Analysis

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Dissension runs deep between Lula and Western democracies

While tensions between Brazil's left-wing president, re-elected at the end of 2022, and his traditional allies have crystallized around the war in Ukraine, they stem from the West's ongoing missteps going back to the end of the Cold War.

Published on July 11, 2025, at 2:41 am (Paris), updated on July 11, 2025, at 10:04 am Bruno Meyerfeld

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Putin's choice of a long war in Ukraine

The suspension of American aid to Kyiv fits neatly into the Russian leader's military plans: to intensify his offensive in Ukraine this summer, and to sustain an endless conflict, now synonymous with the survival of his regime through a newfound 'stability' built on a war economy.

Published on July 7, 2025, at 5:40 am (Paris), updated on July 7, 2025, at 11:59 am Benjamin Quénelle

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Japan is questioning its alliance with Donald Trump's United States

Faced with Trump's unpredictable policies, Japanese leaders are considering the need to develop an alternative diplomatic and security strategy to reduce their dependence on the US.

Published on June 26, 2025, at 7:00 am (Paris), updated on June 26, 2025, at 10:37 am Philippe Pons

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Why Paris's Centre Pompidou, not even 50 years old, must close for five years

The building designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers is set to undergo major renovations until 2030 in order to reduce its energy consumption by 40%. Since its opening in 1977, the space has been in constant transformation.

Published on June 19, 2025, at 7:01 am (Paris), updated on June 19, 2025, at 8:56 pm Isabelle Regnier

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Kurdish integration offers hope for Syria's reconstruction

The country's restored unity, fractured by autonomy demands, will depend on the success of the process, with a deadline set for the end of the year.

Published on June 17, 2025, at 5:20 am (Paris), updated on June 17, 2025, at 8:18 am Hélène Sallon

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Poland delivers Trump his first electoral victory in Europe

The EU's sixth-largest economy has returned to the conservative fold, now dominated by Donald Trump. Strongly backed by the MAGA movement, nationalist ultra-conservative candidate Karol Nawrocki won Poland's presidential election on June 1.

Published on June 16, 2025, at 2:12 am (Paris), updated on June 16, 2025, at 9:01 am Isabelle Mandraud

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EU stands up against Netanyahu: From a change in tone to possible sanctions

EU countries are starting to speak out regarding Israel due to pressure from their populations. Yet it remains to be seen if their outrage will lead to concrete action, like suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

Published on June 9, 2025, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Philippe Jacqué

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The far right's blackmail in the Netherlands provides a lesson for Europe

By pulling his party out of the coalition on June 3, Geert Wilders managed to deflect attention from the fact that almost none of the electoral promises made by this government or his own party had been fulfilled.

Published on June 6, 2025, at 2:31 pm (Paris), updated on June 9, 2025, at 12:45 pm Jean-Pierre Stroobants

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The heart of Trump's wrangle with judges: Nationwide injunctions

The Republican assault on the judiciary has focused on nationwide injunctions, which the 875 federal judges are entitled to issue. This mechanism does not appear in the US Constitution, and many voices – on both the right and the left – have called for reform.

Published on June 3, 2025, at 7:16 pm (Paris) Corine Lesnes

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In Poland, the grip of the anti-European far right weighs on the presidential election

Ultraconservative and populist parties unexpected surge in the first round of the Polish presidential election on May 18, especially among young voters, revealed a waning of the traditional polarization in Polish political life.

Published on May 31, 2025, at 12:10 am (Paris), updated on May 31, 2025, at 11:32 am Jakub Iwaniuk

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Romania's far right takes aim at France

The Romanian presidential election was won on May 18 by pro-European candidate Nicusor Dan, but his nationalist opponent, George Simion, is contesting the result and accusing France of interference and manipulation.

Published on May 30, 2025, at 12:37 am (Paris), updated on May 30, 2025, at 10:22 am Jean-Baptiste Chastand

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Led by Nigel Farage, UK far right emerges as government's main opponent

Since the beginning of the year, the nationalist Reform UK party has surged to the top of the polls, widening the gap between Labour and the Conservatives, the two parties that have dominated British politics for the past century.

Published on May 27, 2025, at 8:30 pm (Paris) Cécile Ducourtieux

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Trump's Gulf outreach sidelines Israel's influence in the Middle East

In recent weeks, Benjamin Netanyahu has found himself caught off guard by the decisions of Israel's US ally. While the Israeli government remained entrenched in its hardline stances on numerous issues, the White House's attention shifted elsewhere.

Published on May 23, 2025, at 11:15 am (Paris) Hélène Sallon

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Turkey faces limits to its balancing act in diplomacy

While Recep Tayyip Erdogan's pursuit of a multipolar world may be understandable at a time when major powers are proving less and less reliable, his transactional diplomacy has failed to advance any of the country's most pressing national interests.

