Dr Oliver Hartwich

Defrosting the trans-Atlantic relationship

Healing US politics will be a tough challenge for Biden. If he wants an easier task, he should try healing trans-Atlantic relations first. After all, most European leaders want him to succeed so they can rule out a return to the frostiness of Trump. [...]

Good news weeks

In a year of bad news, the past few weeks were a welcome exception. [...]

In search of Kiwi excellence

Kiwis have mothballed their ambition. We have forgotten about growing the pie so we can share it. We have given up on excellence in favour of wellbeing, kindness and not rocking the boat. [...]

Roll over Beethoven

By adding Ludwig van, Beethoven shall appear a little less genial than he was. He is just another composer. At least he is dead. [...]

Neither Donald Trump nor Joe Biden are good economic choices

In Homer's Odyssey, the hero is eventually saved and returns home. For the US, a return to long-term economic and political stability is a long way in the future. [...]

We don’t know how unlucky we are in NZ

It feels nice to be admired by the world. Yet I would rather live in a country that has honest conversations with itself. [...]

Election result a call to action

Kiwis have made it clear they do not want politics to be a handbrake on escaping the status quo. [...]

A political fairytale gone wrong

Perhaps Boris Johnson can be compared to his great idol Winston Churchill. Churchill was also booted from office shortly after his greatest triumph. [...]

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. [...]

Working group enlightenment

New Zealand’s post-modern politicians have moved past the old power philosophy and found nirvana in a place where nothing ever happens and the rulers remain untouchable in power. [...]