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A careful selection and summary of editorials, commentaries, and analyses from the world’s leading newspapers and magazines to help you stay on top of the latest debates and developments in the transatlantic agenda. See list of monitoring sources.
Readers can also see how the perspectives and priorities diverge in different regions.

Remember the Balkans

The Balkans economies are expected to contract even more, which will in turn increase the lure of nationalism. ++ In Serbia, an extreme nationalist, Tomislav Nikolic, defeated the incumbent president. ++ The election has the potential to grow into a regional and European problem. ++ Nikolic's victory, in combination with Hungary's populism, should be a wake-up call to the EU. ++ The Eurozone crisis could inflame nationalism in the Balkans. ++ If the EU cannot stimulate growth, it risks more than just economic downturn.

Mali, a Dismal Echo of Afghanistan

Although Afghanistan remains a hotbed of terrorist activity, NATO will quit the country by 2014. ++ This marks an end to a tragic chapter in the Alliance's history. ++ But little attention has been focused on Mali which suffered a coup just two months ago, resulting in the practice of harsh sharia law and the raising of al-Qaeda flags over buildings. ++ Fighting between Islamist and Nationalist gangs, while clans settle old scores, has become common practice. ++ It will get much worse when people look to Islamic terror groups for stability.

Will East Asia Surpass the World's Largest Economy?

The leaders of China, South Korea and Japan agreed to launch talks to lay down the foundations for a trilateral free-trade agreement (FTA). ++ Together the economies currently constitute 20% of global economic output and are very likely to surpass the EU’s 28% share of total world GDP with the FTA. ++ However, tensions with North Korea pose the greatest threat to continued economic growth, since China remains its main partner, while the US has an incentive to maintain its military presence in South Korea and Japan against China’s interests.

NATO Summit: Looking Beyond Afghanistan

The NATO summit in Chicago needs to be about more than just Afghanistan. ++ The Alliance must also respond to defense cuts, troubled relations with Russia, and the lessons from Libya. ++ There are three main areas for action. ++ First, NATO must help create the conditions for a world free of nuclear weapons. ++ Second, the summit is an opportunity for the Alliance to reassure Russia on missile defense while also finding ways to cooperate across a range of issues. ++ Third, NATO must pursue more pooling of defense resources.

Berlin's Competitiveness Gains Perpetuate the Crisis

European leaders must pay close attention to the “austerity vs. growth” debate. ++ Although there is much condemnation of Europe’s austerity cure, critics are unsuccessful in finding solutions to fund growth. ++ Debtors must become more competitive in the global market. ++ Spain cut unit labor costs by 8.5%, compared to its European counterparts, between 2008 and 2011. ++ Germany responded by cutting its labor costs by 2%, thereby maintaining its lead. ++ If this continues, debtors will be unable to increase exports and grow.

Self-Defense More Important Than What Russia Thinks

Only hours after reassuming the presidency this month, Vladimir Putin called on the United States to provide "firm guarantees" that its missile-defense system in Europe will not be targeted against Russia. ++ President Obama was unable to offer a "legally binding" guarantee, but was more than willing to provide a political assurance. ++ Any such assurance will be a mistake and violate America's right to defend itself. ++ Putin must be made to understand that although the US is willing to cooperate, it will never sacrifice its right to self-defense.

Asia and the New World Order

Asia faces significant roadblocks to continued success. ++ The region must deal with territorial disputes, historical rivalries, and competition over resources. ++ Asia has no proper security architecture. ++ While China is rising, the other Asian nations are rising as well and feel compelled by Chinese actions to work closer with the US. ++ Asia has also neglected comprehensive growth: inequality, corruption, and the environment are all problems. ++ With such challenges, it is not guaranteed that Asia will forge a new world order.

Spain Needs Audacity, Not Half-Measures

Spain must be bold in order to reestablish confidence in it banks. ++ Without healthy banks, the Spanish economy will continue downhill. ++ Current measures have been too little, too late. ++ Policymakers have been indecisive and instead of offering solutions are blaming others for unfairly targeting Spain. ++ In reality, the banks need fresh money. ++ Spain has not addressed its problems quickly enough and most likely needs European bailout money. ++ Bailouts are better than half-hearted measures.

Changing Policy Over Dinner

Economic policy changes in Europe have been a common feature of the EU since its inception. ++ However, the fundamental politics of decision-making has yet to change. ++ Crucial deals are still being concluded behind closed doors among key national leaders, pursuing national interests, as set by their own national elites. ++ There has been a change in one aspect, though; the voice of Europe's peoples. ++ While the Eurozone is at the cusp of disaster,  national leaders must engage Europeans if the European project's rescue is to succeed.

Drone Attacks in Libya are Legal and Necessary

The CIA has recovered a more sophisticated version of the underwear bomb that was meant to be used to destroy a US-bound airline. ++ Officials say that the bomb originated with al-Qaeda's organization in Yemen, the AQAP. ++ The Obama administration is correct in carrying out drone strikes in Yemen, despite the critics' claims that drone strikes are "extra-judicial executions" and thus unlawful. ++ The recent bomb plots should be a reminder that AQAP is still an armed group attempting to wage war against the United States.