 million” protests nationwide signal to the government that Serbs have had enough.
- First LookBrexit uncertainty pushes 'preppers' to stockpile seeds, goods
Britain is scheduled to leave the EU in less than a month, but its departure terms are still unknown, turning easygoing Brits into “preppers” who are stockpiling vegetable seeds and other goods in anticipation of potential trade disruptions.
- Specter of new arms race has Russia recalling Soviets’ fate
With new weapons development and the end of the INF treaty, a new nuclear arms race seems all too possible to Russians. Lessons from the last one, which ended in the USSR’s collapse, may prove critical.
- Reading, writing, and…Rousseau? Why Philosophy 101 starts young in France
The idea that philosophy is a suitable subject for children is a hard sell. But in France, where educators recognize the value of helping children understand a complex world, the practice is catching on.
- First LookBritish PM says Parliament will get to decide between no deal and delay
With barely a month to go before Britain is due to leave the European Union, Prime Minister Theresa May told lawmakers that if her deal with the EU is defeated, they will then be able to vote on whether to leave the bloc without an agreement.
- Back out in the open, Europe’s anti-Semitism kindles new response
Public figures harassed and cemeteries defaced in France. MPs in Britain abandoning a party they say is ignoring hatred against Jews. Old libels given new life by the far right. Why is anti-Semitism growing bolder?
- When Putin goes, will Putinism persist? Russians debate.
When the Kremlin’s ex-chief ideologist speaks, people listen. Last week, he said that the governmental structure that Putin built would outlive the man who built it. Now Russians are arguing over what “Putinism” is.
- First LookThousands flood streets in France to decry recent anti-Semitic acts
After a recent slew of anti-Semitic attacks, thousands of people across France rallied against the bigotry. France is home to the world's third-largest Jewish population, but anti-Semitic hate crimes have increased in recent years.
- First LookPutin: US missiles in Europe will be met with 'equivalent weapons'
Speaking at his state-of-the-nation address, Russian President Vladimir Putin rebuked the United States for its plans to place new missiles in Europe. He suggested Moscow would retaliate, adding new pressures to already tense relations between the US and Russia.
- Cover StoryPeaceful revolutionary: Can Armenia’s prisoner-turned-prime minister govern?
The journalist, revolutionary, and opposition leader became prime minister last May. Now he faces his hardest task yet: governing.
- First LookAfter failed budget, Spain calls early election
After Spain's minority Socialist government was defeated in a budget vote in Parliament, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called an early election for Apr. 28. In the country's fragmented political environment, forming a new government will be challenging for any party.
- First LookItaly's leaders spar over high-speed rail project
The future of Italy’s coalition government rests upon the completion of a high-speed rail tunnel to France, as the two factions use the project to determine the country's governing ethos: populism or pro-business?
- Baffled by Brexit? You’re not alone.
- First LookGermany mulls tougher rules on telecom suppliers to control Huawei risks
Germany's Interior Minister Horst Seehofer has expressed support for reforming the country's telecommunications law, rather than an outright ban, to counter the risks posed by Huawei, the Chinese mobile network equipment giant.
- Macron asks a restive France: What would you like to change?
Even in the best of times, many in France feel their government isn’t listening to them, and today that is especially true. Can a “national debate” counteract their malaise, or will it feed into skepticism?
- First LookSpain's highest court faces big test in Catalan separatists' trial
This week, Spain's Supreme Court will put on trial a dozen Catalan separatists who led a failed independence referendum in 2017. The court's decision could play an outsized role in Spain's future, as Catalonians remain divided by the secession question.
- Out of the shadows: Historical female artists finally shine
A cursory look through art history may suggest that women have not played a significant role. New research shows otherwise, but doing justice to forgotten female artists requires more than identifying them.
- First LookNew Start treaty between US and Russia set to expire
Not even a week after the United States ended a treaty with Russia limiting nuclear-warhead proliferation, a Russian official suggests that another de-escalation pact is in danger of dissolution if the US doesn't engage soon with talks before the 2021 expiration date.