17/10/2006 11:25:52 am
Number One: Foreign Policy. It is striking how important international developments and events are for a government in a European country these days. Not only is the government involved in numerous international relations, but international trends strongly affect the foundations for the domestic policy.

Of course international organisations like the EU and the UN demand their efforts from their member states. Still, the developments that may have a long-term impact do not take place in the corridors of institutions. Rather, it is what moves in the societies of the world that matter in the global context and that demand a place in the policies and a thorough analysis. Just consider a few:

- The globalised economy. Trade, competition and technical development create a need for rapid change. Hundreds of millions of people are entering the global workforce. Should trigger reforms that simplify change and ownership.

- The risk of protectionism. The US and Europe face strong protectionist tendencies in politics. Extremely destructive when introduced in reality. A classic battle that takes place internationally.

- The rise of China and India in terms of security policy. They get wealthy, which benefits all. They also get more powerful; what values will guide their foreign policy?

- Nuclear proliferation. What can and should be done with totalitarian regimes with nuclear weapons?

- The European societies are more heterogeneous than ever during the era of nation-states. People?s habits, origins, religions, experiences and desires are very different. How should such states interact internationally?

- The need for market-oriented reform in Europe. It is greatly needed, not least due to globalisation and demography. How will it happen and will we learn from each other? And what will happen in the formerly reformist countries of Eastern and Central Europe, that now have rather weak governments?