A definition of Swiss neutrality remains elusive, but at least the debate has begun
Worldview: The Swiss maintain that it is precisely the defence of a neutral state that requires it to maintain a large and heavily equipped army
Patrick Smyth
Patrick Smyth columns
No wonder Americans are flocking to see Civil War. Many believe a civil war is coming
Following the assault on Congress on January 6th, 2021, is the prospect of war really that far-fetched?
Postponement of Senegal election a further sign of West Africa’s ominous drift from democracy
Senegal has long been considered an example of stability in West Africa
Could a Holy Land confederation offer a path to peace?
Ordinary people on both sides have lost faith in the two-state solution. But one variation worthy of consideration is the idea of close Israeli-Palestinian confederation
Brazil riots demonstrate democracy’s resilience not vulnerability
Failure of mob actions linked to Trump and Bolsonaro prove totalitarian alternatives may not be viable as the tide is turning
Russia must be called out on veto abuse in UN Security Council
General perception that even talking about the veto’s abolition is pointless needs to be challenged
Ukraine brings EU and US under Biden closer but China still divides
Getting the Europeans to sing from the same hymn sheet as the hawkish US over China will not be as easy as improving security co-operation
Patrick Smyth: Right-wing populists are finding that a comeback sometimes isn’t an option
The Tory libertarian right has been destroyed by the failures of Johnson and Truss, while Donald Trump’s return looks less certain by the day
Patrick Smyth: EU has the power stop Meloni from acting like Truss
Shaking off the constraints of EU membership has certainly given Britain new freedom, but a freedom, it appears, to commit economic hara-kiri
A win for Lula in Brazil would see Latin America swing further to the left
If Lula becomes president, the region’s six largest economies will be run by socialist leaders
Moldova watches Ukraine onslaught with grim sense of foreboding
There is widespread concern that Kyiv will not be enough for Vladimir Putin
20 years on: How The Irish Times covered the events of September 11th, 2001
Newspaper’s US correspondent was an eyewitness to the full horrors of 9/11
Bloody Sunday 1920: Who were Michael Collins’s hit team ‘The Squad’?
12 regular assassins were assisted by part-timers for ‘jobs’ including Bloody Sunday
Suzanne Lynch’s US Election Diary: When will Biden declare victory, how will Trump respond?
Democratic candidate makes inroads into president’s lead in Georgia and Pennsylvania overnight
Leo Varadkar pledges to defend farm funding amid EU budget deadlock
Taoiseach calls for maintenance of Cap funds as member states try to broker budget deal
Irish economy in good stead as no-deal Brexit fears recede – commission
Significant fallout from coronavirus on EU economy likely, warns commissioner
Johnson suffers parliament defeat as Coveney outlines trade priorities
Peers back amendment to give EU nationals proof of right to stay in UK after Brexit
Croatia’s population crisis takes centre stage with EU presidency
Europe Letter: State faces fight for its survival amid drastic population declines in Balkans
Britain takes ‘urgent measures’ to protect nationals and interests in Middle East
UK defence secretary comes close in Commons to endorsing US killing of Suleimani
EU leaders are serious about their support of the Green New Deal
The EU wants its message to be heard. It is serious about climate diplomacy
France worked with Ireland, Germany and EU officials on new Brexit extension
Decision allows for holding of pre-Brexit election, and makes clear the sole purpose of the extension is to allow for deal ratification
Court petitioners wary of Johnson’s trustworthiness around Benn Act
EU halts technical discussions on Brexit details with David Frost over weekend
Boris Johnson’s trip to Luxembourg descends into high farce
British prime minister takes a pass at the Duchy after being smoked out by protesters
Podcast: The Tory rebels take on Boris Johnson
Prime minister set for showdown with parliament over attempts to block no-deal Brexit
Phil Hogan has played a good hand in Brussels
Outcome of budget negotiations is most substantial legacy of Kilkenny man’s first term as agriculture commissioner
Poland and Hungary’s issue is with the EU, not Frans Timmermans
Europe Letter: Visegrád Group’s victory in the top jobs race is mainly symbolic
Varadkar dismisses EU role amid deadlock at ‘top jobs’ summit
EU Council meeting to extend into unprecedented third day after efforts to broker deal
Marathon EU summit on ‘top jobs’ to reconvene amid recriminations
Donald Tusk to put forward new compromise list of possible nominations
Man who killed Shane Geoghegan fails appeal against sentence
European human rights court uphelds Supreme Court finding against Barry Doyle
Taoiseach dismisses ESB option for broadband roll-out
Utility unsuitable for delivery of service as it ‘won’t work as quickly and could cost more’
Apathy rivals populism as an agent of European change
Political fragmentation and low turnout set to shape next European Parliament
Ireland faces the very real threat of a no-eel Brexit
Europe Letter: Lough Erne’s fascinating eels highlight what is at stake in the UK’s exit
The EU’s future depends on its relationship with China
Europe Letter: Paris summit shows European leaders’ mercenary embrace of Beijing
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Common Ground
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
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