Transforming the opposition in Hungary after the EP elections Analysis The European Parliamentary elections have stirred up Hungarian politics. Though the support for the governing party Fidesz seems to be unwavering, the power relations have changed in the opposition. By András Jámbor
The EU’s role in the conflict between Iran and the USA: de-escalation! Comment The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs has appealed to the US and Iran to avoid escalation in the Persian Gulf region. The EU must continue to do everything within its power to save the nuclear deal. By Eva van de Rakt and Anna Schwarz
"We can all recognize ourselves in those stories" Interview The 41st UN Human Rights Council will decide on the renewal of the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on the Protection against Violence and Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI). Caroline Ausserer spoke with the current mandate holder, Victor Madrigal-Borloz. By Caroline Ausserer
America’s Iran Policy: Between War-Weariness and Military Escalation Comment Donald Trump is caught in a deadlock of his own making. He does not want to find himself responsible for a new war in the Middle East right in the middle of an election campaign. At the same time, he wants to look like a tough guy who never backtracks. This is what is making the situation so unpredictable. By Bastian Hermisson
Brothers in Spirit? Trump, Netanyahu and the Conflict with Iran Comment The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is supporting and encouraging Trump’s confrontational stance towards Iran. However, a military escalation would be extremely dangerous for Israel. By Dr. Steffen Hagemann
Nerves on edge Analysis The escalating nuclear conflict between Iran and the United States is making life harder for Irans population. In particular, the emergence of a middle class is under threat. By Omid Nouripour
“Bitter experiences” reconsidered: paradigm change in Holocaust memorialisation Analysis The Holocaust narrative elevated the moral command of “Never Again” into a measure of universal integrity. But now a major paradigm change is happening in Holocaust memorialisation that will have a major impact on European identity. By Andrea Pető
The 2019 Philippine Elections: Consolidating Power in an Eroding Democracy The outcome of the 2019 midterm elections in the Philippines displayed the domineering political influence of President Rodrigo Duterte, a crowded-out opposition, and the limits of his promise for genuine and meaningful socio-political change. By Aries Arugay
Jokowi’s Triumph in the 2019 Presidential Election and the Future of Binary Politics Article On 17 April 2019, Indonesia held the world’s largest, and arguably most complicated, one-day election involved presidential, legislative (national and local), and senate elections – done simultaneously. Voters’ attention, however, was largely on the presidential election, which led to a turnout of 81%, the highest in Indonesia’s electoral history in the post-reform era. By Deasy Simandjuntak
History: Breakthrough in three letters Plastic Atlas The first plastics imitated ivory and silk and attracted just a limited market. Things took off after World War II with the rise of PVC. Cheap plastics soon conquered the world. By Alexandra Caterbow and Olga Speranskaya