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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.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Guardians of the theocracy in their own interest
Military pillar of the Ayatollah regime, economic giant and society-shaping association – this article provides basic facts about the IRGC.
The Korean Peninsula as a Scene of Geopolitical Development
The Korean Peninsula draws global attention as North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, meets Putin, hinting at deeper cooperation.
The Myth of German "Kriegstauglichkeit" (War Capability)
Readiness for war is important – si vis pacem para bellum. But those who demand it should look reality in the eye.
The Red Rulebook
Explaining Russia's and China's advantage in Africa
African states increasingly reorient their foreign policy strategy away from the West - and this is no surprise. How should the West react?
The Relevance of BRICS in International Relations
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1. the relevance of the Brics. 2. It has an increasing relevance that will only grow. 3. The BRICS needs to be taken seriously as an international actor.
The Subtle Infiltration of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems
Unmanned systems proliferate in warfare, from reconnaissance to tactical strikes, raising ethical and regulatory concerns.
The US and Mexico
Challenges and opportunities
Catalysed by the USMCA, Mexico has become Washington's most important trade partner. This has major implications for the two states' ties.
The Win-Win Commitment
China and the Middle East
The pursuit of greater global influence drives the cooperation between China and Riyadh. What to expect from this partnership in the future?
Turn the Tide
Offshore wind as a marker of European energy resilience
The Ukraine war highlights Europe's high cost of being dependent on Russian energy - however, Brussels is moving fast to emancipate itself.
Ukraine Unveiled
Navigating the crossroad of war in the wake of the 2024 US election
The US 2024 election will have a major impact on the Russo-Ukraine War - In which direction will the pendulum sway?
Understanding Isreal's Security Outlook Post-October 7th
The October 7th attacks forced Israel to reassess its security outlook profoundly, challenging long-held assumptions and strategies.
Warsaw Security Forum
Transatlantic trends in retrospect
Discover the highlights of the Warsaw Security Forum and its impact on transatlantic cooperation, summarised by our delegate Mihnea Turcitu.
We will have a EU Black Sea strategy
The European Commission's President asked for it, and the Commissioner-designate pledged
EU's Commissioner-designate for Enlargement Marta Kos has pledged to establish a coordinated Black Sea strategy, likely expanding on the Black Sea Synergy policy with a focus on regional cooperation in environmental protection, transport, and energy. This article offers new avenues for such a strategy that EU policymakers may consider.
Why Israel's Legitimacy Faces Unique Challenges
Competing Narratives and Global Ideologies Fuel Challenges to Israel’s State Legitimacy
1. Why does Israel face unique challenges to its legitimacy? 2. Israel’s legitimacy is contested due to conflicting historical narratives, territorial disputes, tensions around its Jewish identity, and modern ideologies framing it as a colonial entity. Rising anti-Zionism and antisemitism amplify these challenges. 3. Denying Israel’s right to exist oversimplifies the issue. A sustainable peace requires dialogue, mutual recognition, and addressing both Israeli and Palestinian aspirations.
Why the Emerging Human Rights Regime against Torture in Southeast Asia is Faltering
Short of producing accountability, new ASEAN anti-torture standards may sanction the practices of Southeast Asian states.
5 Reasons Why Mark Rutte is Not the Right One to Lead NATO
NATO cannot afford to be run by a political leader who is not sufficiently experienced in shaping international security policy.
