By Alexander Nicoll Britain has been a member of the European Union for 43 years. But the commitment of its people has never been whole-hearted. In a few months time, voters will decide whether to stay in or leave. A decision to quit the 28-member EU —...
Russia’s economic woes seem to make it an easy target, but the West runs a risk in trying to paint Vladimir Putin into a corner. Archbishop Clement of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church walks past a pro-Russian armored vehicle and soldiers outside a Ukrainian...
“The atmosphere blew me away.” Giuliana represented Denmark at the model United Nations and quickly learned the arts of diplomacy. Here I am (center) with the delegations of Slovenia, Seychelles and Senegal. (Photo by Pascal Monteville) “It’s 2048 or...
Diplomatic deference or crass kowtowing? Italy’s decision to cover up nude statues during a visit by Iran’s president provokes scorn, glee and irony. A covered statue at Rome’s Capitoline Museums, 25 January 2016 (EPA/Giuseppe Lami) Supreme diplomatic...
by Nelson Graves Is Europe facing a refugee crisis? Is it Europe’s crisis? The answer to both questions is “no,” according to two experts who spoke to News-Decoder this week. Søren Jessen-Petersen, former Assistant High Commissioner at the UN refugee...
By Monika Pronczuk The tide of refugees fleeing to Europe from wars in the Middle East and elsewhere has sparked strong reactions, much of it hostile. But for some of us, it has been a life-changing, positive experience. It all started in October, when together with...
For the past six months, News-Decoder has been working out of the offices of a terrific French not-for-profit called Aventure du Bout du Monde (ABM). For 28 years, ABM has been a valuable resource for globetrotters who seek out exotic destinations. Every year, ABM...
France’s far-right National Front party keeps gaining ground. Its leader wants to be president. There’s a chance I’ll face a distasteful choice in 2017. In 2002, I was too young to vote or understand what was happening in French politics when...
Study abroad is about being afraid. The Paris attacks have forced me to confront an unexpected fear and allowed me to discover the beauty of France. A shrine to victims of the Paris attacks, 30 November 2015. (EPA/Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt) Giuliana Nicolucci-Altman is...
By Alistair Lyon Marine Le Pen has transformed the French political landscape, challenging the dominance of the left-leaning and center-right parties that have alternated in government for decades. Her National Front triumphed in the first round of regional elections...