Health
The Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented shock and a catalyst for international relations. Other health crises will follow. We need to be prepared for them.
Justice and Might
Looking back on the last few weeks, a famous quote by Goethe (from his report on the siege of Mainz in 1793) came to mind: “Better to commit an injustice than to countenance disorder.” In other words, disorder engenders more injustice than it eradicates. But, if one word characterizes the world at the end of summer 2020, it is disorder.
Global Order in the Shadow of the Coronavirus: China, Russia and the West
The coronavirus pandemic has thrown a harsh spotlight on the state of global governance. Faced with the greatest emergency since the Second World War, nations have regressed into narrow self-interest. The concept of a rules-based international order has been stripped of meaning, while liberalism faces its greatest crisis in decades.
What international order can be expected in a post-COVID-19 world ?
Thierry de Montbrial, Ifri's executive chairman, et Françoise Nicolas, director of Ifri's Center for Asian Studies, talked about the global order in a post-COVID-19 world at a videoconference on July 15th ahead of the World Knowledge Forum organized by Maeil Business Newspaper.
Consequences and Lessons of a Virus
As Europeans get ready for their summer holidays, the Covid-19 pandemic seems to be winding down, despite hotspots cropping up here and there. However, we are not safe from the next wave. After so many careless speeches, nobody dares to make any more precise forecasts. In any case, any confirmed lull fosters broader reflections both on the disaster’s consequences and the dysfunctions that allowed it to happen.
The Post-Coronavirus World Is Already Here
The unforeseeable COVID-19 crisis raises fundamental questions on a number of levels.
COVID-19 and the End of Technological Innocence
COVID-19 acts as a catalyst in international relations.
[Webinar] The Post-COVID-19 Challenges to the European Union
Slovakia's Foreign and European Afffairs Minister Ivan Korčok spoke in a webinar organized by Ifri, the GLOBSEC Policy Institute, the Austro-French Centre for Rapprochement in Europe, and the School of Transnational Governance European University Institute (EUI) on June 16, 2020. He discussed the post-COVID-19 challenges to the European Union as seen from Slovakia, in particular the EU recovery package, MFF negotiations, the EU’s role in safeguarding multilateralism and in playing a bigger role on the world stage.
COVID-19: A Public Health and Geopolitical Shock
The COVID-19 crisis has hit the countries of the European Union (EU) hard.
Global Public Goods: Beyond Empty Words
As I write these lines, the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be following the pathway forecast by those epidemiologists and virologists, who have been telling us for weeks that the wave is past its peak. If it is, this does not mean that we are safe from a second wave some time later, but only that the first surge is over.
In search of a common spirit: the countries of the Weimar Triangle in the Covid-19 crisis
The coronavirus crisis has affected the countries of the Weimar Triangle to varying degrees. Bilateral relations between Germany and Poland as well as Germany and France have been strongly influenced by border closures, which have led to tensions between the countries.
Solar Power in Sub-Saharan Africa after COVID-19: Healing the Ills of the Sector
The electrification of sub-Saharan Africa is one of the great challenges of the 21st century. It is essential if we are to succeed in creating the 20 million jobs each year necessary to absorb the demographic growth of the region,[1] which is set to have 2.1 billion inhabitants in 2050, compared to 1.1 billion today.[2]
Economy and Diplomacy: China’s two Challenges in the Post-Covid-19 World
Will China rise stronger from the pandemic? A flow of media reports and op-eds have recently flourished, forecasting the decline of the West and the triumph of China on the world stage amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have declared the dawn of a “post-Western world”.
Allies despair as Trump abandons America's leadership role at a time of global crisis
The United States has scaled back its role on the world stage, taken actions that are undermining efforts to battle the coronavirus pandemic and left the international community without a traditional global leader, according to experts, diplomats and analysts.
Europe’s relationship with China is now one of mistrust and hostility
At the start of the pandemic, Europe and China helped one other. Then the mood changed.
China's Mix of Aggressive and Charming Coronavirus Diplomacy could Worsen Europe's Fractures, Report warns
A prominent French think tank has warned that China's so-called "mask diplomacy" amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic threatens to further exacerbate divisions within the European Union, with Beijing tailoring its approach to suit different nations. The French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) published a new report Thursday detailing how coronavirus could alter EU-China relations, both during the outbreak and in the long-term.
Covid-19 in Europe-China Relations: A country-level analysis
Analysis from 19 countries reveals the complexities of Europe’s relations with China amid the Covid-19 crisis.
Hubris, Black Swans and the Future of Europe
European Council meetings are seldom exciting. But last week’s virtual gathering showed once again that, despite fears, Europe is moving forward in the most serious crises.
Easing the Lockdown: Some of the Issues
After my first editorial a month ago (it seems like forever!), I am back with some concise remarks.
Coronavirus: China wants to lead the fight against Covid-19, but can it overcome the mistrust?
With the United States gripped by a domestic struggle with Covid-19, China appears to have stepped into its shoes as a global provider.
Perspectives on European integration and China-Europe cooperation
Françoise Nicolas, director of Ifri's Asian Studies Center, spoke during a webseminar on European integration and China-Europe cooperation, organized by Chinese think tank CCG.
Ifri, a foundation recognized as being of public utility, relies largely on private donors – companies and individuals – to guarantee its sustainability and intellectual independence. Through their funding, donors help maintain the Institute's position among the world's leading think tanks. By benefiting from an internationally recognized network and expertise, donors refine their understanding of geopolitical risk and its consequences on global politics and the economy. In 2026, Ifri partners with over 90 French and international companies and organizations.
