Mark Sappenfield

Boston

Editor at The Christian Science Monitor

«The Monitor's role is ... to awaken thought everywhere. There can be no greater fulfillment than to serve such a cause.» –Erwin Canham, Monitor editor, 1940-64

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Articles

With new president, Poland’s direction - and its place in Europe - is in question

3 days ago | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

Poland’s remarkable transformation since the Cold War means it now stands on the cusp of becoming one of Europe’s most powerful and influential nations. This week’s presidential election reveals a nation deeply conflicted about how to do that. In many respects, Poland is Europe’s greatest postwar success story, with booming economic growth rates and a robust military strongly committed to NATO.
The UK and EU have cut a deal. Is it the start of post-Brexit European unity?

2 weeks ago | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

This week may be remembered for the launch of Britain’s post-Brexit life. The United Kingdom officially left the European Union five years ago. Since then, uncertainty and lingering bad feeling have largely kept Britain and the EU at arm’s length politically. That was never likely to continue for long. The two are too deeply intertwined. The real question was how the relationship should evolve.
Are Germany’s moves against far-right party a model, or cautionary tale?

3 weeks ago | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

In a bombshell move that could shake the political landscape in Germany and beyond, the government in Berlin opened the door this month to the extraordinary possibility of outlawing the nation’s second most popular party. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been under government surveillance for years, suspected of antidemocratic activity.
Merz wins in vote that reveals the challenges ahead for Germany

1 month ago | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

Germany is a nation on the brink. On Tuesday, perhaps unwittingly, a handful of members of parliament decided to see how much further they could push it. Tuesday’s vote was supposed to be the simplest of formalities. The new German government formed after February’s election was to be sworn in. Its parliamentary majority seemed solid. The coalition agreements had been made, the documents signed.
From Liverpool to Wrexham: US-owned clubs are topping tables in English soccer

1 month ago | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

It was not so long ago that American owners seemed well on their way to ruining British soccer. This year, they are well on their way to winning it over. Literally. In the season ending this month, teams owned by Americans are poised to finish first and second in the top three tiers of British football.
Called to lead Europe, Germany weighs its national guilt. Is it time to move on?

1 month ago | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

Since World War II, perhaps nothing has shaped German identity more than a keen sense of remembrance. German leaders’ determination to make their country face its atrocities and take responsibility for them has changed how Germans view their nation – and how the world views Germany. As much as any industry or initiative, this culture of remembrance, or Erinnerungskultur, has allowed Germany to rebuild trust, rejoin the family of nations, and thrive.
German centrists hold the line against right-wing populists – barely

Feb 24, 2025 | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

In the end, the forces of moderation in German politics appear to have gotten what they hoped for to hold off a rising populist tide. But only by the thinnest of margins. The winner of Sunday’s national elections was the center-right Christian Democratic Union with 29% of the vote. It looks as if it will be able to form what is sometimes known as a “grand coalition” with the center-left Social Democratic Party.
Germany’s ‘firewall’ against populism has held so far. Sunday will be its biggest test.

Feb 20, 2025 | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

When the polls close here in Germany on Sunday, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party could well be the second-largest in the federal parliament with more than 20% of the vote. Yet its candidate for chancellor will not be seriously considered. No major party will likely ask it to join a coalition, nor for its help in passing legislation. This is the German “firewall.” Every other major German party refuses to work with the AfD because it is widely seen as an extremist right-wing party.
Christianity in public schools: Balancing faith education in America

Dec 11, 2024 | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

As I read the recent Monitor Weekly cover story on increased inclusion of the Bible and Christian values in public education by Jackie Valley, I couldn’t help but think of Charlie Brown. When my children were younger, we would watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” every year, and one thing always astonished me. In the middle of the show, for a full minute, the lights dim, the music stops, and Linus recites the story of the birth of Jesus according to the Gospel of Luke.
James Madison foresaw the big question worrying Election 2024 voters. What did he say?

Nov 5, 2024 | csmonitor.com | Mark Sappenfield

Some 236 years ago, it would seem that James Madison foresaw this moment. Election Day in the United States has arrived, and the great question that lies ahead is one he spent no small amount of time attempting to answer. How does a nation with democratic principles prevent the winners from walking all over the losers? Madison’s answer was a masterstroke of realpolitik. In political factions, he saw the human tendency to be whipped into groups of passion and ill will toward others.