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The article discusses Europe and leftist political parties. Due to the trouble capitalism is facing with the global financial crisis leftist parties could be gaining power. However, there are 20 of the 27 European Union member states with right-wing heads of government. Also, there are many small businesses in Europe compared to unionized workers.

The article comments on changes in Switzerland that have diminished its reputation for efficiency and tolerance. Banking secrecy in Switzerland has come under assault from the U.S. In 2009 voters approved a referendum that barred additional construction of minarets. Switzerland's attempts at mediating disputes involving Iran and North Korea have been unavailing.

This article debunks ten myths associated with modern Russia. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, sometimes noted for his political savvy in handling the country's invasion of Georgia in 2008, has in fact managed to unite a European front against him. Despite the belief that Russia has been internationally humiliated since 1989, the country has wholly been welcomed by its Western peers. U.S. foreign policy on Russia is not likely to change under the administration of the 2008 President-elect.

The article profiles the political and economic prospects of France following the election of president Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007. The author states that France has had difficulty keeping competent political and business leaders from taking jobs in other countries. The author contends that France needs to understand and address its own internal problems before it can be a world presence.

This article looks at French politics and the conservative party's selection of Nicolas Sarkozy as its candidate in the upcoming elections. In France, there is a large disparity between the poor and the wealthy, with many of the poor living on the streets of Paris. Sarkozy spoke of hard work, fairness, and responsibility, but he did not mention the poor in his announcement. Both he and Socialist opponent Segolene Royal argue for change, but the author says neither presents a compelling vision for it.

This article discusses dissension amongst European Union (EU) countries in regards to the common foreign policies of the EU, with mention of the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in the autumn of 2009 and disagreements over whether Turkey should be admitted as an EU member state.

This article discusses French President Nicolas Sarkozy, with discussion of the actions of his administration on public services, national identity, and human rights, and with mention of the rising popularity of the French Socialist Party leader Martine Aubry.

The article discusses ways in which Switzerland has veered from circumstances that some believe helped make it a model country. A global financial crisis has pressured the nation into relaxing its bank-secrecy laws. Switzerland's reputation for tolerance suffered a blow when a referendum passed that bars the construction of any more minarets.

The article discusses the possibility of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair becoming the first president of Europe under the Lisbon Treaty. The author notes that Blair's candidacy is supported by major European Union leaders such as the Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Great Britain and Italian President Silvio Berlusconi.

The author discusses whether former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will become president of the European Union Council. The author mentions the undefined nature of the position and whether Blair will want to stop earning large sums of money on the lecture circuit. Opinions among the British and other European countries about Blair taking the post are mentioned.

This article reports on the European Union (EU) and its efforts to select a new president in 2008. The EU president will manage the cooperation of 27 countries and the ratification of a constitution. The article discusses possible candidates, including Luxembourg's Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso.

This article reports on Conservative power in Europe in 2008. Only three governments in the European Union (Great Britain, Spain, and Portugal) are exclusively governed by Left Wing politicians, greatly changing party control from what it was in the 1990s. The article overviews conservative politics in Europe and also discusses postwar conservatism, Italian leader Silvio Berlusconi, and speculation as to how the power will be used.

This article describes the success of the European Union (EU), the significant increase in employment it has created, and the amount of money it has generated for its members. The economic success is sending members from Eastern Europe to the West to help their industries succeed. Many EU citizens and politicians, though, are less aware of the EU's successes and more aware of its problems.

This article discusses the use of veils by Muslim women living in Europe. In Great Britain, Jack Straw, the leader of the House of Commons, touched off a storm by suggesting that Muslim women should not wear a full-length veil. When Prime Minister Tony Blair agreed, he reinforced the impression that the country is heading toward even deeper tension between Muslims and non-Muslims. Article topics include the differences between Islamism and Islam, women's rights, and religious tolerance.

The article focuses on political discontent in France and Italy, which focuses on upholding the status quo and resisting change. Disputes over Muslim integration and labor flexibility in France have ignited violent protests in 2005 and 2006. The author suggests that Dominique de Villepin, France's flamboyant and beleaguered prime minister, is an example of European politicians who are capable only of saying no to dissenters during reform projects.

The article emphasizes the necessity of adopting the rule of law principle in Russia, as suggested by Bill Browder, the grandson of Earl Browder, the leader of the Communist party USA in the 1930s and during World War II. In contrast to his grandfather, who is pro-Stalin, Bill imbibed American values and a passion against the evil of a new Russian system under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin. Bill is involved in seeking justice for the death of his Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.

The article emphasizes the need for Japan to develop a new security policy amidst the mounting military pressures in Eurasia. It is asserted that there is little Japan could do if North Korea launched a missile attack, unlike other nations that have the military profile to deter such adventurism. The incapacity of Japan to make or prepare for war because it is forbidden by its constitution has resulted in a country that has no nuclear or even conventional missile deterrent.

