Commentaries
The New US Arctic Strategy. Welcome back, America!
On 7 October 2022, the US released its National Strategy for the Arctic Region, a welcome, important new policy. It marks a strong and clarifying shift in the US’s focus […]
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
Commentaries
What news from the Ukrainian front? A net assessment
The ongoing bombing of Ukraine may create the impression that the war has become hopeless. In addition, the economic and political consequences are making themselves increasingly felt everywhere.
Commentaries
Local Elections in Taiwan: The DPP’s China Card Backfires
Since the 1990s, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has been one of Asia’s most vibrant and competitive democracies. The People’s Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan’s antagonistic neighbor on the western […]
Commentaries
No Security for Ukraine or Europe without a Secure Black Sea and Mediterranean
The Mediterranean and the Black Seas should not be viewed principally as “borders” for purposes of European security, with the attendant “Frontex”-type strategies augmented by a modicum of naval power.
Commentaries
The World’s First Aircraft with Sixth-Generation Technologies to be Introduced to the Public: the B-21 Raider Bomber
Today, US defence, cyber, and aerospace company Northrop Grumman will introduce the world’s first aircraft with sixth-generation technologies to the public. Apart from the fact that this showcases US’ technological […]
Why Belgium Needs a Cyber Command
On 19 October 2022, the Belgian Ministry of Defence declared the Initial Operating Capability of its new Cyber Command. Responding to the trend of states seeking competitive advantages in a […]