This week we are pleased to introduce our brand new issue of China Trends. As 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between China and Japan, we take this opportunity to dive into how China considers Japan’s foreign and security policy developments. Over to South America, where agriculture giant Brazil nervously eyes Ukraine. The second installment of our Beyond the West series focuses on Brazil’s notable neutrality after the Russian invasion. It all boils down to a crucial Russian-exported commodity: fertilizers.

We open this week by diving into French foreign policy. France’s approach towards Ukraine stood out among Western allies. What lies ahead for Macron? Our fresh take on France’s policy options amidst a changing world order. While France is at a crossroad, Germany has already proclaimed a new foreign policy era. Three month after Chancellor Scholz’s historic U-turn, Berlin is still erring on the side of caution. The complexity and multifacetedness of the ‘Zeitenwende’ should not be overlooked - which precisely is why we decode it for you.

We open this week by diving into French foreign policy. France’s approach towards Ukraine stood out among Western allies. What lies ahead for Macron? Our fresh take on France’s policy options amidst a changing world order. While France is at a crossroad, Germany has already proclaimed a new foreign policy era. Three month after Chancellor Scholz’s historic U-turn, Berlin is still erring on the side of caution. The complexity and multifacetedness of the ‘Zeitenwende’ should not be overlooked - which precisely is why we decode it for you.

Two presidential speeches were given on May 9, otherwise known as Victory Day. Both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy drew parallels between the past and present wars. But while Putin accused the West of “rewriting history” against the looming backdrop of the Red Square Parade, Zelenskiy simply urged his allies to continue “fighting for our freedom”. As Sweden and Finland stand poised to apply for NATO membership, will they abandon their neutrality policy and heed to Zelenskiy’s call?

Two presidential speeches were given on May 9, otherwise known as Victory Day. Both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy drew parallels between the past and present wars. But while Putin accused the West of “rewriting history” against the looming backdrop of the Red Square Parade, Zelenskiy simply urged his allies to continue “fighting for our freedom”. As Sweden and Finland stand poised to apply for NATO membership, will they abandon their neutrality policy and heed to Zelenskiy’s call?

Two presidential speeches were given on May 9, otherwise known as Victory Day. Both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy drew parallels between the past and present wars. But while Putin accused the West of “rewriting history” against the looming backdrop of the Red Square Parade, Zelenskiy simply urged his allies to continue “fighting for our freedom”. As Sweden and Finland stand poised to apply for NATO membership, will they abandon their neutrality policy and heed to Zelenskiy’s call?

This week, we zoom in on France and examine its housing policy to better understand the various hurdles this sector has faced over the years. We then turn to drug legalization - a thorny issue - to assess courses of action for an effective drug policy. We head far out, leaving orbit to delve into space matters, in light of Russia’s recent anti-satellite test and its geopolitical repercussions. Back to Earth where we close it off by analyzing the relationship between gender and populist parties’ electoral traction.

We cover a diverse array of insights this week. India and Europe have been drawing closer, a rapprochement which appears to be dictated by a common China stance. In Europe, the banking sector profitability has come under significant pressure, leaving banking attractiveness uncertain. We then turn to Iran, where talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have resumed in Vienna. A bleak outlook is expected from these negotiations. In other news, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently traveled to Africa in an attempt to repair relations after the Trump years.

The Eastern Mediterranean calls this week. Our Turkish experts voice their view on how the Franco-Greek defense deal will impact the region. The question that arises is: does Paris really favor a settlement of disputes between Greece and Turkey after all? In India, we analyze why the contentious farm laws that have been driving farmers to protest tirelessly for a year were repealed. We also dive into the issue of migration - who, where and why - this time from an African point of view, as per the observations of a pan-African survey research network.

As the UK attempts to reset its relationship with France, AUKUS remains the elephant in the room. (Mis)perceptions on both ends need to be cleared up before a new entente cordiale is set in place. Speaking of entente, Biden’s recent summit with Xi has raised questions about whether there is real room for progress in US-China relations or whether we’re officially in a new Cold War.