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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.

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.

Hollande's Victory an Opening for Europe

Hollande's victory offers Europe an opportunity to directly address the challenges ahead. ++ The victory should bring an end to policy focused entirely on austerity, which has split the EU and paralyzed economies. ++ Any new plan for growth would not be printing more money; fiscal discipline remains essential. ++ First, targeted investment should be given priority. ++ Second, new incentives must be created for hiring young people. ++ Third, members must not arbitrarily cut the EU budget, which is a vehicle for economic growth and jobs.

The Failure of Today's Monetary System

The current global monetary system is insufficient to deal with today's challenges. ++ Since the collapse of Bretton Woods, there has been a US dollar-led system, which in turns allows for less than optimal US financial policies. ++ Western plans like quantitative easing (QE) have produced excess liquidity. ++ Such schemes produce inflationary pressures and could reduce the national wealth of East Asian nations holding dollar and euro assets. ++ There is an urgent need for reforming the global monetary system based on consensus.

We Stopped the Killing, Now What?

The Dayton Agreement ended a war, but it also institutionalized ethnicity as the predominant feature of Bosnian social and political identity. ++ There has been little room for other minorities, since they had no seat at the negotiating table which was exclusively reserved for those who used weapons. ++ Europe and the United States need to assist Bosnia in reforming its constitution. ++ Furthermore, Bosnia should be granted EU membership. ++ During the Chicago summit, NATO must offer Bosnia a clear path for joining the Alliance.

The Return of the 22-Year Civil War

Sudan has been at war with itself since gaining independence. ++ The positive impacts of Southern Sudan post-secession, when the region's voters supported a split in an internationally backed referendum last year, have been slow to mature. ++ For starters, it is still unclear how the north will be compensated for the loss of its oil wells amounting to $7 billion, nor has the demarcation line between Sudan and South Sudan been agreed. ++ As border clashes continue, it is becoming evident that they will soon resort to all-out war.