Commentaries
A strategic Union to cope with the multipolar challenge
How can Europe cope with the multipolar challenge? Europe must act collectively in order to “punch its weight” on the global stage, as it is often said. The empowerment of […]
Europe in the World
In a world that is largely driven by competition and rivalry (and partnership, yet) between great powers, understanding the Grand Strategy of each of these powers is crucial. So is developing a Grand Strategy for the EU itself. An EU that acts as one, as one pole of the multipolar world on a par with the other powers, is the only way to safeguard the way of life that the Member States of the EU have chosen, based on democracy, the free market, and equality.
Power cannot be divided: a global player must have political, economic, as well as military power. To that end, the Europe in the World Programme analyses the diplomacy and defence of the US, China, and Russia, and of the EU, NATO, and their members. We also focus on geoeconomics, researching Open Strategic Autonomy and the Global Gateway as key EU instruments, as well as the geoeconomic approaches of the other powers.
Defence policy is our third main axis of research, with a particular focus on European defence and its interaction with NATO, but also on nuclear deterrence and the deterrence of hybrid threats. Throughout all three research axis, we devote special attention to the role of Belgium, including notably the development of its own National Security Strategy and diplomatic and military capabilities.
Publications
After the China-EU summit: reaffirming a comprehensive strategic partnership
On 14 February 2012, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao hosted the China-EU summit in Beijing with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. The summit […]
External publications
Smart pooling for shared defence
The aim of the Ghent Initiative, or pooling and sharing, is to do more with less. in European Defence Matters (EDA), Issue 1, 21 May 2012, pp. 48-50. (Photo credit: […]
The Reassertion of the United States in the Asia-Pacific Region
The article discusses U.S. involvement in the Asia-Pacific region, with particular focus given to efforts to increase diplomatic and military presence. The importance of relationships with U.S. allies in the […]
External publications
Conclusion: from global disorder to an effective multilateral order: an agenda for the EU
The emergence of new powers fundamentally questions the traditional views on international relations, multilateralism or security as a range of countries now competes for regional and global leadership – economically, […]
External publications
A multipolar world in the making
The emergence of new powers fundamentally questions the traditional views on international relations, multilateralism or security as a range of countries now competes for regional and global leadership – economically, […]