Despite nominal neutrality and pacifist branding, Sweden is one of the world’s largest arms exporters. The country’s defense industry is… — Despite nominal neutrality and pacifist branding, Sweden is one of the world’s largest arms exporters. The country’s defense industry is seeking to expand at home and abroad. From the Bismarck Brief, a weekly intelligence-grade analysis of an important institution, industry, or live player.

The Wallenbergs are both the benefactors and beneficiaries of Sweden’s political economy. Five generations in, they demonstrate the… — The Wallenbergs are both the benefactors and beneficiaries of Sweden’s political economy. Five generations in, they demonstrate the viability of dynastic owners in an age of managers. From the Bismarck Brief, a weekly intelligence-grade analysis of an important institution, industry, or live player.

While Ukraine’s military remains vastly outgunned by Russia, the change in strategy and reforms undertaken since 2014 have succeeded in… — While Ukraine’s military remains vastly outgunned by Russia, the change in strategy and reforms undertaken since 2014 have succeeded in creating a military and society capable of taking a total war footing. As the Russian military’s invasion of Ukraine stalls, it is easy to forget that many initially believed Ukraine…

Despite an appetite for reform and a grand vision for French and European power, the French president has struggled to build a political… — Despite an appetite for reform and a grand vision for French and European power, the French president has struggled to build a political base that could outlast him. From the Bismarck Brief, a weekly intelligence-grade analysis of an important institution, industry, or live player.

The Scandinavian countries have selectively opted out of European and trans-Atlantic integration. A shared cultural identity and desire for… — The Scandinavian countries have selectively opted out of European and trans-Atlantic integration. A shared cultural identity and desire for autonomy unite the region instead. From the Bismarck Brief, a weekly intelligence-grade analysis of an important institution, industry, or live player.

Vincent Bolloré turned a sleepy family business into a media empire at home and a logistics empire in Africa. He now faces trial and his… — Vincent Bolloré turned a sleepy family business into a media empire at home and a logistics empire in Africa. He now faces trial and his African operations will be sold off. From the Bismarck Brief, a weekly intelligence-grade analysis of an important institution, industry, or live player.

French military procurement has institutionally outperformed its Western allies. With defense budgets poised to expand, France is… — French military procurement has institutionally outperformed its Western allies. With defense budgets poised to expand, France is well-positioned to rearm Europe. From the Bismarck Brief, a weekly intelligence-grade analysis of an important institution, industry, or live player.

The Kochs financed an intellectual landscape to legitimize their political ideology, but deploying it in electoral politics has created… — The Kochs financed an intellectual landscape to legitimize their political ideology, but deploying it in electoral politics has created unintended consequences they are unable to course-correct for. From the Bismarck Brief, a weekly intelligence-grade analysis of an important institution, industry, or live player.

For decades, George Soros has implemented and shared a unique philosophy. But left without an aligned successor, his empire will be… — From the Bismarck Brief, a weekly intelligence-grade analysis of an important institution, industry, or live player. In 2018, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban banned George Soros and his foundations from operating in Hungary, citing concerns regarding their relief efforts for refugee populations along the Hungarian border. Orban’s government claimed that…