Even those who recognize all of these threats struggle to prioritize them – which is vital to addressing them. If, say, Islamist terrorism is the principal threat, then it might make sense for the West to align itself with Russia in the fight against it. But what if right-wing populism, which the Kremlin actively supports, is the biggest menace? In fact, exaggerating the threat of Islamist terrorism, while downplaying the threat of right-wing populism, could well play directly into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hands. If Europeans cannot develop – with lucidity, firmness, and dedication – enlightened solutions to the threats they face, who can?

Source: Sunday Times February 28, 2017 13:56 UTC