Published on May 22, 2025, at 2:19 pm (Paris), updated on May 22, 2025, at 4:28 pm Nicolas Bourcier

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'Sinners': The blues-sucking vampire

Ryan Coogler's grand spectacle film serves as a unique reflection on cultural appropriation.

Published on May 19, 2025, at 1:56 am (Paris), updated on May 19, 2025, at 7:29 am Thomas Sotinel

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India-Pakistan: The clash of two unchecked nationalisms

Since the partition of 1947, the two countries have been in constant conflict over the autonomous region of Kashmir, with each seeking full sovereignty over the strategic territory.

Published on May 7, 2025, at 2:01 am (Paris), updated on May 10, 2025, at 11:13 am Sophie Landrin

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From George W. Bush to Donald Trump, the US treats foreigners as 'enemies'

Although the country was founded on immigration and relies on integration to function economically, the presence of foreigners often becomes a focal point when the country feels threatened.

Published on April 30, 2025, at 4:00 am (Paris), updated on April 30, 2025, at 11:54 am Corine Lesnes

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The crucial role of architecture in urban rehabilitation

Architects should no longer be excluded from old building rehabilitation projects, as they are both artists of transformation and the guardians of urban harmony, writes Le Monde journalist Isabelle Regnier.

Published on April 28, 2025, at 2:57 am (Paris), updated on April 28, 2025, at 8:01 am Isabelle Regnier

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40 years of France hesitating to recognize a Palestinian state

Before Emmanuel Macron, other former French presidents made promises on this issue, but none materialized. The question is as much a matter of domestic politics as of foreign policy.

Published on April 23, 2025, at 4:00 am (Paris) Benjamin Barthe

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2027 French election: The growing prospect of a CEO for president

The French political landscape currently seems ripe for a major business leader to step onto the national stage. Emmanuel Macron's unexpected rise to power in 2017 has inspired the most ambitious figures.

Published on April 19, 2025, at 10:00 am (Paris), updated on April 23, 2025, at 12:13 pm Claire Gatinois

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Ceasefire in Ukraine: Why Western allies' talks are stalling

Disagreements over sending troops to Ukraine are just the tip of the iceberg in much tougher negotiations over the country's 'militarization,' according to numerous European sources who are increasingly speaking out openly.

Published on April 17, 2025, at 9:58 am (Paris), updated on April 17, 2025, at 11:44 am Elise Vincent

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Israel is pushing its dangerous expansionism on the Middle East

Since October 7, the right-wing government in Israel has seized the opportunity to dismantle Palestine while its army entrenches itself in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Syria.

Published on April 15, 2025, at 1:37 am (Paris), updated on April 21, 2025, at 2:45 pm Louis Imbert

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The end of family-run clubs in French professional football

Facing severe financial difficulties, several clubs owned by local business leaders are struggling to survive. Competing with large groups and foreign funds – who already control two-thirds of France's top tier teams – has become increasingly difficult.

Published on April 12, 2025, at 12:30 pm (Paris) Alexandre Lemarié

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The UK's Labour government is at odds with its left wing

Faced with budgetary constraints and rising defense spending, Labour is preparing to cut social expenditures – at the risk of alienating the left wing of the party.

Published on April 10, 2025, at 5:30 pm (Paris), updated on April 11, 2025, at 10:12 am Cécile Ducourtieux

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Paris has a restrictive car traffic policy, but it doesn't really enforce it

The proliferation of rules to limit or regulate car traffic in the French capital has not been accompanied by a significant increase in controls. This runs the risk of undermining the credibility of decision-makers and increasing mistrust of the authorities.

Published on April 8, 2025, at 4:00 pm (Paris) Hélène Bekmezian

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South Korea's political crisis highlights lack of judicial independence

The political crisis in South Korea, sparked by former president Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law, underscores the politicization of a significant portion of the judiciary. A legacy of past authoritarianism, the institution struggles to reform itself.

Published on April 8, 2025, at 12:32 am (Paris), updated on April 8, 2025, at 10:07 am Philippe Mesmer

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Acceleration of Le Pen's appeal undermines principle of equality before the law

The decision to bring the date of far-right leader Marine Le Pen's appeal trial forward to 2026, so that it happens ahead of the 2027 presidential election, raises a series of questions that weaken the judiciary.

Published on April 4, 2025, at 3:04 pm (Paris) Franck Johannès

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Trump rekindles ties between Canada and Europe

The immediate effect of the US president's border ambitions has been a rapprochement between the Land of Maple Leaf and the Old Continent.

Published on April 1, 2025, at 12:05 am (Paris), updated on April 1, 2025, at 10:53 am Eliott Dumoulin

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Strategic independence and fragile alliances: Charles de Gaulle's two prophecies

The US turnaround in favor of Russia in the war in Ukraine echoes the French leader's words from back in 1959. At the height of the Cold War, he worried about the consequences of a rapprochement between the two greatest nuclear powers.

