As we come to the end of this most peculiar year, we are witnessing the power of solid communities working in cooperation. We are grateful that you are part of the network we’ve built together around Institut Montaigne, which more than ever seeks to produce knowledge, to encourage transparent dialogue and to share diverse perspectives. Before we take a short break in this end-of-year period, here’s a look back at some of the defining analyses of 2020, the messages of which we consider important to carry forward into the New Year.

News of a potentially effective European vaccine are lighting up hopes around the globe, but in the meantime, China is marching forward towards its own, sometimes questionable, vaccine vision. This week we also look into France’s pension plan: though it has sparked opposition, it might be time to face the fact that the system is outdated and costly at a time when the country sorely needs financial efficiency. Speaking of which, we’re also looking at why Turkey’s economy is spiraling out of control.

American votes are being counted as we speak. Will we wake up to a different political reality tomorrow? While we wait for a final answer, we’re giving you some key elements of the political reality of this week. France was shaken by multiple tragic attacks, reawakening a discussion around separatism and inequality. In the meantime, geopolitical shifts are speeding up, from Turkey to the Indo-Pacific. The world is moving quickly, and that is why we are committed to giving you nuance, perspective and grounded analysis, now more than ever.

This week we are thrilled to share the latest publication of our China Trends series, now in a new and compact format! From “two-faced individuals”, to China’s technological breakthroughs, our experts analyze policy issues and political narratives (or sometimes, the lack thereof) in the PRC. Further on, we measure whether a race towards the vaccine could actually be successful in this year’s political climate, and track the second wave of the virus.

The American elections have the world hanging on the edge of its seat. But in the midst of the suspense, Europe needs to realize it cannot miss its chance to become the proactive player in the transatlantic dynamic. But not all eyes are on the US: Covid-19 is causing a staggering setback in the progress that India had made in its fight against poverty, and the maritime dispute between Greece and Turkey is far from over. This week we also talk about Palestine and France’s latest green budget, but we also invite you to join us for a live discussion on the US elections! Read on for more. 

As troubles grow in the Eastern Mediterranean, we’ve brought together Greek and Turkish experts to discuss the strategic and diplomatic implications of the situation, in our latest series, Whose Sea?. This week, we also discuss the observations that can be made from the tensions in the post-Soviet space, how global warming will impact armed conflict around the world, and we also decipher Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic language. Last but not least, a Kenyan filmmaker speaks about how African cinema has fared amidst the crisis, in the last episode of New Voices in Africa. 

If the saga of the US elections was starting to become old news to you, fear not: Brexit is back with what seems to be an interesting season. The EU has declared it will take legal action against the UK, while there is no resolution in sight for the ‘Deal-or-No-Deal’ situation. And along the same line of questioning the world’s big democracies, the American debate spectacle last week cannot be left uncommented on. On the other side of the world, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and its consequences, deserve particular attention.

Just ahead of the first US presidential debate, this week’s newsletter starts with an exhilarating read about the US emotions...we mean, elections. In our latest New Voices in Africa series, we hear from Young Leaders who are shaping various sectors across the continent: this week, we focus on the media and the digital sectors, and how Covid-19 is transforming them. We are also back with another French Brief, discussing one of France’s problems of the hour: unemployment.

Today we bring you a brand new series called The French Brief. Few times a month, experts will be discussing French matters, unveiling the country’s complexities and ways of thinking, through analysis, reflection and wit. After you read our first ever French Brief about how Covid-19 is making France question itself, make sure to read on about how the African energy sector is weathering the crisis, how we can successfully moderate the Internet, and more! 

Have you wondered what Chinese diplomacy looks like today? Actions speak louder than words, and Wang Yi’s visit to Europe is a case in point. The same goes for the US elections, as all will depend on how Americans will act on the ballot. In other news, the European Commission closes its public consultation on the Digital Services Act today. If you have ever had food delivery, or ordered anything online, you might be as affected by it as anyone. Read on for more on Keir Starmer and Brexit, the German anti-mask movement, or Italy’s Prime Minister.