Geopolitics

Prompted by unilateral American strikes, France and Germany just forged a historic European nuclear defence pact. Surging nationalist political movements, however, threaten to destroy this fragile strategy before it even begins.

Interconnected crises affect civilisation, and investors must adapt to an emerging, increasingly tribal and less rational world.

Historian Niall Ferguson warns that today’s geopolitical conflicts arise from economic volatility and imperial decline, emphasising the West’s need for resolve against authoritarian regimes and cooperation with allies.

Recent events in the Western world, including political unrest, economic instability, and social decay, signal a systemic crisis. Western societies must recommit to foundational values to overcome this decline.

On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, it’s important to remember the 10,000 New Zealanders who supported the landings in Normandy. Today, they inspire us to defend freedom and democracy in the face of new challenges.

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.

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.

Russia’s actions have set in motion a chain of events that could plunge the world into a serious economic crisis.