Uncategorised – Dr Oliver Hartwich

Some more equal than others? NZ has more in common with Orwell than the Magna Carta

times are changing, and in few places are they changing as rapidly as in New Zealand. Something radically different is emerging in New Zealand’s legal system. [...]

Russia’s war against the West escalates

We should let go of the illusion that normality will return once the war in Ukraine is over. Russia’s war on Western democracy preceded its military aggression on Ukraine. It will continue as long as the Russian leadership remains in power. [...]

You could fix so much that’s wrong in NZ. So why choose a welfare system that works?

The New Zealand government has picked the one part of the New Zealand economy that does not require a big reform for its biggest legacy project: the welfare state. [...]

The West is back

Putin’s war on Ukraine, and Zelensky’s heroism, force us all to take a stand. It leaves no room for neutrality, even if dressed up as an independent foreign policy. [...]

No excuse for being Russian

saint basil cathedral on red square at new year night

Targeting Putin and his supporters makes much sense. But demonising Russian culture more broadly is stupid, not least because it pushes Russians into line with the dictator. [...]

Decades of pacifism gone in a day

four soldiers carrying rifles near helicopter under blue sky

Germany has elevated security to the top of its political agenda. And it has finally dumped the weak, amoral, and irresponsible foreign policy of the Merkel years. [...]

Angela Merkel governed Germany for 16 years, but never led

Merkel has governed Germany for 16 years, but she never led it. [...]

The Tacitus temptation

brown and orange house with outdoor plants

Anyone wishing for an anti-Trump, an anti-Johnson or an anti-Bolsonaro could not dream up a more impressive figure like Jacinda Ardern. If she did not exist, she would have to be invented. [...]

Housing needs supply-side fix

Voters should ask a simple question about any new housing proposal: Will it make it easier to build more homes? If the answer is not “yes,” these are not the policies Australia or New Zealand need to fix our countries’ housing crises. [...]

Calm in a crisis won’t be enough for a second-term Ardern

silhouette photo of person standing near body of water

Kiwis are an optimistic bunch. That is why they look likely to give Ardern a second chance – and a second term. [...]