Read more about the article Strategic Narratives: Russia’s Influence in Africa and the Challenge for Europe
Info Flash

Strategic Narratives: Russia’s Influence in Africa and the Challenge for Europe

Russia’s information operations in non-Western environments, particularly in African countries, have significant implications for European security and defence. Historical ties and prevailing sentiment in certain African states make them more susceptible to specific narratives that can be exploited to serve Russian strategic interests. This paper examines the mechanisms and objectives of Russia’s influence campaigns in these regions and assesses their impact on European interests. By analysing Russia’s methods and the vulnerabilities they target, the study aims to provide insight into potential countermeasures for both the EU and NATO. Strategic responses including strengthening digital resilience, enhancing diplomatic engagement, and fostering media literacy are explored as potential means to mitigate Russian influence and protect European security.

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28 April 2025
Read more about the article The joint action of the EU and NATO in Ukraine: are we doing enough?
Analytical Reflections

The joint action of the EU and NATO in Ukraine: are we doing enough?

In February 2022, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This decision forced the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) to take more decisive action in supporting Ukraine’s defence of its territory. For example, many EU member states increased their defence spending and sent weaponry to Ukraine. However, the interoperability issue remains pertinent as the European Defence and Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) is structurally fragmented. Moreover, given Ukraine’s inheritance of Soviet-era weaponry, further training and logistical difficulties have arisen, posing setbacks and challenges to Ukraine’s effective defence strategies. This paper will discuss the joint action of the EU and NATO and its impact on Ukraine’s defence of its territory. The analysis will focus on the evolution of financial mechanisms and the creation of a military mission on the ground that complements nonmilitary efforts. Following this, it explores NATO’s complementary action, reinforcing cooperation with Ukraine and boosting armament in the East. Finally, the paper analyses hybrid threats in the examined case and problematises about a way forward through EU-NATO joint action.

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3 April 2025
Read more about the article NATO Unveils Baltic Sentry: A New Security Mission for Undersea Pipelines and Cables
Info Flash

NATO Unveils Baltic Sentry: A New Security Mission for Undersea Pipelines and Cables

In response to escalating threats, NATO launched Operation Baltic Sentry, a coordinated effort to secure undersea communication and energy networks from sabotage and cyber-attacks. This paper examines the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea, the evolving nature of hybrid warfare, and the core components of the Baltic Sentry initiative. It explores the role of naval assets, surveillance technologies, and multinational cooperation in countering emerging threats. Additionally, the study evaluates the mission’s implications for regional security and NATO’s long-term strategic posture. While Baltic Sentry marks a crucial step in securing vital infrastructure, challenges such as resource limitations and the complexity of hybrid threats necessitate ongoing adaptation. The operation underscores the need for enhanced intelligence-sharing, advanced surveillance systems, and sustained multinational collaboration to safeguard stability in the region.

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25 February 2025
Read more about the article <strong>A Coordinated European Response to Hybrid Threats</strong>
Info Flash

A Coordinated European Response to Hybrid Threats

In recent years, the topic of hybrid threats has become increasingly critical until being considered the 21st security challenge. Whereas the concept of hybrid threats may be considered new, linked to the developments of new technologies, it is not. Many of the tools of hybrid warfare are old, with the main exception being represented by the ones belonging to the cyber realm. However, the development of new technologies boosted the use of old tools, such as propaganda, by lowering their costs. Undoubtedly, the new reality in which we live increases the effectiveness of hybrid threats, because their strength lies in the possibility of combining activities and tools from different arenas. For example, the changes in the information and media landscape made the domain appealing to state and non-state actors for disinformation activities.

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5 August 2022