Global trade is being driven by political manoeuvring rather than purely economic objectives, creating discord that is a costly barrier to progress

Europe cannot establish itself as a foreign-policy heavyweight unless it adjusts its budgetary priorities and diverts resources from its welfare state, writes Ana Palacio

The jostling for influence at the top of the world is intensifying, and a hardening of attitudes, by Russia in particular, has Washington and others worried, writes Peter Apps.