Blog

The 2026 Italian Arctic Policy responds to the end of Arctic exceptionalism by defining Italy as a "Near-Arctic State". Through the concept of "teleconnections," Italy links Arctic stability to Mediterranean security. It employs science diplomacy and the Navy’s "High North" operation to protect interests. Despite Russia's isolation, Italy views functional dialogue as a "creative necessity" to prevent regional chaos.

Executive Order: "“Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid”; who could oppose the need to eliminate abuses of the system? Domestically, the freeze on spending carries tangible risks for essential social programmes, threatening services that many communities rely on. Internationally, it also fuels uncertainty: allies and partners are left wondering whether the country will remain a dependable security provider and consistent strategic partner in the years ahead.

This essay aims to highlight the impact of the current blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on the EU, how it is managing, relatively, the crisis effectively, and what this entails for its strategic (energy) autonomy plans.

- Competitiveness in the next MFF
- Spaceshield and new Space capabilities
- The defense-industrial dimension of DG DEFIS

Main question: progress of doemtic unrest and war in Iran
Arguemnts: domestic unrest less important for Iran compared to War
Conclusion: situation needs to be observed as it progresses

-Egypt has enjoyed a normative hegemony over the Nile's waters since the period of British colonialism.
-As riparian basin states seek to develop their hydrological development potential, this clashes with Egypts previously privileged position, especially regarding Ethiopia's construction of the GERD dam project.
-Increased water scarcity will lead to future inter-state conflict over shared watercourses if no sustainable governance mechanism can be established.

How a large-scale trade deal will reshape global commerce?
Reducing tariffs and expanding cooperation in goods, services, and mobility will strengthen market access and economic integration.
Success depends on ratification and effective handling of regulatory, environmental, and sector-specific concerns.

Can conventional military deterrence and naval coalitions effectively neutralize asymmetric threats from non-state actors in fractured states like Yemen? 

While the U.S. prioritizes trade stability and Israel enforces direct deterrence, these kinetic responses address maritime symptoms rather than the underlying political fragmentation. 

Lasting Red Sea security requires political stabilization; military force alone cannot resolve a crisis rooted in regional governance failure. 

Was WEF26 equipped to address peace given the complex geopolitical structures and tension around Greenland?
WEF26 was effective in terms of dialogue and de-escalation, but structurally not capable of enforcing and ensuring peace
Davos can be a tool to talk about peace, but it can't guarantee it.

- Why The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Push Matters For Defence
- The EU’s CRM policy should be viewed as a defence issue, and not just an environmental or industrial one.
- Europe is making progress, with a shift in mindset, but is still lagging in many sectors.

Main question: How does South Korea navigate through the current geopolitical landscape?

Argument: Considering the fact that the country has a new administration since June 2025, South Korea has been "reseting" and "recalibrating" current relations with major international actors in 2026.

Conclusion: South Korea must find a balance in managing its alignment with Western countries and international organisations, while maintaining its relevance in the Indo-Pacific region.

1. Is the EU AI Act an effective way to regulate AI while protecting democracy and fundamental rights? Can innovation and regulation coexist in the AI era?

2. Unregulated AI can manipulate citizens and systems. Strict transparency and human oversight requirements are essential to preserve equality and democratic integrity.

3. The Act establishes a human-centric legal safeguard for digital innovation.

The 62nd Munich Security Conference highlighted growing European responsibility, with stronger trilateral cooperation through the Weimar Triangle and rising defense initiatives, while acknowledging industrial and structural limits. Ultimately, Europe is gradually assuming strategic autonomy, adapting to modern hybrid threats, and working to safeguard peace and democratic values.

How can Europe find stability and security post Russia's war on Ukraine?

Unity is under strain, but it is necessary to maintain a collective European strategy as it is essential for strengthening joint military power. Europe must build up its defence capabilities before seeking negotiations with Russia, as it provides leverage. For long-term stability, Europe must distinguish between Russia’s legitimate and illegitimate security concerns in future negotiations.

Main question: How Does the NB8 Navigate Current International Crises?
Argument: Strong support to Kyiv + unity and integration from external threats + cautious reaction from internal issues + integration and security management.
Conclusion: NB8's strength lies in its multi-layered integration + NB8 must find a good balance between accommodating US strategic concerns and carefully managing regional security + strengths in flexibility + resilience.

Does the capture of Maduro reflect justice, or a broader shift toward unilateral U.S. power politics? The intervention serves economic and strategic interests, signaling a move toward spheres of influence and away from international norms.

What does the future of Black Sea security look like? The Black Sea Security Forum showcased the many players shaping the region, with Ukraine playing a central role in both trade and defence. As a key security provider for Europe, Ukraine must be fully supported, but Europe must also learn from its ingenuity and innovation in modern warfare

Main: Why did Russia recognize the Taliban on 4 Jul 2025 despite post‑2021 isolation, and what follows?
Arg: Shared fight vs ISIS‑K; labour gaps; energy & transit deals; Soviet legacy ties.
Conc: Pragmatism beats isolation—if China, Iran and others move closer. Shared values, rights and norms fade and the Liberal international order weakens.

Technology is complex. European space launches have faced setbacks. But what does space really need to be successful?

How has the new transitional government reshaped the Iranian foreign policy? Under Assad, Iran had a second line of defence and a supply route toward its allies. With the ousting of Assad, Tehran has lost significant presence throughout the region, leading Iran to consider elaborating a nuclear weapon arsenal or financing destabilisation efforts both in Syria and Israel. The Syrian regime change left Iran isolated with no second line of defence and connection route toward its allies.