Commentaries
A European War
The longer Russia’s war against Ukraine has lasted, the more important it has become to the security of all of Europe. Ukraine is not a member of the EU or […]
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
External publications
How Nuclear Weapon Reductions Backfired for NATO
Russia continues to rely on its sub-strategic nuclear arsenal, and NATO is therefore hoping in vain for sub-strategic nuclear arms control negotiations. For three decades, says Wannes Verstraete, the Alliance has […]
Renegotiating the Transatlantic Bargain
The end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 have showcased the foreign policy and defence approach of the second Trump administration, not only in words, such as the releases […]
External publications
A New ‘Regicides’ Era? Analyzing Trends in Terrorism Threats Against European Elected Officials
Some recent terrorist activities in Europe, including a foiled plot against Belgium’s prime minister, have purposefully aimed at elected officials. This is not a new phenomenon, as there is a […]
Commentaries
Belgium Stays and Chooses Dignity, Humanity and Hope. The New 2026 Humanitarian Strategy.
The international humanitarian system is in turmoil. Armed conflict is once again becoming normalized, and the principle that “might makes right” is experiencing a troubling resurgence. International law and humanitarian […]
Legitimacy Under Fire: How Ukraine Governs Without Elections
Ukraine confronts a legitimacy dilemma. With war precluding elections, Kyiv must govern without electoral renewal, even as the need for democratic legitimacy grows. The government’s legitimacy is the basis for […]