External publications
Letting Europe go its own way
The Trump administration seems to believe that allies are meant to pay and obey. When it comes to Europe, this may pose a problem. During the Cold War, what was […]
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
The EU and multilateralism in an age of Great Powers
Try to imagine a major issue in world politics today that could be settled (whether peacefully or forcefully) by a single power: one cannot. It’s the interplay between at least […]
External publications
A Benelux perspective on Britain’s vote to leave
The Brexit debate in the UK focuses almost exclusively on the UK’s own position within the European Union and largely ignores the reaction and opinion of the other 27 member states. The UK’s […]
External publications
Which role for the Benelux post-Brexit?
The imminent departure of the UK and its multifarious consequences on the EU-27 have triggered substantial debate about the future of the European Union. In this context, the Netherlands are […]
Commentaries
Why joining France’s European Intervention Initiative is the right decision for Germany
France has ambitious plans for Europe’s defence. But Berlin is still hesitating. Rejecting the French ideas would damage Germany’s image as a reliable partner, weaken Europe’s security and put a […]
External publications
When the US shoots itself in the foot
The rift between the US and the EU was evident at the G7 Summit this week. A revisionist US poses a conundrum for both the EU and Australia. This article […]