All Publications
Briefs, papers, field notes and magazine articles from across the EPIS network.
Your Data, Their Jurisdiction: The EU’s E-Evidence Revolution
This article examines whether the EU’s e-evidence package has finally solved the cross-border evidence problem or relocated it from diplomatic exchange to corporate compliance, with fundamental rights caught in between.
Why America’s Data Centres are Becoming Defence Infrastructure
As modern warfare increasingly targets dual-use digital and energy infrastructure—exemplified by recent strikes on Amazon Web Services data centres in the Middle East—the intersection of commercial artificial intelligence and national security faces unprecedented challenges. This brief examines h…
From Resource Wealth to Political Power: Kazakhstan’s Authoritarian Resilience
The case of Kazakhstan illustrates that resource wealth may contribute to the persistence of authoritarian governance without being a sufficient cause of it. Oil revenues strengthened the economic position of the state and ruling elites, while facilitating rent-seeking and patronage. However, the…
Buy Together, Build Together, Defend Alone? The Reality of EU Defence
Key Insights: Key Insights: Despite EU targets for joint defence procrument, only 18% of spennding is collaborative, and three-quarters goes outside the Union.
When Foreign Peacekeeping Contests Sovereignty: Cambodia and UNTAC
Despite the positive intention of UNTAC, its extensive range of authorisation can also be interpreted as an international interference over Cambodia’s domestic affairs under the Westphalia understanding of sovereignty.
In Hot Water: Europe’s Droughts Threaten Energy and Trade
Amid severe European heatwaves and record-low river levels in summer 2026, critical energy infrastructure—including nuclear plants in Romania and Hungary—has been forced to slash production or shut down entirely. This brief examines how water scarcity poses an urgent, cross-sectoral threat to Eur…
The U.S. Munitions Crisis: the Limits of the American Arsenal
The U.S. is facing a severe shortage of advanced interceptors and strike missiles. Caused by deep flaws in defense manufacturing, this multi-year rebuilding gap forces Washington into difficult choices that threaten its global deterrence, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
NewSpace and Capitalism: Balancing Regulation and Innovation
NewSpace is changing the space sector as private companies take on a growing role in developing technologies and providing space-based services. This brief examines how governments can regulate security, environmental and public-interest risks while preserving competition and innovation.
Human Dignity and Meaningful Control Under the EU AI Act
This article examines whether the human oversight obligations for high-risk systems under Article 14 of the EU AI Act effectively protect human dignity. It argues that formal compliance with these requirements is insufficient to prevent algorithmic objectification and ensure meaningful human cont…
First Venezuela, Now Cuba? Implications for U.S. Operations
Following the raid on Caracas, an American oil blockade has pushed Cuba’s economy to the edge of collapse. Observers wonder whether U.S. strategy will shift from economic pressure to direct military intervention.
Europe’s Future Is in Our Own Hands: A Conversation with Othmar Karas
Former EP Vice-President Othmar Karas reflects on 25 years in EU governance, discussing Single Market reform, institutional resilience, and why Europe’s future rests with the next generation.
EU Engagement in Afghanistan: Balancing Aid and Human Rights
Five years after the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan faces a severe humanitarian crisis alongside systemic human rights violations. This brief examines the EU’s dilemma: delivering vital aid under Taliban rule without conferring political legitimacy. It argues for structured access arrangements a…
Accelerated Asylum, Restricted Remedies: Assessing the EU APR
The EU’s accelerated border procedure raises concerns that short appeal deadlines and limited suspensive effect may undermine the practical effectiveness of judicial protection guaranteed by Article 47 CFR.
African Science Diplomacy: From Fragmentation to Integration
Africa’s scientific landscape remains fragmented. This brief explores how science diplomacy, research mobility, shared infrastructure and continental funding could build a more connected African research ecosystem.
Can an EU–Thailand FTA Stop a Race to the Bottom?
Can the proposed EU–Thailand FTA prevent regulatory competition through weaker environmental protection? This article tests the published EU provisions against Thailand’s blackchin tilapia crisis.
Projectifying the CAP: Performance-Based Environmental Governance
This paper examines the CAP’s New Delivery Model through the lens of projectification, highlighting how performance-based governance and decentralised flexibility may constrain long-term environmental transformation.
Uzbekistan’s Purchase of Chinese J-10CE Jets and its Compatibility with Foreign Policy Ambitions
Uzbekistan’s purchase of Chinese fighter jets indicates diversification from historical military reliance on Russia and aligns with a regional push for new security guarantees and partnerships.
The Digital Services Act & Gender-Based Harassment
The DSA’s procedural mechanisms are useful, especially where abusive conduct can be clearly classified as illegal content.
Indivisible but Not Identical: A conversation with Dr. Eva Pejsova
Dr. Eva Pejsova analyzes the evolving security relationship between NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners (IP4), focusing on Japan’s role, maritime security, and practical defense ties.
The Gambia v. Myanmar: Reconciling Standards of Genocidal Intent
The Gambia v. Myanmar marks the third state-to-state genocide claim to reach the International Court of Justice, forcing the Court to rely on UN Fact-Finding Mission investigative material rather than prior criminal convictions.