A Legal Analysis of Space Debris I: The Kessler Syndrome and the Regulation of Space in International Law

The evolution of industrial models applied to space technologies has opened the door to space exploration and activities for smaller states and private actors. This proliferation of actors and the access to launching objects into Earth’s orbit has multiplied the amount of functional and non-functional objects in space, increasing the amount of space debris and the risk of triggering the Kessler Syndrome. This paper is the first of a series of articles analysing this challenge from a legal perspective. In this first part, the purpose is to frame the space debris threat and analyse the regulation of space in International Law.

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The Crescent and The Star: A Turkish Option for the European Defence

This paper examines the evolving role of Türkiye’s military-industrial complex within the European security framework in light of shifting global power dynamics and the growing strategic autonomy debates within the European Union. As the United States retreats into isolationist policies, echoed by the Trump administration's stance on Ukraine, Europe increasingly seeks alternative and critical partnerships to bolster its defense capabilities. Türkiye, with its rapidly expanding indigenous defense industry and proven operational successes in previous conflicts such as Karabakh and Syria, emerges as a pivotal albeit complex partner for Europe. The study analyses Türkiye’s key defense platforms, including UAVs, naval assets like TCG Anadolu and PİRİREİS, and its collaboration with European companies such as Leonardo. It also evaluates the strategic opportunities and political risks involved in deepening military cooperation between Türkiye and the EU. The paper concludes by offering policy recommendations to balance pragmatic defense collaboration with broader geopolitical considerations.

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TCG Anadolu: The Dawn of Drone-Centric Naval Power Projection

This paper examines the strategic transformation embodied by Türkiye’s drone-centric naval platform TCG Anadolu, reconfigured from an amphibious assault ship—in response to geopolitical shifts and drone warfare lessons from the war against Ukraine. Following the transitioning from manned aviation to advanced unmanned systems Bayraktar TB3 and Kizilelma, the paper compares global responses to these platforms and evaluates vulnerabilities in conventional aircraft carriers that may encourage navies to adopt drone-centric platforms. The analysis shows that while drone carriers enhance operational flexibility and cost-efficiency for low-intensity missions, their effectiveness depends on future technological advancements. These findings underscore the evolving impact of unmanned systems on naval power projection and modern maritime warfare.

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Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Under International Law and the Role of Peacekeeping Missions

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is a grave violation of International Law and International Humanitarian Law, as well as a serious challenge in armed conflicts and global security, however is a crime that is frequently ignored and under-reported. The paper traces the development of the legal framework under which CRSV is recognised and explores the role of peacekeeping missions in preventing and responding to this phenomenon, underlining that CRSV is not an inevitable consequence of war, but a weapon used to control the population.

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Navigating Instability: EU’s Strategic Response to African Security Challenges and Future Initiatives

The withdrawal of French contingents from Niger marks the end of a decade-long EU military involvement in the Sahel. With Niamey announcing the end of EUMPM and EUCAP Niger, EU presence in the country has met a fate much like the one in Mali and Burkina Faso. Concerns are being raised regarding the future of European troops stationed in other African countries, all the while the United Nations Security Council unanimously agreed on the gradual withdrawal of peacekeepers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Yet, while its prospects seem bleak, ensuring sustainable stability in Africa will likely remain a European priority in the coming years.

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