The Hub: International Perspectives

Sweden and stability in the Baltic Sea region

Access to Swedish territory and airspace will be decisive if NATO is called on to defend the Baltic States. Denying an opponent the same access would also be crucial. By lacking the capacity to defend its own territory and failing to make any preparations to either support NATO-led operations or receive assistance, Sweden is undermining NATO’s credibility defending the Baltic States. In this way, Sweden jeopardizes its own security and that of its neighbors.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013 - 10:26 By: Karlis Neretnieks, Stockholm Free World Forum

Central Europe Feeling Marginal

For a good while after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Central-Eastern Europe (CEE) has felt safe and sound in the bosom of 'mother Europe' -- a Paradise regained through EU and NATO accession after the long years of perceived banishment behind the Iron Curtain. Safety, freedom and the perspective of a better tomorrow were essential newly-found blessings which provided a good basis for the economic growth, political and social development which ensued.

Friday, June 21, 2013 - 12:19 By: Oana Popescu

PES leader Stanishev under pressure from protests at home

Sergei Stanishev, leader of the Party of European Socialists (PES), is under pressure to resign as leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party following a decision of the Socialist-led government to appoint a controversial media mogul as security chief.

Thursday, June 20, 2013 - 11:40 By: EurActiv

Colombia-Farc Peace Talks: A Status Update

A recent agreement on rural land reform might suggest that talks between Bogota and the FARC are making progress, but Antonio Sampaio isn’t so sure. He argues that conflict over land ownership is a real possibility and that some local FARC leaders remain as committed as ever to their decades-old struggle.

Thursday, June 13, 2013 - 08:55 By: Antonio Sampaio

Unemployment soars despite robust growth

by Mayvelin U. Caraballo And Llanesca Panti Reporters, originally published on The Manila Times

The country's employment situation worsened despite the astounding 7.8 percent growth in the first quarter, according to the preliminary results of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) of the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - 05:52

Time to Dispel Some Myths about Terrorism

Should 'high-profile' events like 9/11 and the recent attacks in Woolwich guide counterterrorism policy agendas? Gary LaFree thinks not. In today's video presentation, he dispels a number of myths associated with terrorism and argues against counter-terror policies largely defined by 'black swan' events.

Monday, June 10, 2013 - 08:19

The Conundrum of the Southern Gas Corridor: What are the Risks for Europe and Azerbaijan?

For more than ten years harsh negotiations among different oil majors and pipeline consortia have been taking place about the Southern Gas Corridor, all of them seeking to transit 10 bcm/year of natural gas that will be

Thursday, June 6, 2013 - 11:13 By: Anthony Livanios, Natural Gas Europe

Medvedev's statement aims to humble NATO

By Zaza Gachechiladze, Editor of The Messenger

Thursday, June 6, 2013 - 10:34 By: Zaza Gachechiladze, Editor of The Messenger