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Home / Themes / Global Spectator / Page 3

Global Spectator

Marine Le Pen, French co-chair of the ENF group in the European Parliament (2016). Photo: © European Union 2016 - European Parliament (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0). Elcano Blog
Future of Europe Experts Comments

If Le Pen wins

There is a serious possibility that Marine Le Pen could win the presidential election in France in spring 2022.

By Andrés Ortega
18 May 2021 //
6 mins Reading time
NATO Training Mission in Kabul (2011). Photo: U.S. Army photo by Bill Putnam/Released – NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan (CC BY-SA 2.0). Elcano Blog
Global Spectator Experts Comments

From Afghanistan to China: the pathology of victory

This year the war in Afghanistan will come to an end, in a phase involving both the US and NATO, following the withdrawal announced by Biden.

By Andrés Ortega
04 May 2021 //
6 mins Reading time
The fall and stagnation of the global middle class. Housing development the US. Photo: Blake Wheeler (@blakesox). Elcano Blog
Global Spectator Experts Comments

The fall and stagnation of the global middle class

Among the destructive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, one is the worldwide decline of the global middle class, except in China.

By Andrés Ortega
20 Apr 2021 //
6 mins Reading time
US flag at the European Parliament on the occasion of Joe Biden's visit in 2015. Photo: © European Union 2015 - European Parliament (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Future of Europe Experts Comments

US-EU: political convergence, economic divergence

The political and geopolitical convergence between the US and the EU is becoming evident. But economic divergence may be emerging.

By Andrés Ortega
06 Apr 2021 //
7 mins Reading time
Protesters participate in an anti-military rally in downtown Yangon, Myanmar. Photo: VOA Burmese (Wikimedia Commons / Public domain). Elcano Blog
Democracy and citizenship Experts Comments

Myanmar, a coup of the digital age

The coup d’état being perpetrated by the army in Myanmar has made use of more advanced –imported– technologies in pursuit of its opponents.

By Andrés Ortega
23 Mar 2021 //
6 mins Reading time
Assorted-color filed containers. Photo: Frank Mckenna (@frankiefoto). Elcano Blog
Global Spectator Experts Comments

Containers: essential but more expensive

Standardised containers have become an essential component of modern globalisation, carrying by sea almost half the world’s trade.

By Andrés Ortega
09 Mar 2021 //
5 mins Reading time
The global agenda: immunising the world. COVID-19 vaccine in Macau (China). Photo: Macau Photo Agency (@macauphotoagency). Elcano blog
Global Spectator Experts Comments

The global agenda: immunising the world

A new brand of wholesale global cooperation is required, both for vaccines and for treatments. Global governance has failed.

By Andrés Ortega
23 Feb 2021 //
8 mins Reading time
Economic patriotism: understandable but dangerous. Buy American. Photo: Bart Heird (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)- Elcano Blog
Global Spectator Experts Comments

Economic patriotism: understandable but dangerous

The economic patriotism is not new, but it has re-emerged since the pandemic alongside a new prudentialism, protectionism and nationalism.

By Andrés Ortega
09 Feb 2021 //
6 mins Reading time
Big Tech. GAFAM-Alphabet-empire. Photo: Katchooo (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0). Elcano Blog
Global Spectator Experts Comments

China, the US and the EU: three ways of confronting Big Tech

Europe, the US and China seem to be engaged in an apparently similar tussle with Big Tech, albeit with significant differences.

By Andrés Ortega
26 Jan 2021 //
8 mins Reading time
"Democracy". Sculpture by W. F. Herrick at the Courthouse Plaza in Burlington, Vermont (US). Photo: Mike Gifford (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0). Elcano Blog
Democracy and citizenship Experts Comments

The alliance for democracy must start at home

The idea of an international Summit for Democracy takes on more urgency, although not necessarily effectiveness.

By Andrés Ortega
12 Jan 2021 //
7 mins Reading time
The world has changed for Biden (and for everyone). Caution tape at the United States Capitol. Photo: Andy Feliciotti (@someguy)
Global Spectator Experts Comments

Four years on: the world has changed for Biden (and for everyone)

The world has changed in various important ways which Joe Biden, as the new US President, will need to take on board

By Andrés Ortega
22 Dec 2020 //
6 mins Reading time
Plant resilience. Photo: Pierre Pouliquin (CC BY-NC 2.0). Elcano Blog
Global Spectator Experts Comments

The power of resilience

The pandemic is showing that resilience has to do with the strength and flexibility of the institutions, the economy and the society.

By Andrés Ortega
15 Dec 2020 //
6 mins Reading time

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Latest Publications

Wind turbine in the foreground of a green field in Villers-le-Bouillet, near Liège (Belgium), under a blue sky with clouds, with more wind turbines visible on the horizon. Energy

Ready to compete: European pathways to overcome energy rivalry

July 10, 2025

A long bridge with tall concrete pillars spans a nearly dry reservoir in Aceredo (Spain), revealing the sandy and rocky bed below. Sparse water remains in parts of the reservoir. In the background, green forested hills rise under a partly cloudy sky. Spain

Climate change takes its toll on Spain

July 8, 2025

Exterior plaza of the Seville Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) at dusk, featuring its illuminated dome, a symmetrical colonnade, and a glass façade. In the foreground, a mosaic with maps and the dates 1492–1992 commemorates the fifth centenary of the discovery of America. Aid

Understanding and overcoming the aid crisis

June 30, 2025

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