Al Majalla selected The Struggle for Power as the title of this week’s cover story because Israel’s elections raise questions that reach far beyond the identity of the next prime minister. They reveal a deeper contest over the nature of political authority, the limits that define it, and the balance that governs the state’s institutions. Early results indicate that the ballot box may prolong the political stalemate rather than bring it to an end. Benjamin Netanyahu does not appear to command a clear majority, while his opponents face the daunting task of converting any electoral advantage into a coalition capable of governing. The implications of this struggle reach far beyond Israel’s borders. The next government will influence the trajectory of the confrontation with Iran, the future of Gaza, tensions with Lebanon and Syria, and relations with Washington and the Arab states.

Europe's Authoritarian Equilibrium

by R. Daniel Kelemen* On Wednesday, December 20, the European Commission took a historic step to defend the rule of law in Poland. For the first time ever, the Commission triggered Article 7(1)…

Majalla

Trump and the Bond Market

[caption id="attachment_55255109" align="aligncenter" width="594"] Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017. (Getty)[/caption] by…

Majalla

Macron’s World

[caption id="attachment_55255102" align="aligncenter" width="5246"] French President Emmanuel Macron listens to employees during a visit to the Whirlpool factory in Amiens, northern France, on…

Majalla

The Myanmar Military's Legacy of Impunity

[caption id="attachment_55255072" align="aligncenter" width="7360"] A Rohingya refugee boy desperate for aid cries as he climbs on a truck distributing aid for a local NGO near the Balukali refugee…

Majalla

The Rise of Poland’s Far Right

[caption id="attachment_55255068" align="aligncenter" width="4724"] Nationalists light flares during the Independence Day March on November 11, 2015 in Warsaw, Poland. (Getty)[/caption] by Volha…

Majalla

Putin's Plan for Syria

[caption id="attachment_55255065" align="aligncenter" width="4388"] Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech as he inspects a parade during his visit to the Russian air base in Hmeimim in…

Majalla

What Is Xi Jinping Afraid Of?

[caption id="attachment_55255024" align="aligncenter" width="2806"] Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at Beijing's Great Hall of the People as the Communist Party opens its twice-a…

Majalla