Max Bergmann
@maxbergmann.bsky.social
Director of the Europe, Russia, Eurasia Program at CSIS. Podcasts EuroFile and Russian Roulette. Fmr State Department official. DC sports, Tottenham
Really hard following the US-EU fight… because the internet down is down in Silicon Valley on Christmas… because it’s raining.
raining.no
December 26, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Really hard following the US-EU fight… because the internet down is down in Silicon Valley on Christmas… because it’s raining.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Burgum a huge disappointment to me.
For a Republican governor of a super-conservative state he was good — thoughtful on housing, transportation, and energy — and now this shit.
For a Republican governor of a super-conservative state he was good — thoughtful on housing, transportation, and energy — and now this shit.
December 25, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Burgum a huge disappointment to me.
For a Republican governor of a super-conservative state he was good — thoughtful on housing, transportation, and energy — and now this shit.
For a Republican governor of a super-conservative state he was good — thoughtful on housing, transportation, and energy — and now this shit.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Undoing the harm caused by this administration - massive censorship & intimidation of media outlets at home, and transnational repression of international bodies & civil society abroad - is going to absorb a lot of time & effort in the next presidency.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK social media campaigners among five denied US visas
The Trump administration bans five people who have called for tech regulation from entering the country.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 24, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Undoing the harm caused by this administration - massive censorship & intimidation of media outlets at home, and transnational repression of international bodies & civil society abroad - is going to absorb a lot of time & effort in the next presidency.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Well said @ec.europa.eu
“The EU is an open, rules-based single market, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in line with our democratic values and international commitments”
www.ft.com/content/c4e7...
“The EU is an open, rules-based single market, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in line with our democratic values and international commitments”
www.ft.com/content/c4e7...
US bars former EU commissioner Thierry Breton and others over tech rules
France hits out at visa sanctions as Washington targets what it calls the ‘global censorship-industrial complex’
www.ft.com
December 24, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Well said @ec.europa.eu
“The EU is an open, rules-based single market, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in line with our democratic values and international commitments”
www.ft.com/content/c4e7...
“The EU is an open, rules-based single market, with the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in line with our democratic values and international commitments”
www.ft.com/content/c4e7...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
The 60 Minutes debacle reminds me why I've enjoyed reading—and writing for—The Economist. We speak to all sides but are under no pressure to "balance" a credible source with some nut job. We don't write "experts say x" if it's patently clear that x is true.
Looking for a good Xmas gift? Buy a sub.
Looking for a good Xmas gift? Buy a sub.
December 24, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The 60 Minutes debacle reminds me why I've enjoyed reading—and writing for—The Economist. We speak to all sides but are under no pressure to "balance" a credible source with some nut job. We don't write "experts say x" if it's patently clear that x is true.
Looking for a good Xmas gift? Buy a sub.
Looking for a good Xmas gift? Buy a sub.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
This is the first time Macron has retaliated so angrily against the provocations of his alleged "friend" Donald Trump. The policy of appeasement and flattery is breaking down.
December 24, 2025 at 2:17 PM
This is the first time Macron has retaliated so angrily against the provocations of his alleged "friend" Donald Trump. The policy of appeasement and flattery is breaking down.
A first step to bolster the radical right in Europe would be to ensure their content can get out there. Hence, sanctioning and trying to create a chilling effect on content moderation efforts.
Then the money pours in. I expect huge amounts of funding to pour into the far-right this year.
Then the money pours in. I expect huge amounts of funding to pour into the far-right this year.
This will be a topic to watch in 2026: will the Trump administration’s campaign of interference in Europe be guided more by a genuinely strategic plan to boost the radical right here, or by the requirements of Trump-friendly US business interests? Not the same thing.
December 24, 2025 at 3:59 PM
A first step to bolster the radical right in Europe would be to ensure their content can get out there. Hence, sanctioning and trying to create a chilling effect on content moderation efforts.
Then the money pours in. I expect huge amounts of funding to pour into the far-right this year.
Then the money pours in. I expect huge amounts of funding to pour into the far-right this year.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
A transatlantic showdown over tech policy (as opposed to, say, net zero) could actually have a unifying & galvanising political effect within the EU. The union’s digital regulations are broadly popular and many voters actually want more, not fewer, controls on Big Tech.
yougov.co.uk/technology/a...
yougov.co.uk/technology/a...
