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How can traditional conservative parties survive amid declining voter bases, rising populism, and rapid digital change?

Success depends on reframing political narratives, mastering social media and AI tools, and adapting to shifting demographics with more inclusive and emotionally resonant messaging.

The global centre-right parties will either renew themselves through these transformations or risk being overtaken by populist challengers.

Why won't the international community call the Taliban's systematic oppression of women gender apartheid?

The Taliban's regime meets every condition of apartheid (systematic oppression, intent to dominate, state-enforced coercion) except it targets gender. This legal gap has become an alibi for global inaction.

If Afghanistan's erasure of women from public life isn't gender apartheid, the term has no meaning, and the world has abandoned half of its population."

What is the current state of Islamist extremism and how effectively are intelligence and security agencies in Germany addressing it?

Effective counterterrorism depends on close cooperation among intelligence agencies, ethical oversight, and an understanding of digital radicalization.

Transparent dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration are vital to addressing security challenges without undermining democratic values.

Is China changing the balance of power in the Middle East to a multipolar order? China isn’t just about trade anymore — it’s stepping into security. From brokering deals to selling arms and joining military drills, China is quietly building real influence. The Middle East is no longer just America’s backyard. With China in the loop, the region is becoming more complex

Can El Salvador’s state of exception, declared to combat gang violence, justify suspending constitutional rights and widespread human rights abuses?

While the government claims improved security, the emergency has led to arbitrary detentions, disappearances, torture, and overcrowded prisons under conditions resembling authoritarian regimes.

The pursuit of security through repression undermines democracy, leaving El Salvador trapped between the illusion of safety and the reality of systemic human rights violations.

The conference report highlights the 34th Economic Forum in Karpacz as a platform for diverse perspectives on security. 

Sustainable defense relies on people, civic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.

Discussions on Ukraine and Russian threats revealed gaps in preparedness, emphasizing the importance of public awareness, youth involvement, and mentoring the next generation of security professionals.

How can Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) adapt to modern unconventional methods like humanitarian crises, political instability and evolving security threats?

CIMIC should evolve by taking in account both civilian and military opinions and integrating new doctrines.

Adaptation is urgent. CIMIC must act as a bridge between military logistics and humanitarian needs to navigate unconventional political realities to ensure more efficient and fast crisis response."

The 2025 presidential elections in Romania and Poland marked a pivotal moment for NATO’s eastern flank and also the start of a new chapter.

Romania’s pro-European outcome contrasts with Poland’s conservative shift, raising questions about regional cohesion. 

Thus, the future of NATO’s unity and its support for Ukraine now hinges on how both allies align with the alliance’s evolving priorities.

Is China’s Digital Silk Road (DSR) a threat to national sovereignty or a lifeline for digital development? The DSR initiative has two sides: it gives developing nations an opportunity for digital empowerment but also fosters long-term strategic dependencies  The Digital Silk Road is neither a trap nor a gift, but a two-edged sword that brings both empowerment and dependency. Policymakers should ensure that these collaborations support development without compromising sovereignty. 

Does the Australia–Nauru treaty help counter China’s Pacific influence, or risk harming Nauru’s sovereignty?
The treaty boosts Australia’s strategic stance by limiting China’s access, reassuring allies, and asserting regional leadership. But it risks neo-colonial perceptions, deepens dependence, and ignores key Pacific concerns like climate change.
To succeed, Australia must prioritize partnership, climate action, and respect for sovereignty.

Does AI pose a threat to security and foreign policy due to the possibility of disinformation campaigns against the backdrop of technological advantages other nations?
The targeted dissemination of false information can influence the sentiment of the respective population or politicians themselves and can be part of hybrid warfare.
It is therefore important not only to possess the sword, but also the shield. The shield must be a strong AI strategy for the EU in the context of defense.

How are rising Russian provocations threatening NATO’s eastern border?

Since 2022, Russia (often with Belarus) has carried out drones, missiles, sabotage, and hybrid attacks in the Baltics, Romania, and Poland, escalating regional tensions and testing NATO’s defenses.

Russia’s actions aim to intimidate neighboring countries; NATO must strengthen deterrence and coordination to prevent further destabilization.

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

The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has persisted for nearly three decades, involving numerous external actors, including Uganda. Uganda’s significant engagement began during this period. Uganda’s involvement remains controversial, raising persistent concerns regarding issues of sovereignty, economic exploitation, and human rights violations. Congo’s fragility and systemic corruption have rendered it vulnerable to external exploitation.

(1) How are Estonia and Romania countering Russian digital threats, and what lessons emerge from their responses? (2) Estonia built strong cyber defenses after past attacks; Romania faced election interference via TikTok and disinformation. (3) To protect democracy, the EU must boost cybersecurity, enforce strict protocols, and raise public awareness.

Will the conflict between Japan and Russia over the Kurils resolved? The historic context, the presence of resources and the confrontation between Putin and Japanese ambitions halted the possible resolution. The ongoing conflict is very unlikely to be resolved as the situation stays the same.

How do foreign powers shape Lebanon's security landscape? From Iran's military entrenchment to Western and Gulf states' strategic maneuvers, foreign actors have long influenced the country's fragile equilibrium. As regional dynamics shift, Lebanon’s trajectory remains uncertain. Without a unified international strategy and a commitment to long-term stability, Lebanon risks remaining a proxy battleground for geopolitical competition rather than advancing toward genuine sovereignty and security.

Can a spiritual leader influence global politics without traditional power? Pope Francis used moral authority and symbolic gestures to impact diplomacy, placing peace and the vulnerable at the centre of global discourse. His papacy proved that ethical leadership can challenge realpolitik and leave a lasting legacy on the international order.

The chaos generated by the Trump administration brings challenges, but also the opportunity for Europe to build its strategic autonomy, improving its position in security, trade, and technology.

How can governments uphold democracy in a fragmented, multipolar world while avoiding authoritarianism? The greatest threat to Western democracies is internal—censorship and suppression of dissenting opinions erode trust and weaken democratic values. To safeguard democracy, leaders must either eliminate censorship or admit that democracy no longer exists in its purest form. The choice is between civil liberties and authoritarian control.