The article explores the return of conservatives to the Swedish government after the country led Europe with its mixed model of free trade and social solidarity. According to the author, the shift in the Swedish political landscape reflects the changes in the continent as it welcomes a political landscape where no single party is in charge of the state and governs it with the support of voters. The trend in European politics in 2011 is based on the 19th century philosophy of proportional representation that allows even small parties to participate.

The author explains how everyone is responsible for the shift in political policy of Turkey. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates blames European politicians for rejecting Turkey's accession into the European Union (EU). While the pro-Israel lobbyists blame the AK Party's Islamist influence for the hate campaign against Israel. The author points out the U.S. failure to impose effective policy for Turkey. The author also blames the leaders of Turkey for their double standard.

The author reports on the possible impact that the German legislative election may have on the country. Topics discussed in the article include the impact that the election may have on the ability of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to pass public spending and tax policies, a debate amongst German politicians regarding the kind of economic system they would like to see Europe using and the author's opinions regarding the extent to which Germany needs to be part of the euro.

The article discusses what it terms the politics of fear being brandished in Europe that is characterized as anti-Semitism. Called an outgrowth of the global financial crisis, such discrimination is noted to include political attacks on Jewish capital engaged in by Hungary's Fidesz Party. Hungary's conservative Jobbik Party also is noted for being openly anti-Jewish.

The article discusses the European Union's (EU) international relations and foreign policies. The author reports on the low-profile of the EU and notes that Russia ignores international relations with the EU by seeking relations with leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. According to the author, Europe's national leaders have placed their own domestic interests before those of the EU.

The article focuses on French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who received poor ratings in the first round of regional elections during March 2010. The author presents multiple examples of how Sarkozy has failed to deliver on his political promises. Socialist Party leader Martine Aubry and International Monetary Fund leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn are also discussed.

The article focuses on Albania's foreign policy. The author states that Albania's foreign policy is stable. Political corruption in Albania since 1990 is examined. Also discussed is Albania's desire to use its membership in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a way to achieve membership into the European Union.

This article reports that José Manuel Barroso of Portugal is the only candidate for the presidency of the European Commission. Barroso is the current president, but there is no one opposing him. The European Parliament must approve Barroso and that is not a foregone conclusion. If Barroso isn't approved, France's prime minister, François Fillon, will present himself as a candidate. The term of Barroso's predecessor, Jacques Delors, is discussed along with the economic situation.

The author offers opinions on U.S. foreign relations with Europe. President Barack Obama is urged to take a more active approach to relations with Europe, particularly in cultivating a personal relationship with European leaders. Europe is seen as dependent on U.S. leadership in a wide variety of international relations issues.

The author offers opinions on international cooperation in law enforcement and criminal justice administration. An increased level of coordination among countries in crime prevention, investigation, and criminal justice procedure is seen and examples given. Acknowledging the tensions between different systems of constitutional law, the author states that such cooperation will continue to increase as globalization proceeds.

This article discusses the changing position of the Ukraine in world politics. The relationship between internal political problems in the Ukraine and its relations with countries including Russia, Germany, France, and the U.S. are noted. The author believes that the decision of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) governments to strengthen ties with Russia and weaken ties with the Ukraine is a mistake.

The article presents the author's thoughts regarding the state of affairs in Europe prior to U.S. President Barack Obama's planned visit in April 2009. The various problems facing Europe are discussed, including the economic crisis, war in the Middle East, and the potential for nuclear weapons in Iran. Disunity between European Union countries is also discussed.

This article discusses how increasing street demonstrations against capitalism in European countries, especially France, could be harbingers of governmental regime changes. Once popular French President Nicolas Sarkozy finds himself facing an ever-strengthening protest movement. Hard left groups filled with dissatisfied unemployed, students, and environmentalists have begun to embrace anti-Western Islamist ideologues. The protestors however, have yet to go beyond street protests and slogans.

The article discusses Europe's political shift to the right and to an old populism that produces an atmosphere of anti-Semitism. The results of a public opinion poll show that in Spain, media members foster anti-Israel language, and in Poland, Communist rule supported anti-Semitism. The author presents Germany's support for the right-wing politician Jörg Haider as an example of Europe's acceptance of populist and anti-Semitic movements.

The author considers the effect on Europe if U.S. presidential candidate John McCain wins the U.S. presidential election. A McCain win might provide security for European leaders concerned about Russian leader Vladimir Putin's power. Despite McCain's promise to provide security and economic balance, European countries such as Germany and Great Britain are anticipating a partnership with the U.S. with Barack Obama as president.

This article reports that the United Nations, the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are not taking an active role to curb the escalating Serbian violence in northern Kosovo. Kosovo's plans to become an independent state have fragmented the EU. In addition, Russia is moving into some Balkan areas by providing them with money and energy contracts.

