From Normative Power to Geopolitical Actor: The EU’s Strategic Shift on Syria
More than a decade after imposing sweeping sanctions on Syria, the European Union is recalibrating its approach. The easing of economic restrictions and the launch of reconstruction aid mark not only a policy shift, but a test of whether Brussels can evolve from a purely normative power into a strategic geopolitical actor.
Constrained Atlanticism After Greenland: How the Netherlands Exposes Europe’s Dilemma
The Netherlands, an exemplifier of a US-oriented Europe, finds itself in a familiar but increasingly awkward position as Arctic geopolitics heat up and U.S. interest in Greenland resurfaces. How do Atlanticist Europeans protect European sovereignty without endangering its long-standing Atlantic orientation?
Expansion Fatigue? Now Is the Moment for Enlargement — And Not Only in the East
The direct threat to Greenland might have cooled down. This is nevertheless a chance for Europe to strengthen its future.
Left in the Dark: When Looking Towards China, Europe Needs a Clear-Eyed View
Despite China’s remarkable political and economic transformation, the narrative of a ‘Communist success story’ merits far more nuance. As China’s international influence grows, Europeans must learn to better understand the Chinese model—a task for which Europe’s own past with collectivism and authoritarian can offer valuable insight.
Sudan: The Make-or-Break Test for a Human Rights-Based International Order
Sudan is a stress-test of whether human rights will remain a principle in the new emerging international order.
Why Supporting the People of Iran Is a Moral Responsibility and a Historic Opportunity
Moments when ethical responsibility and geopolitical opportunity align are rare—and Iran may be one of them.
Trump’s First-Year Misjudgement of Russia’s Intentions
The Trump administration’s first year of Russia–Ukraine diplomacy has been driven by one underlying assumption: that the Kremlin would prefer the conflict ended. Yet Russia’s recent military budgets, political signalling, and strategic behaviour point in the opposite direction.
What Canada’s ESA Investments Signal for the Future of Transatlantic Space Cooperation
“The Canada-ESA collaboration has proven its value for nearly 50 years…by deepening our commitment, we’re ensuring Canada remains a trusted and forward-looking space partner.”
Sudan’s Geostrategic Tragedy: How UAE–Saudi–Egypt Rivalry is Testing Europe’s Influence
Behind Sudan’s spiralling humanitarian crisis lies a quiet but decisive proxy war between Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt.
Navigating Uncertainty: A Report From the Helsinki Geoeconomics Week
Europe’s search for resilience in a world where markets have become geopolitical battlegrounds.
Dutch Policy in the Sahel: Navigating a Proxy Crisis
For decades, Israel European interests are impacted by the Niger coup and instability throughout the Sahel, particularly in the areas of energy, migration, and counterterrorism. How is the Netherlands positioning itself in the wake of France’s military withdrawal and growing Russian/Wagner presence? count on Europe as a protective shield — a source of military aid, economic integration, and crucial diplomatic cover. But today, that shield is cracking.
Sectarian Tensions, Strategic Dilemmas: The EU and Southern Syria’s Druze–Bedouin Conflict
As Syria’s Druze and Bedouin communities engage in armed conflict in the south, regional powers and the EU are confronted with challenging decisions. Not only is Syria’s fragile stability at stake, but so too is the future of Europe’s role in a changing Middle East.
