LATEST NEWS
EPIS Format Groups
Blog
Weekly perspectives on current topics
The Format Groups Blog – A weekly series of opinionated briefs (500-1000 words) discussing current issues in foreign affairs and security policy. Topics range from geopolitical analysis and international conflict to diplomatic strategies and global governance. The format presents well-researched, succinct insights to engage both academic and general audiences in timely security policy discussions.
Habsora and Lavender Artfical Intelligence Systems
The missing piece towards a fully algorithmically automated F2T2EA Kill Chain?
With the incorporation of AI systems, new fully automated F2T2EA models may become a reality.
Here to Stay?
Private military and security contractors as a blueprint for Future Warfare
Amidst a new era of global governance problems, countries increasingly source out responsibilities to PMSCs.
Hope Admits Hardship?
Ukraine's position on the geopolitical chessboard and the upcoming US presidential election
The upcoming US election will shape the course of the Russo-Ukrainian War and affect compliance with the international rules-based order.
How Security Concerns fuel the Rise Of the Far-Right in France
Security concerns fueling far-right momentum in France: Unpacking the reasons behind this growing political trend.
How Social Media Becomes a Tool to Radicalize College Students
Various social media platforms are used by extremist groups to organize, recruit, and incite violence.
How the "Sondervermögen" of the German Armed Forces is threatning democary in Germany
To fund the €100bln Berlin plans to spend for its armed forces, it plans to introduce a debt brake. This, however, could threaten democracy.
How the Syrian Refugee Crisis has been Securitized in Turkish Domestic Politics
Society and security
Turkey's Syrian refugee crisis has raised security concerns and has grown even to affect domestic politics and society.
Hydrogen Diplomacy
Germany's hydrogen initiatives in international relations
Considering its significance for fossil-based industries green hydrogen will play a major role in Germany's future foreign policy.
Impact of the US Election on the Asia-Pacific
What a second Trump term means for a changed Asia-Pacific region
1. What are the challenges facing the Asia-Pacific Region today?; 2. Trump will face new challenges that make the region more volatile than during his first term; 3. He has influential China hawks in his administration, but also anti-war activists, making it difficult to predict how he will handle the region
In the Shadow of Ballots
The 2024 US Elections and the Reimagining of EU Security
Main Question: How will the 2024 US election impact EU security and transatlantic relations? Argument: A Harris win would likely strengthen NATO and US-EU cooperation, pushing Europe towards more responsibility in defense. A Trump victory could weaken NATO, increase US isolationism, and embolden nationalist movements in the EU. Conclusion: The EU must prepare to enhance its strategic autonomy and unity, regardless of the US election outcome.
In the Year of Anniversary
Thoughts about (E)Ukraine
20 years after the EU's historic expansion, discussions over Ukraine's accession emerge. Will this enhance security or escalate tensions?
Is Multilaterlism Back?
Correspondence from the Paris Peace Forum 2023
Multilateralism on the rise? Insights from the Paris Peace Forum.
Milei's Argentinia
Navigating economic turbulance, populist politics and international relations in the era of small-government leadership
Amid Argentina's economic turbulence and political discontent, the election of Javier Milei sparked both hope and scepticism.
Navigating Geopolitical Realities
Germany's pragmatic step into the Artemis Accords
Germany's decision to join the Artemis Accords signals Berlin's astropolitics ambitions. However, not all that glitters is gold.
Navigating Global Development
Contrasting Strategies of BRI and PGII
China's hands-off approach and debt concerns highlight PGII's dilemma in prioritising sustainable, community-centric projects.
New MENA Migration Deals
Undermining the EU's role as a normative power?
The EU, as a normative power, faces a dilemma: new migration deals challenge its human rights values, risking credibility.
Niger
Military Gouverment only a transitional state?
Despite the leadership change following the military coup in Niger in July 2023, political change in the country cannot be expected.
Nobody Intends to Invade Finland
Why Russia's invasion of Ukraine may not be the only reason for Finland to join NATO
POL&IS Stepping Into the Shoes of Global Leaders
A simulated experience
The POL&IS simulation offered a glimpse into global politics, economics, and military affairs, challenging participants with diverse roles.
Politics and Complexity
International Relations Theory Needs to Embrace Complex Systems Analysis
How can structural factors and complex systems analysis enhance our understanding of political instability? Traditional theories like realism and Marxism fail to capture the multifactorial dynamics of political systems. Structural Demographic Theory offers a superior framework by examining demographics, elite interactions and state legitimacy through feedback mechanisms. By applying SDT, policymakers gain a powerful tool to predict and mitigate sociopolitical instability effectively.
