Is Jair Bolsonaro a threat to democracy?

Do you think that Jair Bolsonaro is a threat to Brazilian democracy, as many his critics  claim, or not, and why? What will be his political focus internationally, will his victory, maybe indirectly, contribute to the rise of global authoritarianism, as some observers point out? Read few comments.

Brazil’s president-elect Jair Bolsonaro. Credit: https://www.bolsonaro.com.br/s

What does Czechoslovakia mean for the West?

Do you think there is some message of Czechoslovakia that was established in 1918 that still resonates in the West, means beyond Czech and Slovak Republic? Read few comments. (Of course, we just witnessed some high profile Western visits in the region, and every Embassy is celebrating 100 years of Czechoslovakia and 25 years of diplomatic relations with Czechia and Slovakia).

Credit: Andrej Matišák

What to expect in the post-Merkel era?

As Chancellor Angela Merkel is ready to step down in 2021, what does it mean for German politics, and what for European politics? Read few comments.

Chancellor Angela Merkel. Credit: https://www.bundeskanzlerin.de

Divided States of America?

As somebody is sending explosive devices to politicians and public figures, what effect it might have on American politics? Another step towards political civil war, if I can use this phrase, or an opportunity to calm down the situation? Read few comments.

Trump’s INF withdrawal move: Unwise mistake which might translate into a more chaotic situation

What would the US out of the INF Treaty mean for European, transatlantic security, what what be your biggest concern here? Read few comments.

ASEM: What connects and what divides Europe and Asia

The upcoming 12th ASEM will focus on the theme Europe and Asia: Global Partners for Global Challenges. While ASEM forum is probably too broad to achieve something substantial, in general, what challenges connect Europe and Asia these days, and what does divide Europe and Asia? Read few comments.

What has changed in the EU migration debate?

At the EU summit in June leaders agreed on exploring a concept of regional disembarkation platforms outside of the EU and controlled centres set up in Member States. On Thursday EU summit should discuss the issue of migration and there will be a report on progress. But what progress from June, it seems MSs are not very keen on implementing June’s conclusions. Would you say that something has changed in the EU regarding the migration debate? Read few comments.

Brexit: So far PM Theresa May has survived astonishingly well

How serious challenge is PM Theresa May facing from the own party regarding Brexit,, is the Conservative party somehow imploding under the burden of Brexit? Read few comments.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s speech at the 2018 Munich Security Conference. Credit: https://www.gov.uk/

This week it is crunch time for the Brexit negotiations

This is a summary of the Brexit negotiations by BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg: PM May’s party won’t accept a proposal to keep the UK essentially in the customs union. Parliament is likely to block no deal. The EU won’t accept her Chequers plan. Sounds as a good summary to me. But how do you see the situation, what kind of Brexit are we going to get? Read few comments.

Jamal Khashoggi: How will/can Saudi Arabia react on possible sanctions?

Saudi Arabia says it will respond to any outside sanction regarding the case of Jamal Khashoggi with the bigger action, Saudi media warns the US that with eventual sanctions it will stab itself to death and many Gulf and Arab countries supported Riyadh. But countries like the UK, France, Germany ask for answers regarding the fate of Mr. Khashoggi. Where could this lead, do you think a crisis with some global consequences is brewing, or do you see this less dramatically, and why?