The Archive

The questions. The debates. The verdicts.

Explore every session of The Long Council.

8 of 127 sessions
  1. 8 June 2026

    Can the European Union become both more democratic and more decisive at the same time, and if so, how?

    Verdict

    Europe can become more democratic and decisive by building delivery capacity first in energy, defense, and fiscal policy.

    DemocracyEconomyEuropeWarClimateGovernance
  2. 1 June 2026

    Should the US government's fast-track loan to Vulcan Elements, a firm with ties to a ruling official's family, be considered corruption or legitimate governance?

    Verdict

    This is corruption disguised as strategic policy.

    ClimateGovernance
  3. 29 May 2026

    Should we restore ecosystems by leaving nature alone and reducing human intervention?

    Verdict

    Ecosystems damaged by humans require active human restoration, not passive rewilding.

  4. 28 May 2026

    Should governments ban PFAS to protect the environment and health?

    Verdict

    Yes, governments should ban PFAS, but with transition timelines that fund alternatives development.

    Economy
  5. 27 May 2026

    Is it useful for the US to have military bases on every continent?

    Verdict

    America's 750 bases work when they serve host nations facing regional threats but become liabilities when they serve only global positioning.

    War
  6. 3 May 2026

    How can we make sure the strait of Hormuz gets re-opened ASAP?

    Verdict

    Coordinate all oil importers to isolate the blocking power economically while offering them profitable alternatives to chokepoint control.

    GeopoliticsEconomyClimate
  7. 1 May 2026

    Can Vietnam position itself in a way to compete with China for manufacturing business from western countries?

    Verdict

    Vietnam can compete for manufacturing business, but only by building superior infrastructure first and accepting a complementary role to China rather than direct competition.

    GeopoliticsChinaClimate
  8. 24 April 2026

    Should the Netherlands phase out all remaining Russian LNG imports by end of 2026, even if this means higher consumer energy prices for 18 months?

    Verdict

    The Netherlands should phase out Russian LNG imports by end-2026. Energy dependency on an adversarial supplier that has already weaponized energy exports constitutes a strategic vulnerability that outweighs temporary consumer costs.

    GeopoliticsEconomyWarClimateNetherlands