Some random thoughts on the US election today:

I hope I don't insult my American friends when I say that, while the world's interest (obsession even) with US politics is testament to American's amazing soft power, it is also a factor that stifles political life everywhere else. US politics is a convenient and 'easy' way for the global citizen to feel civicly engaged without the sacrifices of participation: a way to care about 'issues' while feeling OK for not doing (and being expected to do) sth about them because, after all, it's a different country.

New article in @CompEurPol_Jnl where I investigate how the activities of #Europarties in countries of the European Neighbourhood relate with the goals and priorities of EU foreign policy. Short answer: the two mostly align, but sometimes it can get messy.
link.springer.com/article/10.105… I look at the relationship betw. @EPP and partner parties in Georgia and North Macedonia and how it interplays with EU goals there. One observation is that sometimes the logic of partisan allegiance and commitments contrasts EU values (e.g. the case of Gruevski). @rdanielkelemen