Raison d'être

Geopolitical theories regarding geographical boundaries have been used historically by aspiring conquerors to justify their ambitions.

The most glaring case was that of Adolf Hitler, who believed that Germany was suffocating within its existing borders and that its interests extended to broader geographical areas, at least those with German populations.

The 'third bloc' movement lost its raison d'etre decades ago, but Serbia sees its members as potential customers for its troubled weapons manufacturers.

The government is trying to free itself from the unavoidable fissures that governing brings with it.

After five-and-a-half months in power the government has some problem areas which if they continue and are not controlled may shake the relationship of trust that the PM from the start tried to create with citizens.

NATO is celebrating its 70th anniversary, yet it is an odd birthday, as the person currently occupying the position of natural figurehead of this international family - as presidents of the United States have essentially shaped it and raised it over the decades - appears to be questioning whether it still has a raison d'etre.