December 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM
A transatlantic showdown over tech policy (as opposed to, say, net zero) could actually have a unifying & galvanising political effect within the EU. The union’s digital regulations are broadly popular and many voters actually want more, not fewer, controls on Big Tech.
yougov.co.uk/technology/a...
yougov.co.uk/technology/a...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
The Trump administration attack on content moderation online may be intended to benefit right-wing trolls but, as I note in this @postopinions.bsky.social column, it will also benefit jihadist terrorist groups like ISIS that recruit online: wapo.st/4qrV8U5
December 24, 2025 at 4:46 AM
The Trump administration attack on content moderation online may be intended to benefit right-wing trolls but, as I note in this @postopinions.bsky.social column, it will also benefit jihadist terrorist groups like ISIS that recruit online: wapo.st/4qrV8U5
Reposted by Max Bergmann
It's not just Breton either, but also current directors of NGOs working on disinformation and to counter hate speech online in Europr. This will have a major chilling effect on European other NGOs and think tanks working in this space too. US admin showing the NSS means business.
In a major escalation against the EU, alongside civil society representatives the Trump Administration sanctions former Commissioner Breton for work he did in official capacity ↘️ www.state.gov/releases/off...
Announcement of Actions to Combat the Global Censorship-Industrial Complex - United States Department of State
The State Department is taking decisive action against five individuals who have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetize, and suppress American viewpoints they oppose....
www.state.gov
December 23, 2025 at 10:10 PM
It's not just Breton either, but also current directors of NGOs working on disinformation and to counter hate speech online in Europr. This will have a major chilling effect on European other NGOs and think tanks working in this space too. US admin showing the NSS means business.
The bend the knee strategy has not worked. Zero belief that the EU will punch back.
INBOX: Announcement of Actions to Combat the Global Censorship-Industrial Complex
December 24, 2025 at 5:10 AM
The bend the knee strategy has not worked. Zero belief that the EU will punch back.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
From a Norwegian perspective, I think the increased cooperation with the UK and France is already underway.
This is perhaps most visible with the UK and also formalized with the new agreement, but the French have steadily been more present in recent years, especially in the naval domain.
This is perhaps most visible with the UK and also formalized with the new agreement, but the French have steadily been more present in recent years, especially in the naval domain.
December 22, 2025 at 5:54 PM
From a Norwegian perspective, I think the increased cooperation with the UK and France is already underway.
This is perhaps most visible with the UK and also formalized with the new agreement, but the French have steadily been more present in recent years, especially in the naval domain.
This is perhaps most visible with the UK and also formalized with the new agreement, but the French have steadily been more present in recent years, especially in the naval domain.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Sweden. Where "After work" hours stretch from 3 to 6pm.
Imagine the amount of GDP they could be generating instead of hanging out at the pub with their mates.
Imagine the amount of GDP they could be generating instead of hanging out at the pub with their mates.
December 22, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Sweden. Where "After work" hours stretch from 3 to 6pm.
Imagine the amount of GDP they could be generating instead of hanging out at the pub with their mates.
Imagine the amount of GDP they could be generating instead of hanging out at the pub with their mates.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
MAGA: Sweden is in the midst of civil war, on the cusp of civilisational erasure
Swedes: on your paid holiday, please borrow some free skates so you can enjoy our public rink in the middle of the idyllic square in the heart of our walkable city.
Swedes: on your paid holiday, please borrow some free skates so you can enjoy our public rink in the middle of the idyllic square in the heart of our walkable city.
December 22, 2025 at 5:38 PM
MAGA: Sweden is in the midst of civil war, on the cusp of civilisational erasure
Swedes: on your paid holiday, please borrow some free skates so you can enjoy our public rink in the middle of the idyllic square in the heart of our walkable city.
Swedes: on your paid holiday, please borrow some free skates so you can enjoy our public rink in the middle of the idyllic square in the heart of our walkable city.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
We continue to stand in solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.
Greenland is an autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark. Any changes to that status are for Greenlanders and Danes alone to decide. (1/2)
Greenland is an autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark. Any changes to that status are for Greenlanders and Danes alone to decide. (1/2)
December 22, 2025 at 5:21 PM
We continue to stand in solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.
Greenland is an autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark. Any changes to that status are for Greenlanders and Danes alone to decide. (1/2)
Greenland is an autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark. Any changes to that status are for Greenlanders and Danes alone to decide. (1/2)
My take on the coalition of the willing for @nupinytt.bsky.social. "There is a danger while attempting to demonstrate Europe’s seriousness that the Coalition of the Willing in fact does the opposite." www.nupi.no/en/publicati...
United States: Europe with Eyes Wide Shut | NUPI
In the Multinational Force Ukraine series of policy briefs leading experts from allied countries assess key factors for participation in the Multinational...
www.nupi.no
December 22, 2025 at 5:21 PM
My take on the coalition of the willing for @nupinytt.bsky.social. "There is a danger while attempting to demonstrate Europe’s seriousness that the Coalition of the Willing in fact does the opposite." www.nupi.no/en/publicati...
