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For much of the postwar era, Germany and France have been the twin motors of European integration. Yet, as the continent faces one of its potentially most challenging periods, there are possible crises brewing in both nations.

Geopolitics was not widely viewed as a key trigger for the turmoil in international financial markets this month. However, several potential political fissures might yet emerge in 2024, including in the Middle East, bringing greater economic disequilibrium in their wake.

There are major political differences between the Labour government that was elected on July 4 and its Conservative predecessor which gained power in May 2010. However, one common challenge that each faced on day one was that of a troubled economic inheritance.

Many governments still believe that hosting major sporting contests commands significant prestige, yet that assessment may be sorely tested with the huge challenges facing the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris.

Western leaders this week marked the 75th anniversary of NATO. Yet most of the attention during the organization’s annual summit in Washington was focused on US President Joe Biden.