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.
Many countries in the Global South have refrained from condemning the grave violation of international law that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine represents. They do not support Russia, China, or […]
Commentaries
Until 24 February 2022, the EU in practice dealt with Ukraine as a buffer state: an independent state that should maintain constructive relations with both Russia and the Union. That […]
Commentaries
In this commentary, we will focus on the fate of Prigozhin, recognizing that as long as he remains alive, he will remain a significant political and military figure that the […]
Just like after WWI and WWII, we are now facing the dawn of a new strategic era, a “Zeitenwende” in Europe. We need to assess what metamorphosis the European Union […]
Commentaries
On June 24, a bizarre event unfolded in Russia due to a longstanding and outspoken feud between Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of PMC Wagner, and the top officials of the […]
Commentaries
According to some, Ukraine’s counter-offensive creates an increased risk of further escalation. However, NATO stands ready to prevent this through deterrence. *****