Published on March 31, 2025, at 2:00 pm (Paris), updated on March 31, 2025, at 4:33 pm Jérôme Gautheret

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Putin plays for time against Trump in Ukraine talks

Moscow has succeeded in imposing its tempo on Washington, all while continuing its offensive against Ukraine and blaming Europe for the breakdown in negotiations.

Published on March 28, 2025, at 12:14 pm (Paris), updated on March 28, 2025, at 12:20 pm Benjamin Quénelle

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The two opposing views of October 7 and its aftermath

Depending on whether you see the terrorist massacre as an episode in a conflict that has been going on since 1948 or as the start of a new era that abolishes previous parameters, the perception of the war between Israel and Hamas changes radically.

Published on March 21, 2025, at 8:00 pm (Paris) Christophe Ayad

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Trump's return is pushing India and the EU closer together

Despite differing positions on Russia, Brussels and New Delhi have resumed negotiations on a trade agreement that was suspended in 2013.

Published on March 21, 2025, at 4:11 pm (Paris) Sophie Landrin

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Can 'I'm Still Here,' Brazil's first Oscar-winning film, unite the country?

Despite the fervor and joy brought by the award for Best International Feature Film, in reality, the national unanimity proclaimed by President Lula stops at the borders of the right.

Published on March 19, 2025, at 3:00 am (Paris) Bruno Meyerfeld

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In the US, some Democrats step back from gender and minority issues

Following the example of California Governor Gavin Newsom, many Democrats are distancing themselves from the party's usual position on minority rights issues.

Published on March 16, 2025, at 3:00 pm (Paris) Corine Lesnes

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Pro-Trump or anti-American? Le Pen gets caught between new and old sentiments

Despite her party's ideological convergence with President Donald Trump, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has been wary of the consequences of too openly supporting the leader of a foreign power.

Published on March 11, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris) Corentin Lesueur

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Diplomacy: The impossible dialogue with Donald Trump

Emmanuel Macron met with Donald Trump in Washington at the end of February, embracing a 'diplomacy of ostentation' to win over the unpredictable US president. But can there be a right approach to a leader who is eager to break all the rules?

Published on March 8, 2025, at 3:01 pm (Paris) Claire Gatinois

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Turkey, once an 'awkward' partner, has become essential for a weakened European Union

By arming Ukraine with one hand and dealing with Russia with the other, without applying Western sanctions against Moscow, Ankara is playing a fine balancing act.

Published on March 7, 2025, at 5:25 am (Paris), updated on March 7, 2025, at 7:57 am Nicolas Bourcier

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Denmark's spectacular shift from Atlanticism to European defense

Fearing the destabilization of the transatlantic relationship on which its security policy was based, the Nordic country had historically avoided European defense integration.

Published on March 7, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris) Anne-Françoise Hivert

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Putin and Trump: A patient strategist facing a hasty and unpredictable force

In power in Moscow for 25 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin is taking his time to gauge his US counterpart Donald Trump and respond to his proposals for a rapid agreement in Ukraine.

Published on February 25, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris) Benjamin Quénelle

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Meloni consolidates popularity by disrupting Italian democracy

The Italian leader could once have been described as 'against the system' – like the Brexiteers or the Trump of 2016. Today she is the system, and Italy's republican institutions are mere obstacles to be overcome.

Published on February 17, 2025, at 8:34 pm (Paris) Allan Kaval

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Are judges still a check on Trump's power?

With opponents to Trump turning to the judiciary to block some of his actions, Americans are realizing that the courts have no means of enforcing their decisions if the executive branch chooses not to comply.

Published on February 16, 2025, at 8:00 pm (Paris) Corine Lesnes

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In Serbia and Slovakia, demonstrators defend the EU's values

The protests that have shaken both countries since the end of 2024 bear striking similarities at a time when pro-Russian political forces are gaining ground everywhere.

Published on February 12, 2025, at 12:00 pm (Paris) Jean-Baptiste Chastand

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The challenges Trump poses for EU cohesion

Economically weakened and shaken by the rise of the far right, the European Union is in a difficult position to take on the challenges posed by the Republican's return to power in the United States.

Published on February 10, 2025, at 8:00 pm (Paris) Virginie Malingre

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The musical biopic: Two stars colliding for posterity

This cinematic sub-genre has seen many variations over the last 15 years. The latest example, 'A Complete Unknown,' features Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan.

Published on February 10, 2025, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Jacques Mandelbaum

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Rwanda's expansionism risks internationalizing the conflict in the DRC

The capture of Goma by the M23 rebel movement and Rwandan army forces has positioned Kigali as the dominant power in the region. However, Uganda and Burundi, neighbors of the Congo, are determined to protect their areas of influence.

