Read more about the article Universal Jurisdiction: A Bridge Between International Criminal Law and EU Defence and Security
Info Flash

Universal Jurisdiction: A Bridge Between International Criminal Law and EU Defence and Security

This paper aims to demonstrate how EU Defence and Security reflects International Criminal Law (hereafter ICL). Said link is analysed through the notion of transitional justice, lending itself to the concept of universal jurisdiction. Analysing the latter contributes to highlighting the concrete workings of ICL on a global scale, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the security and defence considerations in question. In fact, this paper assesses that it is beneficial for EU Member States to consider undertaking universal jurisdiction within the ambit of their security and defence policies, as such action positively contributes to EU diplomatic relations, contrary to what is commonly believed. Such a finding thus justifies the final observation that EU States should consider exercising universal jurisdiction as part of their defence and security strategies, thereby bolstering the importance of accountability as a global value.

Comments Off on Universal Jurisdiction: A Bridge Between International Criminal Law and EU Defence and Security
6 February 2025
Read more about the article Reassessing the Euro-Atlantic Nuclear Umbrella in the 21st Century
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.

Comments Off on Reassessing the Euro-Atlantic Nuclear Umbrella in the 21st Century
4 February 2025
Read more about the article Indian Ocean Strategic Relevance to Europe: Collaboration, Challenges and Competition
Info Flash

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.

Comments Off on Indian Ocean Strategic Relevance to Europe: Collaboration, Challenges and Competition
3 February 2025
Read more about the article The Future of Military Sustainment: Humans, Machines, and Autonomous Systems
Info Flash

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.

Comments Off on The Future of Military Sustainment: Humans, Machines, and Autonomous Systems
29 January 2025
Read more about the article EU-Japan Strategic Partnership: Asian Influence on European Defence
Info Flash

EU-Japan Strategic Partnership: Asian Influence on European Defence

The EU-Japan Security and Defence Partnership marks a transformative chapter in transregional cooperation, reflecting shared values of democracy, multilateralism, and the rule of law. This paper explores the brief evolution, core components, and strategic implications of the partnership that highlight its significance in addressing contemporary security challenges. Japan’s departure from its pacifist stance and increased integration into global defence frameworks, such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) and NATO interoperability, complement the EU’s aspirations for strategic autonomy and expanded influence in the Indo-Pacific. Key areas of the proposed cooperation include military collaboration, cybersecurity, and space defence. Both actors agree on the alignment of strategic interests to counter threats from authoritarian regimes, regional instabilities, and hybrid warfare. The partnership also emphasises capacity-building initiatives to promote peace and stability globally. The paper argues that this partnership serves as a model for navigating geopolitical tensions in the Pacific theatre, including the challenges posed by China, North Korea, and Russia. Amidst uncertainties, such as the impact of the invasion of Ukraine and foreign policy shifts in the American presidency, the EU-Japan alliance represents a pivotal step toward resilient strategic autonomy in the region.

Comments Off on EU-Japan Strategic Partnership: Asian Influence on European Defence
27 January 2025