Blog

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

The fall of the Hungary-Romania border with Romania's Schengen accession marks a historc step towards deeper European integration, offering new opportunities for collaboration and mobility. However, the border remains a psychological and symbolic divide shaped by decades of political tension, cultural differencesm and shared, yet contested, histories. The Treaty of Trianon, nationalist policies, and mutual suspicions have perpetuated divisions despite the EU's efforts to foster unity. While the Schengen Area promises unrestricted movement and cross-border cooperation, the enduring mental barriers highligh the challenges of overcoming historical grievances. Ultimately, the border's removal offers a hopeful yet complex vision for improving Hungary-Romania relations and the broader European project.

Hostage-taking is a tactic used by autocracies like Iran to pressure Western democracies. The 2024 detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala illustrates this strategy. Her arrest, linked to the capture of Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, was seen as political leverage. Though diplomatic efforts led to her release, the growing use of hostage diplomacy highlights the need for stronger measures from democracies to protect citizens and counter this tactic.

What can the history of the EU strategic autonomy debate teach us about the recent calls for European unity and defense integration? The EU strategic autonomy debate has been ongoing for three decades, yet the EU member states have repeatedly failed to turn its ambitions into concrete policy changes. Unless European leaders provide strategies for achieving strategic autonomy—rather than repeating vague ambitions and rhetoric—the EU will struggle with the same issues it has faced for decades.

Can Germany, as a capitalist and imperialist state, implement a transformative Feminist Foreign Policy? Despite advocating for human security and disarmament, Germany's rising arms exports and support for military interventions contradict these principles. The policy follows a liberal-feminist approach, failing to address deeper postcolonial and patriarchal structures. Conclusion: Germany’s Feminist Foreign Policy remains rhetorical, unable to create real transformative change.

In light of the credibility problem of #COP29 in Azerbaijan, our fellow Vincent Sipeer examines whether a new legitimacy crisis under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is starting to develop. Faced with strained cooperation, low recognition and calls for more inclusive instruments, revitalising global collaboration is key to preventing COPs from losing legitimacy.

1. Can Germany continue avoiding clear foreign policy stances in a volatile global context? 2. The “German Vote” reflects structural indecision rooted in domestic politics, harming Berlin’s leadership role. 3. Germany must break from strategic ambiguity and lead with responsibility to retain influence and ally trust.

The School for ThinkTankers 2025, organized by 'On Think Tanks,' was a five-day workshop designed to equip young professionals with skills for think tank leadership. The program covered governance, fundraising, policy influence, and communications, with insights from experts. Key lessons included the importance of adaptability, strategic foresight, and informal exchanges in strengthening think tank impact, emphasizing collaboration and strategies for future-proofing organizations.

Should the EU treat Taiwan as a strategic partner despite China’s threats? Taiwan offers the EU critical economic and democratic alignment, but deepening ties risks economic retaliation and geopolitical friction with Beijing. The EU must cautiously strengthen ties with Taiwan to support democracy and resilience, while avoiding escalation with China.

Kenya’s youth-led protests against new tax hikes have raised questions about global financial influence and Africa's future.

Key insights from the 22nd Berlin Security Conference, exploring the crucial role of the defence industry in German security.

Europe faces a dilemma on Taiwan, torn between US pressure and China's trade benefits. With no clear stance, internal divisions persist.

Conference Report

Russia's revival of the "bastion defence" concept in the Arctic raises challenges to NATO.

Berlin Plus, a NATO-EU cooperation framework, offers EU access to NATO planning capabilities but faces a host of challenges.

Has Giorgia Meloni set a precedent in Europe? A critical view on the Italy-Albania Migration Deal and its implications for the EU.

The BRICS countries and other emerging economies confidently demonstrated their will to challenge the West. Will their endeavour succeed?

This year's German-Korean Junior Forum privded an excellent opportunity for young people from both countries to discuss various issues.

Main question: How should Ireland cope with sabotage risks of its underwater infrastructure? Argument: Ireland should invest more in protecting its subsea infrastructure from sabotage by adversaries. Conclusion: The Irish government must modernize its outdated naval services so that Ireland’s adversaries refrain from sabotaging underwater infrastructure in Irish waters.

With the renewal of European space cooperation, private investment in space will accelerate economic growth and bring security advantages.