By Fabiana Natale and Gilles de Valk
July 14th, 2020
For this seventh episode, we interviewed Francesco Trupia, Research Fellow at the Prague-based Center for Security Analyses and Prevention. He has a PhD in Political Philosophy from the University of Sofia and works on the societal role of minority groups and democratisation in post-communist Eastern Europe, the Balkans and the Caucasus in particular. In our conversation, we discussed the impact of the pandemic on the Balkans and the role of foreign actors in the region.
‘On a national level, the pandemic began to expose pre-existing structural problems and accelerate democratic backsliding.’
‘Executive competences tend to be expanded and justified in the face of emergency situations.’
Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Estonia has been recognised as a leader of the Baltic states in their transition to becoming democratic powers. Estonia is often portrayed as a technological powerhouse; due to its Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre, Estonia plays a prominent role in Baltic regional security. Besides transitioning into an essential security position through technological advancement, the state also boasts the highest level of political participation from its citizens out of all post-Soviet states. However, Estonian policies towards its Russian-speaking minority creates a divide in the state’s population. With the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc globally, one wonders how the virus will impact a state that struggles to include roughly a quarter of its population in civic participation. This article will explore the subject in detail, providing an analysis of Estonia’s policies as they relate to the country’s Russian-speaking minority, and the potential for COVID-19 to increase the rift between the Estonian population due to its economic impact on the state.
By Taylor Pehrson
August 5th, 2020
By Fabiana Natale and Gilles de Valk
July 6th, 2020
For this fourth episode, we interviewed Velina Tchakarova, Head of Institute at the Austrian Institute of European and Security Policy (AIES). In our conversation, we discussed the future of the global order and Europe’s role in it.
‘There will be a struggle until the political system finds a new equilibrium and right now, we need more people who have ambitions for our European future, otherwise someone else is going to shape it.’
By Livia Margna
June 8th, 2020
Part one of this article analysed the security implications for Europe of foreign fighter repatriation from Syria and Iraq. It concluded that fears of a drastic deterioration of Europe’s security environment are overstated, and the risk emanating from returnees manageable. Part two discusses the impact of non-repatriation, showing that policy alternatives outsourcing the problem increase the terrorist threat for Europe. Having rebutted the constituting rationales of the repatriation opponents, it concludes that allowing foreign fighters to return is most in line with European states’ security interests.
By Livia Margna
June 4th, 2020
European societies fear that the surviving Islamic State fighters would travel home to continue jihad there, bringing an explosive mix of extensive terrorist training, traumatic war experiences, and deep-rooted hatred against the West in their backpacks. Therefore, most decision-makers have shown reluctance to support repatriation and have instead implemented policy alternatives outsourcing the problem. This Security Distillery article critically examines and dismantles their main arguments, while shedding light on the self-harming implications proffered by them. In order to do so, the first part of this article discusses the impacts of repatriation on Europe’s security environment.
From 1939 to 1945, the Third Reich astonished Europe with its Blitzkrieg on all battlefronts. Its military efficiency has since then been a leitmotiv of history studies. This has been traditionally attributed to its technological superiority and optimisation, as well as its innovative strategies. However, there is one more trick to consider: performance-enhancing drugs. This article will address how drugs played a pervasive role in the success and failure of Nazi Germany, from the breakthroughs in Poland to the defeat of the regime.
May 7th, 2020
April 22nd, 2020
Recent far-right extremist attacks in Germany, like the attacks in Hanau on the 19th of February this year and the attack in Halle in late 2019, have started a new debate. The media regularly reports about new right-wing extremist movements and far-right ideologies that are on the rise. However, others argue that the latest attacks in Germany are not as surprising as they may seem. The case of the National Socialist Underground (NSU) which took place almost ten years ago gives an idea of the German intelligence systems’ struggle to investigate potential violence stemming from right-wing extremism in its early stages.
February 19th, 2020
The history of humankind is a history of people movements, with new perceptions of space as a triggering factor for major historical breaks. Migration, defined as ‘the process of people travelling to a new place to live’, has, indeed, always been a common feature of human societies. But, while migrations have significantly enriched European societies in the era of mass movement, a shift seems to have occurred in our understanding of national borders. How did public opinion in the European Union suddenly start to feel threatened by such an ordinary, non-violent phenomenon? Does this reaction result from existing risks, or does it simply reflect the exacerbation of nationalism by a securitisation process? More specifically, this piece will touch upon the divides in how to handle the so-called “migrant crisis” in the European Union.
November 7th, 2019
CURRENT CHALLENGES TO PEACEBUILDING AND STATEBUILDING IN KOSOVO
Twenty years after the Kosovo War, which left a scenery of destruction behind, and eleven years after the country’s declaration of independence, the challenges posed to Kosovo are far from solved. The ongoing processes of peacebuilding and statebuilding have had countless positive results for the region, yet have so far been unable to grant Kosovo real legitimacy either internally or externally. Kosovo has reached a deadlock.
