Search
AI-powered search, human-powered content.
scroll to top arrow or icon

Populism and partition? Europe's bleak forecast for the year ahead

GZERO’s Tony Maciulis joins Mujtaba Rahman, Eurasia Group's Managing Director for Europe, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference to discuss the pressing political and economic situation in Europe. Rahman looks ahead to the EU Parliament's upcoming elections, highlighting concerns over populist party performance. “[Populists] will certainly be better represented” Rahman tells Maciulis, “but that being said, the impacts on policy will be marginal at best.”


Rahman also delves into Europe’s economic challenges, citing bleak growth forecasts and Germany's fiscal constraints. “The overall picture is an economy really in the doldrums, not performing…basically flat." Discussing Ukraine, Rahman underscores the risk of partition and stresses the importance of Western integration for Ukraine's ultimate failure or success against Russia. Rahman also raises concerns over the potential impact of a Trump presidency on transatlantic relations. “Is Trump signaling an invitation to Russia and others to probe and to test? That's really where the concern lies."

Join Ian Bremmer and a panel of experts this Saturday, February 17, at 12 pm ET/9 am PT/6 pm CET for our Global Stage discussion at the Munich Security Conference: Protecting Elections in the Ageof AI.

Keep up with GZERO's Global Stage coverage of MSC 2024 for more.

More from Global Stage

Can AI help solve global crises? Live from the AI for Good Global Summit 2026

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the global economy, one question is becoming increasingly urgent: who will actually benefit? Recorded at the 2026 AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, this special Global Stage conversation brings together leaders from the United Nations, Microsoft, and the scientific community to examine how AI can help tackle some of the world's biggest challenges, from disaster preparedness and climate resilience to humanitarian response and sustainable development.

How AI speeds up disaster relief efforts

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly powerful tool for disaster preparedness and emergency response. Speaking at the 2026 AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith explains how AI combines predictive modeling, satellite imagery, and public data to help governments identify vulnerable communities before disasters strike and respond more quickly when they do.

Join us Sept. 23 for a Global Stage livestream from the UN General Assembly

Join us Sept. 23 for a Global Stage livestream from the UN General Assembly

Catch our upcoming livestream on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 5:15 PM ET: How can a human-centered approach to AI help address some of society’s most pressing challenges while fostering inclusion, trust, and shared prosperity? Our livestream discussion, "Global Stage: Live from the 81st UN General Assembly" examines this key question, live from the sidelines of UN headquarters. Watch live at gzeromedia.com/globalstage

Building a safer, more equitable AI future

At the 2026 AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin says the future of artificial intelligence depends on putting the right guardrails in place to ensure AI is developed safely, responsibly, and equitably.

The World Bank Group's Sangbu Kim on AI and job skills

More than half of Americans believe their job is vulnerable to AI. The data tells a more complicated and in some ways more hopeful story.

Can AI protect humanitarian aid?

Artificial intelligence is already helping humanitarian organizations identify people in need, improve supply chains, and deliver assistance more efficiently. But it also introduces new risks.