The collapse of Germany’s ‘Traffic Light’ coalition marks the end of a government marred by in-fighting and continuous crises. This News Flash addresses the implications it has on the future of both German and European Security.
The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine has greatly transformed the political and military landscape in Europe. Amidst a tense strategic environment, the Nordic-Baltic region has emerged as a potential point of friction between Russian and NATO allies. The undersea cables beneath the Baltic Sea, which hold a vital importance for military communications, internet, and financial traffic, are a focal point in the battlefield preparation according to the Russian hybrid war planning. This study looks at the importance of sub-sea telecommunications infrastructure in the wider Baltic region within the context of hybrid warfare.
This article examines the right of conscientious objection, showcasing the legal limits of certain rights and obligations, existing in a complex intersection between human rights and the demands of state security, particularly in a precarious European landscape. Through the legal analysis of European case-law, the article showcases the evolving interpretation and changes in human right doctrines, that can nonetheless be suspended in times of conflict. Commonly known as a right ‘to be enjoyed in peace time’, the evolution of legal and societal considerations of this right reflects the fragile nature of individual rights in the face of collective security needs, inviting to a reflection of what this means for the future of a society that strives for the protection of human rights and peace.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its third year, Kyiv is exploring ways to enhance its domestic weapons production and decrease reliance on unpredictable Western military aid. However, the government lacks funds for its realisation, and the country’s defence companies are producing much less than they could. For this reason, they are proposing to allow exports and earn money to invest in higher production, research and development. However, this proposal faces political resistance from inside Ukraine and the international community. While describing these latest political and industrial developments, this article explores an alternative solution that envisages Western partners investing in the country’s industrial-military complex. This strategy could address Ukraine’s political concerns while helping the country’s industry to be better prepared for current and future challenges.
This paper explores the complex Franco-German relationship in European defence and security, focusing on how their strategic divergences have shaped Europe's defence landscape. It traces the historical evolution of their cooperation from the post-World War II period, marked by key agreements such as the Élysée Treaty and the creation of the Western European Union, which laid the foundations for joint defence initiatives. However, despite these efforts, France and Germany have developed contrasting strategic visions: France champions strategic autonomy, favouring military interventionism and European independence, while Germany prioritises multilateralism, with a stronger reliance on NATO and a cautious approach to military engagements. These differing defence cultures have led to operational challenges, particularly evident in recent crises such as the conflict in Ukraine, where their varied responses have impeded Europe's ability to act cohesively and swiftly. The paper argues that these ongoing strategic differences undermine Europe’s potential to develop a unified defence strategy and highlights the need for deeper Franco-German alignment to ensure a stronger, more coherent European defence posture in the face of evolving security challenges.
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