EPIS Blog
A weekly series of opinionated briefs (500–1000 words) discussing current issues in foreign affairs and security policy.
ILA Conference Report
ILA Conference Report: A Glimpse into the Future of Aerospace Taking place from June 10 to 14 2026, the biennial International Aerospace Exhibition ILA…
Reform without inclusion?
– Main question: can BiH strengthen rule of law and fundamental rights while preserving a constitutionally exclusionary system? – Main argument: the…
Breaking Down Structures of Dependency
How should the humanitarian sector adapt to the funding cuts of USAID — differentiate funding, cooperate with locals more, and more flexibility — dependency…
The Left’s Failed North Korea Fantasy
Can economic engagement change a hostile authoritarian regime? This article is arguing that South Korea’s left-wing policies toward North Korea failed to…
Perpetual Conflict and European Security
Russia presents a challenge to European security with no clear answer. Baltic states viewed Russia as an immediate threat, whilst western states appeared more…
Rethinking Contemporary Peacebuilding
Main question: How can peacebuilding move beyond rigid approaches to create an inclusive and sustainable peace? Contemporary peacebuilding is framed by…
The Empathy Deficit
Stefan Noël Hageman asks whether military power can succeed without understanding how adversaries and civilians perceive violence. He argues that recent US and…
What is Nihilistic Violent Extremism?
-What is NVE? How is it linked to terrorism, and how can it be countered? NVE is a form of violence driven not by ideology but by hatred toward society and…
Patriotism and Policy-Making in China
How does patriotism influence China’s policy-making in a fragmented global order? Patriotism acts as a source of national cohesion that supports long-term…
War in the Dark
1. Do Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure violate international humanitarian law? 2. The attacks systematically targeted civilian infrastructure…
PDSF 2026
Main question: How can sovereignty be protected in a volatile, disrupted world? Argument: Power now depends on resilience, partnerships, chokepoints, and…
Meloni-Trump
Main question: What elements led to the breakdown of the Meloni-Trump partnership and what are the risks for Italy’s Atlanticist vision? Argument: The crisis…
Beyond Succession
Main question: Do Kim Ju-ae’s appearances signal succession, or something broader about regime strategy? Argument: Her visibility is less about naming a…
From Drone Strategy 2.0 To a Trusted EU Drone
Can the EU move from a strong civilian drone framework to achieving air sovereignty through a more security- and defence-oriented drone strategy, and how…
European Economic Sanctions against Russia
In the world of international diplomacy, sanctions have emerged as the weapon of choice for nations seeking to punish, pressure, or paralyze their adversaries.…
Taiwan’s Big Brother
Main question: Does Taiwan prefer partnership with the U.S. or China? Argument: Shifting opinions and geopolitics in East Asia affect Taiwan’s confidence and…
High North and “La Dolcevita”
The 2026 Italian Arctic Policy responds to the end of Arctic exceptionalism by defining Italy as a “Near-Arctic State”. Through the concept of…
Funding Freeze
Executive Order: “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid”; who could oppose the need to eliminate abuses of the system? Domestically, the freeze…
Strait of Hormuz
This essay aims to highlight the impact of the current blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on the EU, how it is managing, relatively, the crisis effectively, and…
The EU’s Next Multiannual Financial Framework
– Competitiveness in the next MFF – Spaceshield and new Space capabilities – The defense-industrial dimension of DG DEFIS