Published on February 5, 2025, at 5:00 pm (Paris) Christophe Châtelot

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The anti-state crusade: A form of populism also affecting France

French politicians on the right and far right are engrossed with the methods of Argentine President Javier Milei and US billionaire Elon Musk.

Published on February 5, 2025, at 4:00 am (Paris) Claire Gatinois

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How California became Republicans' punching bag

Donald Trump is visiting fire-ravaged Los Angeles on Friday to practice the transactional approach he now intends to apply to relations between Washington and the US states: no humanitarian aid without a minimum of cooperation.

Published on January 24, 2025, at 3:03 pm (Paris), updated on January 24, 2025, at 3:05 pm Corine Lesnes

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From Nicole Kidman to Demi Moore, the bodies of 50-something actresses in the age of digital puritanism

Several recent films, including Halina Reijn's 'Babygirl,' feature blossoming romances between women and younger partners. This is hypocritical at a time when the digital age has erased the very notion of flesh.

Published on January 24, 2025, at 4:59 am (Paris), updated on January 24, 2025, at 10:09 am Murielle Joudet

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China and the US: From mutual dependence to head-on competition

Faced with Beijing's rise over the past 50 years, Washington is wondering whether, by engaging with China, the US has helped it become so powerful.

Published on January 22, 2025, at 9:05 pm (Paris) Harold Thibault

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Giorgia Meloni, Donald Trump's new European friend

The blatant ideological convergence between the far-right Italian prime minister and the Donald Trump and Elon Musk duo could make the Italian leader the European bridgehead of a reactionary and nationalist international.

Published on January 21, 2025, at 3:00 am (Paris), updated on January 21, 2025, at 9:59 am Allan Kaval

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Far right restores Jean-Marie Le Pen's image without causing a stir

The leaders of the Rassemblement National, who had feared a potential 're-demonization' of the party following the death of its co-founder, praised his career, encouraged by measured media coverage and political reactions.

Published on January 17, 2025, at 8:33 pm (Paris) Clément Guillou

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The Los Angeles fires are not a natural disaster

That term is a misnomer that disempowers humanity, evoking the planet's wrath in the face of which we are powerless. Exposure and vulnerability are in fact the result of human choices.

Published on January 15, 2025, at 8:30 pm (Paris), updated on January 16, 2025, at 9:01 am Audrey Garric

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Saudi Arabia, the centerpiece of a Middle East in transition

The kingdom has seen its vision of making economic development the foundation of regional stability overturned by the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas in Israel, and their aftermath.

Published on January 11, 2025, at 6:30 pm (Paris) Hélène Sallon

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In the UK, Scottish independence and Irish reunification have lost their appeal

On December 1, the Irish rejected the country's pro-reunification party in the parliamentary elections. The Scottish pro-independence party's strategy was shattered in 2022 after the country's Supreme Court said any referendum on independence would have to be endorsed by the British Parliament.

Published on January 10, 2025, at 4:00 am (Paris) Cécile Ducourtieux

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South Korea's ongoing political crisis, marked by polarization and outdated institutions

President Yoon's declaration of martial law on December 3, followed by his removal from office in the wake of massive popular mobilization, highlighted the deep-rooted flaws in South Korea's political system.

Published on January 5, 2025, at 11:46 am (Paris) Philippe Mesmer

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Syria and the inevitability of failed transitions in Arab Spring countries

In a country occupied by foreign powers, exhausted by a decade of civil war and located in a region where revolutions have destabilized institutions, the new authorities in Damascus face a monumental challenge in attempting to restore Syrian sovereignty.

Published on December 31, 2024, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Gilles Paris

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Romania's response to election manipulation is a lesson for democracies

By canceling the second round of the presidential election, the Constitutional Court highlighted the importance of addressing voter manipulation on TikTok in favor of a far-right candidate.

Published on December 28, 2024, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Jean-Baptiste Chastand Damien Leloup

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France grapples with Francophone Africa's growing push for sovereignty

While he succeeded in winning over part of the continent at the start of his first term, President Emmanuel Macron has since seen many former French colonies turn their backs on him, as he was unable to turn his promises into action.

Published on December 26, 2024, at 8:00 pm (Paris) Morgane Le Cam

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Brazil's Lula risks 'Biden effect' after hospitalization

The 79-year-old Brazilian president's hospitalization has sparked comparisons with his American counterpart and reignited talk about his succession, and even his ability to continue leading Brazil.

Published on December 13, 2024, at 6:00 pm (Paris) Bruno Meyerfeld

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Behind Boris Johnson's charm, a poisoned legacy for the UK

British historian Anthony Seldon gave a harsh assessment of the country's most recent leaders, at a conference on former prime ministers organized by a center-right think-tank.

Published on December 13, 2024, at 2:26 pm (Paris) Cécile Ducourtieux

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