This article offers the author's description of a world where Europe, the U.S., and other civilized, educated nations work together to keep peace and provide a more equal exchange of power. The author calls this place Natoland and describes how the U.S. would no longer have the responsibility to police the world but other strong nations could aid in this endeavor.

The author argues that European nations are too divided amongst themselves to form an effective alliance with the U.S. Individual nations often pursue their own interests, he claims, and the European Union is too fractured to speak with one voice. U.S. criticism of Europe since 2001 has not had a unifying effect.

In this article the author discusses the state of France and the French economy in advance of the 2007 presidential election. The author compares France's sluggish economic conditions with the more dynamic economies of Great Britain, Spain and Germany. He suggests that the new French leader look to those countries for inspiration and for new economic policies.

This article focuses on support for the European Union (EU) in member countries on the fiftieth anniversary of its founding with the Treaty of Rome. The EU has just 22% support in France, 24% in Britain, and 28% in Germany. The author writes that the downward trend to a large degree reflects on deficient leadership. If either Segolene Royal or Nicolas Sarkozy win the presidency in France, they will join German Chancellor Angela Merkel and presumptive British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in the summer of 2007 in what is described as an Euro-skeptical triumvirate.

This article focuses on U.N. ambassador for the U.S. John Bolton and his behavior while serving in the U.N. The author writes that foreign ministries all across Europe celebrated when Bolton resigned from his position. He calls Bolton rude but says the real problem was Bolton's gift for making enemies out of allies.

The article presents the author's views on the influence of the European Union on global politics. It is suggested that the United States is no longer an effective power broker in the Middle East, and that it is time for Europe to arise as a new negotiator. It is the author's view that, given that the reputation of America has been compromised in the region, Europe is the only partner with the power to stand up and play mediator.

This article comments on the value of the Group of 8 (G8) organization of industrialized countries. The author examines what it has achieved; he points out that while it has reduced suspicions among the world's most powerful nations, it has increased the world's suspicions about their leaders, attested by violent demonstrations at former G8 summits in Italy, France, and Switzerland. The G8, according to the author, has become a symbol of how a small group of self-selected leaders cannot adequately answer today's challenges.

The article presents the author's views on recent events involving politics in Europe. According to the author, a number of EU leaders have recently began discussing a possible revival in the European constitution that was rejected by France and the Netherlands in 2005. The author does not believe that the document can be revived. It is suggested that EU countries need to be willing to share sovereignty for the advantages of trade, investment and competition.

This article reflects on the economic development of Spain as it has embraced globalization and outperforms both France and Italy on growth, job creation and confidence and optimism. The country's Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has regularized 700,000 illegal workers and, unlike France and Italy, opened the labor market to workers from Eastern Europe. He has also legalized gay marriage.

This article discusses French President Jacques Chirac's changing political perspectives on state-sponsored terrorism. Chirac's foreign policies have grown increasingly similar to those of U.S. President George W. Bush. Chirac gave a speech warning states tempted to sponsor terrorism on French soil, of France's nuclear weapons capability. Chirac also signed an agreement to support the exchange of nuclear information to India for energy resources, a policy strongly supported by Bush.

Presents the author's view of economic and political achievements in France and the county's reputation in Europe. Suggestion that France remains the weak man of Europe despite doing more than any other country to help define and shape Europe; Author's view that French leaders remain in denial about what economic reforms need to be initiated; Overview of France's economic situation; View that there can be no European recovery or political movement until France accepts new ideas about how a modern society should be run.

Reports on the powers given to French President Jacques Chirac by the country's constitution. History of the constitution; Economic problems and increasing poverty in France; Problems faced by Chirac since he dissolved Parliament in 1997; Discussion of Chirac's refusal to involve the French in the U.S.-led Iraq War of 2003; Support Chirac gives the European Union.

Discusses European cities and there roles in the global economic and intellectual communities. Discussion of the changes cities such as Barcelona, Spain and Liverpool, England have gone through; Discussion of former Soviet cities in eastern Europe and their progress since the fall of the Soviet Union; Mention of the highway on the bank of Seine, France being turned into a beach. Statement that increased links in Europe will dissolve boundaries.

Focuses on politics and government in Europe as of September 2000. Influence that the ideas of United States President Bill Clinton had on politics in Europe; Discussion about who Europeans would like to see replace Clinton, George W. Bush or Al Gore.

Warns about the politics of antiglobalization, which is growing into a powerful force aimed at liberal democracy and market economies. Examples of nation-first or region-first politics, like the Northern League of Italy and Britain's Conservative Party; United States Senate's refusal to ratify a global nuclear test ban because of the fear of the unknown; Environmental and social issues in the global trade; How the conference in Seattle of the World Trade Organization could be a good place to start actions against antiglobalization.