DISINFORMATION AND CYBER-THREATS: VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE IN THE 2019 EU ELECTIONS
In May 2019, over 350 million European citizens will express their vote for the constituency of the new European Parliament in a moment of significant challenges for the European Union (EU). As these may be the most important elections ever faced by the EU, policy-makers should pay particular attention to disinformation campaigns and cyber-threats to guarantee fair and free elections.
April 3rd, 2019
by Sabbir Jubaer & Valerio Viscardi
March 20th, 2019
WHAT ISIS’ DEFEAT IN THE MIDDLE EAST MEANS FOR EUROPE: COUNTER-RADICALISATION IN THE EU
Radicalisation has emerged as a sincere issue in Europe in the last five years. Since ISIS started to lose territory, foreign fighters have begun to return to Europe, while ISIS’ web presence has strengthened and increased. In response, the European Union has created some of the most successful anti-radicalisation programmes to tackle those threats. However, these measures have failed to prevent some of the worst terrorist attacks that have ever occurred on European soil. This is due to a lack of true coordination and cooperation between member states’ approaches and at the broader EU level.
THE SECURITY IMPLICATIONS OF THE FAR-RIGHT’S RISE IN EUROPE
The far-right’s most recent electoral emergence in Europe raises concerns about the possible securitization of multiculturalism, the inspiration of radical right terrorism and the destabilization of liberal democracies. Understanding its rise and tactics can help liberalism address the far-right’s challenge.
March 14th, 2019
February 20th, 2019
THE INFLUENCE AND STABILITY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM: THE NATIONAL SECURITY RAMIFICATIONS OF A NO DEAL BREXIT
Brexit presents a scenario in which, all at once, the UK must: maintain its relevance on the world-stage whilst simultaneously reducing its legislative and policy making influence; satisfy Scotland’s call to remain; and assuage Northern Ireland’s border concerns. At risk is the fragmentation of its union and a shrinking of its international role.
UK ACCESS TO EU DATABASES: THE NATIONAL SECURITY RAMIFICATIONS OF A NO DEAL BREXIT
The UK’s ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to risks is enhanced by its ability to share data and expertise, exchange information, and collaborate closely with its nearest neighbours. Brexit presents a significant threat to both that information exchange and continued collaboration.
January 29th, 2019
By Anne Lise Michelot
November 30th, 2018
REFORM OF THE FRENCH INTELLIGENCE OVERSIGHT SYSTEM
French intelligence remains a very secretive world from the public view, and the little presence it occupies in the press or public debate is more often than not one of scandal, abuse or failure. Nevertheless, a wave of reforms is attempting to perfect this system, and in some cases, to create effective intelligence oversight mechanisms.
EU’S ROLE IN SHAPING CYBER LEGISLATION – PART TWO OF THREE
The European Union´s role as a global cyber power mainly relies on its ability to shape cyber-related legislation and standards of state behavior. This might prove challenging due to its institutional structure and civilian power characteristics. Still, the cyber diplomacy directive adopted by the European Council in December 2015 marks the EU’s more proactive role in international cyberspace policy development.
By Rusudan Zabakhidze
October 3rd, 2018
By Mirko Savković
August 25th, 2018
IS EUROPE (ONCE AGAIN) LOSING THE WESTERN BALKANS?
This year’s Western Balkans Summit, taking place in London, failed to produce almost any meaningful results regarding the real integration of the region into the European Union. Even though the EU has decided to move forward with enlargement processes, general perception is that these efforts are half hearted and indecisive. At the same time, new players are gaining influence in the Western Balkans. Is the EU struggling to hold on to the Western Balkans?
NORDSTREAM II: IT’S BUSINESS, NOT PERSONAL
“Resistance to Nordstream II comes from all sides. European leaders criticise the increased dependency on Russian gas and internally, the Green Party and other interest groups attempted to block the project for environmental reasons. Poland fears that Nordstream II will slowly erode the security dividend of its position as a transit country. German dependency on Polish imports guarantees their support if tensions between Russia and Poland increase.”
By Dorien Van Dam
October 11th, 2018
By Rusudan Zabakhidze
July 16th, 2018
EU AND CYBER SECURITY: NEW PLAYER AGAINST EMERGING THREATS IN CYBERSPACE – PART ONE OF THREE
Transport, energy, health, and finance are the most vulnerable sectors exposed to cyber-threats. Issuing the EU Cybersecurity Strategy in 2013 was an important step forward in developing a common framework; however, the strategy lacked the practical initiatives that would deliver tangible outcomes.
THE STATE OF THE EUROPEAN ENERGY UNION
In an increasingly open and interconnected market, one of the most vital elements of the European Union (EU) common market project is lagging behind: energy. The European Energy Union is an ongoing project of the EU to create an open and interconnected energy market throughout the EU providing secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy.
By Dorien van Dam
July 10th, 2018
This article explores how the Wagner Group’s (WG) expanding footprint in Africa can exacerbate the migration crisis in Europe. It argues that the group can provoke irregular migration by supporting violence and political oppression in Africa and cooperating with hybrid warfare tools against EU borders. It also reflects on the challenges for the EU to address such threats and comments on what could be done by the Union to contain the WG in Africa.