All Europe
- First LookTrial for former concentration camp guard begins in Germany
The trial of a former SS official began on Nov. 6, charging the now 94-year-old man with accessory to murder for serving as a guard at the Nazi Stutthof concentration camp for two years. Because he was under 21 at the time of his crimes, he is being tried in a juvenile court.
- Germany's political middle falls apart. Will Europe's center hold?
For several years, voters across Europe have been breaking with familiar centrists in favor of often radical newcomers. Germans had resisted the phenomenon – until now. And that could shake the continent up.
- First LookBritain's poor to see little change with the 'end of austerity'
Britain's Treasury chief has announced an end to austerity, and with it billions of pounds have been newly designated for health services, transportation, and small businesses as the nation prepares for Brexit. But those who provide for the poor see a different story.
- First LookMerkel to step down as party leader, promises last term as chancellor
Setbacks for Chancellor Merkel's party in Hesse regional elections has led her to publicly begin the process of choosing new leadership for Germany's Christian Democrats (CDU), as the far right makes gains.
- Russia wrestles with a US-style school massacre in Crimea
The Russian public reaction to Wednesday’s massacre by a lone shooter at a school in Kerch, in the Russian-annexed Republic of Crimea, will look hauntingly familiar to Americans.
- First LookDisagreement over Northern Ireland could prolong Brexit, angering many in UK
At the EU summit in Brussels, Prime Minister May suggested the UK could remain in the EU's trade bloc months after Brexit. The prolonged delay over finalizing the deal has been met with skepticism across Britain's political spectrum as the March exit draws near.
- Russia's once shadowy spies cast into the light. Why now?
If a growing body of reports are to be believed, the GRU has been caught red-handed carrying out a range of reckless and aggressive operations against Ukrainian and Western targets. The scandal has directly touched the Kremlin.
- First LookAt a Brexit summit, EU leaders search for solutions – slowly
European Union leaders met with British Prime Minister Theresa May in Brussels on Wednesday to continue Brexit negotiations. After a failure to address border concerns between Ireland and Northern Ireland, a new sense of "non-urgency" has taken hold among leaders.
- Migration roils global politics, even as it ebbs
Never before have so many people – 70 million – been forcibly displaced from their homes. Millions more have chosen to leave in search of a better life. And traditional politics have been thrown into disarray. Part 1 of On the Move: the faces, places, and politics of migration.
- First LookIceland seeks closure 10 years after financial crash
Ten years ago, the Icelandic krona lost almost half of its value overnight after the collapse of Iceland's three major commercial banks. The final prosecution of financial officials deemed responsible began this month with more than 30 people sentenced to a combined 99 years of prison.
- An end to the dollar's global hegemony? The Kremlin sees an opportunity.
The dollar has long been the world's reserve currency. But some countries, angered by sanctions, are challenging that status, potentially undermining one of the US's most influential tools for shaping global policy.
- First LookRussia quietly expands influence in Balkans, exacerbating sectarian tension
Milorad Dodik won the Serb seat in Bosnia's three-member presidency last weekend after he appeared in footage alongside President Vladimir Putin. Analysts point to Russia's rising influence among Bosnian Serbs and efforts to undermine Western policies of Balkan integration.
- First LookWeekend election to suggest the future of nationalism in Bosnia
In the lead up to Bosnia's Oct. 7 election, nationalist politics have dominated the discussion, with a pro-Russian Serb nationalist running for the country's three-member presidency. Across positions, many campaigns have focused on post-war ethnic tensions, rather than comprehensive reforms.
- As Russia courts India, help from a surprising corner: US sanctions
From challenges come opportunity? That may well be President Vladimir Putin's mantra in New Delhi as he seeks to reinsert Russia into India’s diversified portfolio of relationships.
- First LookParis plans zero-carbon future with first 'eco neighborhood'
The City of Lights has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050. To that end, it has renovated a former industrial wasteland into an "environmentally responsible" neighborhood while still remaining affordable. Could it become a model for other cities?
- First LookGermany reaches out to US public as relations strain
President Trump's combative foreign policy against long-standing American allies has led Germany to spearhead a hearts-and-minds campaign directly to the American people called Wunderbar Together to celebrate Germany's cultural contributions.
- First LookOne year after vote, Catalan separatists demand action
On Oct. 1, hundreds of Catalan activists blocked roads, occupied railway tracks, and protested outside of the Spanish delegation's local headquarters. The activists continue to demand independence from Spain one year after a divisive referendum vote took place.
- Macedonians vote on their country's name. Will they follow heart or head?
This Sunday, a referendum will decide whether to ditch the country's wordy official name for the more concise “North Macedonia.” It could be the key to unlocking access to the European Union and NATO.
- One reporter's fascination with Siberia leaves readers asking for more
As a subscriber you’ve probably seen plenty of our Moscow Bureau Chief Fred Weir’s stories probing the geopolitical storms swirling out of Moscow. But we were all recently reminded how Fred’s 30-plus years of living in Russia have blessed him with a curiosity that can take you beyond the news cycle and into everyday Russia. One in a series of monthly profiles of Monitor journalists.
- With new missile defense for Syria, Russia shifts its relationship with Israel
Despite working closely with Israel's traditional enemies, Syria and Iran, during Syria's civil war, Russia has managed to maintain a good relationship with Israel. But it could be about to sour.