This year’s RE:THINK Academy Magazine explores how power is shifting away from national capitals. From Duisburg’s resilient China partnership to Budapest’s Pride parade as an act of city diplomacy, the issue traces how cities, regions, and networks are increasingly shaping international affairs once reserved for states. Highlights include Navid Kermani’s harrowing account of the war …
The report argues that democracy is best protected through local action rather than national politics alone. Across North America and Europe, cities, schools, community organizations, and local leaders are strengthening democratic resilience by fostering civic participation, trust, and inclusion. It introduces the concept of “democratic frontsliding”—proactively reinforcing democratic institutions before they erode—and highlights Budapest’s defense …
In her article, Cécile Pelaudeix argues that the Arctic is entering a new geopolitical era marked by growing great-power competition, security concerns, and shifting international alliances. She highlights China’s increasing presence in the region through initiatives such as the Polar Silk Road, alongside Russia’s continued strategic influence. According to Pelaudeix, existing institutions, particularly the Arctic …
This paper contributes to the European Commission’s review of its 2016 Joint Communication on international cultural relations. Drawing on a comparative study of soft power governance across twenty-five jurisdictions (British Council, 2026), which applies an Assets-Infrastructure-Outcomes framework, and on a practitioner-academic workshop convened in Brussels in March 2026, it argues that the review requires a …
The European security environment has undergone significant transformation following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, particularly amid rising uncertainty over the credibility of US security commitments. This paper examines the drivers of Europe’s current security dilemma—marked by Russian coercion and doubts about US commitment—and explores possible pathways to strengthen European security. As an answer, we propose …
The European Union is beginning a review of its 2016 Joint Communication on international cultural relations. This policy brief argues that the review presents an opportunity to reconceive the scope and purpose of EU-level coordination of international engagement. Drawing on a 25-jurisdiction comparative study published by the British Council in March 2026 (the ‘Trends study’) …
Why the Trump Administration is Redefining American Power and Purpose This paper analyses the foreign policy orientation of the second Trump administration. It argues that this does not represent an attempt at reform, but rather a fundamental departure from the liberal international order that has existed since the Second World War. Contrary to initial assumptions, …