OUR STUDIES
The Role of AI Decision-Making for Land-Based Operations
In an era of technological ‘Oppenheimer momentum,’ Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as the new frontier in military decision-making, presenting enormous promises and challenges.
This paper investigates the transformational impact of AI in the context of European land-based
military operations, focussing on how AI may speed up decision-making, improve interoperability,
and reshape traditional command and control (C2) structures.
In the current context of global military competition, AI’s dual-purpose nature—its applicability
in both civilian and military contexts—presents European ground forces with a competitive
advantage, notably in sensor-to-shooter systems, predictive analysis, and autonomous
decision-making.
Privatisation of Security: The legal Status and Responsibilities of Private Military Companies in European Missions
The rise of Private Military Companies (PMCs) and Private Security Companies (PSCs) in military or civilian missions stands as an important change in the dynamics of the security and defence world, as they change how operations can be conducted, especially for armed forces. Dating back to the Middle Ages with mercenaries, they have taken different forms throughout history. Nowadays, they deliver a large span of services (from indirect support in logistics or military counselling to taking part directly in combat).
This paper will present their blurred status in law and their duties in missions led by European Member States, taking a look at the existing legislation and tools to hold them responsible for their actions.
INFO FLASH
Reassessing the Euro-Atlantic Nuclear Umbrella in the 21st Century
This article assesses the credibility of the current Euro-Atlantic nuclear deterrence in the context of 21st century geopolitical and technological challenges. Russia’s ‘escalate to de-escalate’ strategy and modernisation of its nuclear triad pose significant challenges to NATO’s deterrent credibility. Simultaneously, China’s rapid military advancements and growing strategic alliance with Russia complicate the Euro-Atlantic security picture. The advent of disruptive technologies, such as hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence (AI), creates new vulnerabilities in nuclear command, control, and communication (NC3) systems, increasing worries about decision-making processes and the possibility of catastrophic mistakes. To meet these developing threats, this paper contends that NATO must modernise its nuclear arsenal, strengthen transatlantic coordination, and pursue strong arms control and diplomatic measures. NATO can adapt to the difficulties of great power rivalry by combining conventional, nuclear, and hybrid response techniques, ensuring its sustained position in global security and stability.
Indian Ocean Strategic Relevance to Europe: Collaboration, Challenges and Competition
The Indian Ocean plays a crucial role in global geopolitics, trade, and security. Serving as a vital link between Europe, Asia and Africa, it facilitates the flow of commerce and energy supplies, making a key strategic corridor. The region’s importance is underscored by critical chokepoints that are both essential for global trade and vulnerable to disruption. For European nations, ensuring the stability of these maritime routes is vital for economic and energy security.
The strategic landscape of the Indian Ocean is increasingly shaped by geopolitical competition, particularly with the growing influence of China through infrastructure investments and military expansion. In response, European countries have sought closer security and economic ties with India, a dominant regional player, through military cooperation and strategic engagement. However, the challenge remains in balancing partnerships while addressing the broader implications of China’s presence.
This paper explores the Indian Ocean’s strategic significance to Europe, analysing the key drivers of collaboration, competition, and security challenges. As geopolitical rivalries intensify, European nations must adopt a proactive approach to safeguard their interests and maintain influence in this critical maritime domain.
The Future of Military Sustainment: Humans, Machines, and Autonomous Systems
This article explores the transformative potential of Human-Machine Teaming (HMT) and Human-Autonomy Teaming (HAT) in enhancing sustainment operations for European land forces. It examines how these paradigms can revolutionise logistics, battlefield repair, and medical support by combining human adaptability with autonomous precision and efficiency. By exploring the increasing demands of dynamic and contested environments, the paper highlights the strategic importance of adopting these technologies for European militaries to achieve greater resilience and operational effectiveness in future large-scale combat scenarios.
