Episode 4: European Deterrence and the Changing U.S. Strategy

In this episode of StrategicALLY, hosts Bori Benedek and Zsigmond Tar sit down with Paul van Hooft, a defence and deterrence expert at RAND Europe, to explore the evolving dynamics of European security. The discussion covers critical topics such as NATO enlargement, European deterrence, and the shifting focus of American foreign policy from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. Mr. van Hooft provides context on the potential implications of a Trump administration on transatlantic relations, the war in Ukraine, and the strategic cohesion of European militaries. Drawing on his extensive research and publications, he discusses Europe’s reliance on the U.S. in key military sectors, the necessity for European fallback options, and the prospects for enhanced EU-NATO collaboration. Packed with expert insights, this episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the future of European defence in an increasingly multipolar world.

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A Crumbling Anchor? The Collapse of the German Government and European Security

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.

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Seabed and hybrid warfare in Europe: the strategic importance of undersea cables in the Baltic region

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.

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From Duty to Dissent: the Legal Boundaries and Ethical Considerations of Conscientious Objection

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.

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The Case for Ukraine’s Weapons Export

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.

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