Reposted by Max Bergmann
Though worth noting the French and Italians argue that in bouncing the Germans and Finns into accepting a path towards Eurobonds they have put EU Europe's geopolitical ambitions on a more sustainable long term footing
December 21, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Though worth noting the French and Italians argue that in bouncing the Germans and Finns into accepting a path towards Eurobonds they have put EU Europe's geopolitical ambitions on a more sustainable long term footing
Reposted by Max Bergmann
The Axis of Late Trains.
December 21, 2025 at 4:51 PM
The Axis of Late Trains.
Instead of “coalitions of the willing” just do QMV for everything. The EU would be a hell of a lot more decisive that way. It solves the problem and avoids the institutional ad hocery caused by CoW.
The push should be to drop unanimity.
The push should be to drop unanimity.
“If the EU is to be more effective and decisive it may need to resort to action through coalitions of the willing rather than all members in some areas… A weak and indecisive EU that is incapable of shaping its future will only embolden its foes — both within and without”
as.ft.com/r/6106b5ad-5...
as.ft.com/r/6106b5ad-5...
Europe needs strategic purpose matched with action
[FREE TO READ] A €90bn Ukraine loan should mark the beginning of a more decisive and ambitious EU
as.ft.com
December 21, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Instead of “coalitions of the willing” just do QMV for everything. The EU would be a hell of a lot more decisive that way. It solves the problem and avoids the institutional ad hocery caused by CoW.
The push should be to drop unanimity.
The push should be to drop unanimity.
"Not since the U.S. allied with Joseph Stalin during the Lend Lease Act has a White House official enjoyed such frequent, personal access to a Russian or Soviet leader. Witkoff has yet to visit Ukraine."
"Vladimir Putin was interested in meeting Witkoff... There was just one thing: Witkoff would be expected to come alone, without any CIA handlers, diplomats or even an interpreter, a person familiar with the outreach said." www.wsj.com/world/putin-...
How Putin Got His Preferred U.S. Envoy: Come Alone, No CIA
The Kremlin fueled the rise of Trump’s friend Steve Witkoff with a prisoner release, sidelining career diplomats.
www.wsj.com
December 21, 2025 at 3:41 AM
"Not since the U.S. allied with Joseph Stalin during the Lend Lease Act has a White House official enjoyed such frequent, personal access to a Russian or Soviet leader. Witkoff has yet to visit Ukraine."
Reposted by Max Bergmann
On the latest episode of Russian Roulette, @maxbergmann.bsky.social and @msnegovaya.bsky.social discuss the state of affairs in peace negotiations over Ukraine as we come to the close of 2025.
Listen: www.csis.org/podcasts/rus...
Listen: www.csis.org/podcasts/rus...
December 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM
On the latest episode of Russian Roulette, @maxbergmann.bsky.social and @msnegovaya.bsky.social discuss the state of affairs in peace negotiations over Ukraine as we come to the close of 2025.
Listen: www.csis.org/podcasts/rus...
Listen: www.csis.org/podcasts/rus...
And France.
Good news for Wisconsin
"A new study has found that eating 50g or more of high-fat cheese a day correlates with a lower risk of developing dementia. That means all cheeses with more than 20 percent fat content, including brie, gouda, cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, and mozzarella." www.sciencealert.com/cheese-linke...
December 19, 2025 at 2:22 PM
And France.
Reposted by Max Bergmann
imagining a future where it's normal to ask soccer players interesting questions and for them to answer them
“I’d love to get into it.”
Allow Kirk Cousins to take you to school
Allow Kirk Cousins to take you to school
December 19, 2025 at 3:55 AM
imagining a future where it's normal to ask soccer players interesting questions and for them to answer them
Reposted by Max Bergmann
"Why I welcomed getting punched in the face; the alternative was a kick in the bollocks". Incredible topspin, here.
December 19, 2025 at 2:15 PM
"Why I welcomed getting punched in the face; the alternative was a kick in the bollocks". Incredible topspin, here.
The EU never gets praise even when it acts. There is so much constant EU negging that commentators struggle to praise when it delivers. The EU did what it needed to do. Take the win.
Last night was a big step for Ukraine and the European project.
First, the EU got the money for Ukraine 1/
Last night was a big step for Ukraine and the European project.
First, the EU got the money for Ukraine 1/
December 19, 2025 at 1:25 PM
The EU never gets praise even when it acts. There is so much constant EU negging that commentators struggle to praise when it delivers. The EU did what it needed to do. Take the win.
Last night was a big step for Ukraine and the European project.
First, the EU got the money for Ukraine 1/
Last night was a big step for Ukraine and the European project.
First, the EU got the money for Ukraine 1/