“Germany’s challenge is to recognize that history and geography have not disappeared as key factors shaping Germany’s prosperity and security; and that Germany needs as well to focus upon re-energizing the European project as well. If Germany became a nation isolated in a disaggregating Europe, Germany itself might disintegrate as…
This year’s Munich Security Conference 2019 did a good job of reflecting the conventional wisdom in Europe about the Trump Administration, and allowing geopolitical adversaries of the United States a good world stage. And Chancellor Merkel provided a “feel good” speech to rally Europeans nostalgic for a world before Donald…
Social media, tweeting, and various other coms tools are largely being used either to shape and reinforce self-defined communities or to provide the means to attack “them” while we define “us.” John Stuart Mill would not thrive in this environment. He who knows only his own side of the case,…
By Robbin Laird Having just returned from my latest trip to Germany to discuss the significant challenge facing Germany in shaping a credible force to provide for its direct defense and to contribute effectively to NATO’s overall collective defense, it is clear that for the near to mid term the…
By Robbin Laird I first had the opportunity to meet Lt. General (Retired) Klaus-Peter Stieglitz, a former German Air Chief, last Fall in Berlin at the International Fighter Conference. During my visit to Germany in February 2019, where I was continuing my look at the challenge of building a 21st…
With the usual controversy surrounding Australia National Day, it can be neglected to note the coming of the HMB Endeavour to mark the 250th Anniversary of Captain James Cook to Australia to be held in 2020. According to a press release from the Prime Minister of Australia’s office on January…
By Robbin Laird The slideshow contained in this article shows the formal celebration of Australian National Day held on the 26thof January. The day marks the arrival of the first fleet to Australia. The day honors the arrival of the British first fleet in Botany Bay on January 24, 1788.…
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