Reinhard Hesse (1956-2004) was a writer, journalist and foreign correspondent for several German newspapers and magazines. He advised and wrote speeches for Germany's Chancellor, Gerhard Schröder. Among his books were Ground Zero: Der Westen und die islamische Welt gegen den globalen Djihad (Econ Verlag, 2002). He died in October 2004.

Recent articles

Can the world’s leading conflict zone clear a path towards peace, prosperity and freedom? The last article of Reinhard Hesse – openDemocracy contributor and adviser to the German Chancellor, Gerhard Schröder – looks forward to analyse the forces that might transform a troubled region.

Is the European Union’s story one of success or incomplete achievement? Both, says Reinhard Hesse. The EU has overcome its Iraq war divisions, integrated ten new members, and agreed its historic constitutional treaty. But challenges remain: a European economic model, Turkish membership, democratic accountability. The future starts here.

Turkey and Germany, long encoiled in one of Europe’s most intimate relationships, are still growing in each other’s hearts. Reinhard Hesse, feeling the boundaries melt further at the Berlin Film Festival, sees their cultural intermingling light the way for a new European politics.

Europe needs movement not respite. Before the European Union summit in Thessaloniki, a magnificent seven of intellectuals – including Jürgen Habermas, Umberto Eco, and Jacques Derrida – affirmed the need for a distinct, compelling vision of the continent’s future. In its wake, an influential German voice challenges European civil society to live up to the political responsibilities of a moment that offers many dangers and little time.

As a special convention on the EU’s constitutional future opens in Brussels, Reinhard Hesse argues that an active, cohesive European foreign policy is essential. The successful launch of the Euro is its own lesson: we can see Europe with fresh eyes.