Read more about the article EU Normative Power and its Limits: the case of Cyprus
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EU Normative Power and its Limits: the case of Cyprus

This paper explores the perception of the European Union as a normative power in international relations. This concept refers to its ability to shape the behaviour of member states and third-party countries through the diffusion of its norms and values. Building on theoretical perspectives, the paper examines the EU's unique reliance on economic, legal, and diplomatic instruments rather than military force. It also discusses the main tools the EU employs to project normative influence, such as accession processes, development aid, and peacebuilding initiatives. To clarify the challenges and contradictions of this approach, the paper includes a case study on Cyprus. This example highlights the weaknesses of EU normative power in contexts of unsolved conflict and opposing national interests. Essentially, the analysis reflects on the tension between the EU’s aspirations and the realities of foreign policy shaped by internal diversity and external geopolitical pressures.

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31 July 2025
Read more about the article Distinguishing Civilians and Non-combatants: How Technological Warfare Challenges International Humanitarian Law
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Distinguishing Civilians and Non-combatants: How Technological Warfare Challenges International Humanitarian Law

Despite evolving forms of warfare, the obligation to distinguish between military and civilian objectives remains a fundamental principle of international humanitarian law since the 19th century. However, the roles of civilians, combatants, and non-combatants are difficult to distinguish under the current legal framework. Today’s public discourse, exacerbated by media exaggerations and political propaganda, equates the term ‘non-combatant’ with that of ‘civilian’, portraying civilians as innocent and vulnerable. However, not all civilians are non-combatants, and there is an increase in involvement by civil personnel which have military and strategic significance. As civilian and military functions overlap, especially through dual-use technologies and remote systems, the traditional civilian/combatant dichotomy appears outdated and incomplete. The lack of clarity on such fundamental distinctions promotes divergent interpretations and undermines the uniform applicability of international humanitarian law.

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28 July 2025
Read more about the article The European Commission’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework Proposal: Strengthening Defence Spending
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The European Commission’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework Proposal: Strengthening Defence Spending

On 16 July 2025, the European Commission presented its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which establishes the rules and expenditure ceilings for broad categories of spending—referred to as "headings"—over a six year period from 2028 to 2034.

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24 July 2025
Read more about the article Outpaced at Sea? What AUKUS Reveals About Europe’s Strategic Drift
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Outpaced at Sea? What AUKUS Reveals About Europe’s Strategic Drift

The AUKUS pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States has swiftly shifted the international dialogue on naval power (Hellyer & Stevens, 2022). For the first time, a non-nuclear weapon state is being armed with nuclear-powered submarines, thus changing not only the Indo-Pacific security environment but, additionally, opening a new chapter in strategic defence cooperation (Cheng, 2022). Whilst London and Washington were putting importance on the strategic need of countering China, Europe wаs left watching from afar: particularly France, whose billion-euro submarine deal with Australia had quickly collаpsed overnight (Tertrais, 2021). This аrticle explores how AUKUS redefines traditional defence norms and remodels the global nuclear submarine balance (Hellyer & Stevens, 2022). Likewise, it examines the implications for the European Union, which has long aimed for larger strategic autonomy, yet still struggles to coordinate effectively at sea (Fiott et al., 2021). Geographically speaking, AUKUS may be a distant pact, however, its message to Europe is as clear as day: naval power matters, and partnerships formed on trust, swiftness, as well as strategic clarity, are already setting the pace (Fiott, 2018).

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22 July 2025
Read more about the article Lines of Sustainment: Evaluating Ukrainian Military Logistics in the Russo-Ukrainian War
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Lines of Sustainment: Evaluating Ukrainian Military Logistics in the Russo-Ukrainian War

This paper aims to examine the critical role of logistics in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, focusing on the evolving challenges and innovations in Ukraine's military logistics infrastructure. Logistical disruptions, especially from Russian missile strikes and precision bombing, threaten Ukraine's operational momentum and the sustainability of its military operations. This piece explores Ukraine's efforts to modernise its logistics systems, drawing from both doctrinal shifts and technological advancements, such as the integration of drones for last-mile delivery and the launch of the DOT Chain digital logistics platform. Despite these innovations, systemic challenges such as bureaucratic delays and limited air defence coverage persist, undermining the effectiveness of Ukraine's logistics network. The paper offers recommendations for enhancing resilience at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels.

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17 July 2025