[wanabidii] Partisanship and the State of the Union, plus...

...Germany and Europe, New Zealand PM, How to Fix the Euro

Dear Colleague,

This week, Xenia Wickett and Bruce Stokes analyse President Obama's State of the Union speech – what it says about Washington partisanship and how it reflects the opinions of the American public. Plus, members events included a discussion of how Germany's history affects its policy and standing in Europe and a conversation with newly elected New Zealand Prime Minister John Key about his country's place in the world.

Chatham House was named the #2 think tank worldwide for the fourth consecutive year by the Global Go To Think Tank Index, released today. Our report How to Fix the Euro was named the #2 think tank report of 2014. Also this week, Dr Patricia Lewis, research director of the International Security department, was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws by the University of Warwick.

State of the Union: The Partisan Wars Continue

President Obama's State of the Union address called attention to many of his flagship policies – but it remains unclear if anything has a chance to get past partisan gridlock, writes Xenia Wickett. Bruce Stokes examines how the speech reflects both the partisanship in Washington and the split personality of US public opinion on foreign policy.

Read 'State of the Union: The Partisan Wars Continue' >

Read 'Obama Faces Mixed Message from American Public' >

Germany and Europe: Uncomfortable Leadership

Two experts on Germany spoke with Quentin Peel about the historical tensions that have shaped German foreign policy and national identity, and the country's influence on the past, present and future of Europe.

Watch event video >

New Zealand's Place in the World

As New Zealand takes a seat on the UN Security Council, Prime Minister John Key discussed the country's international outlook and attitudes toward security and economic cooperation.

Listen to event audio >

How to Fix the Euro

As the European Central Bank begins its first programme of quantitative easing, read the Chatham House report on strengthening economic governance in Europe, ranked the #2 report of 2014 by the Global Go To Think Tank Index.

Read the report >

The Changing Face of News

FEATURED EVENT

Wednesday 28 January | 18:30 - 19:30

Kevin Sutcliffe, Head of News Programming, EU, VICE News

Jim Waterson, Political Editor, BuzzFeed

Sarah Marshall, Social Media Editor, EMEA, Wall Street Journal

Chair: Charlie Beckette, Director, POLIS, LSE

This is an Under 35s Forum event. The event will be followed by a reception.