https://epis-thinktank.com EPIS is one of the largest student organisations of Europe. Since its reformation in 2022, EPIS has grown up to 600+ EPIS Fellows. The EPIS Fellows come from different countries and studies. Throughout the years, EPIS has remained non-partisan & independent. en https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/trump-xi-and-the-post-unipolar-world https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/trump-xi-and-the-post-unipolar-world Fri, 24 Jul 2026 19:22:20 GMT The Trump–Xi meeting reflects the emergence of a post-unipolar international order defined by great-power rivalry, technological competition and geopolitical fragmentation. Europe now faces the challenge of remaining strategically relevant. Neele Seifert Business Economics https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-united-states-mexico-canada-agreement-usmca https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-united-states-mexico-canada-agreement-usmca Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:19:00 GMT The USMCA strengthens trade by protecting businesses, innovators, and workers while promoting economic growth and closer cooperation among its member countries. Devin Nguyen International Economic Relations https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-emergency-government-kasts-first-100-days https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-emergency-government-kasts-first-100-days Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:05:00 GMT Kast has advanced his agenda rapidly, but early setbacks and cabinet reshuffles suggest that governing through a constant sense of emergency may be difficult to sustain. Gabriel Schroeder Campos International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-vienna-convention-on-the-law-of-treaties https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-vienna-convention-on-the-law-of-treaties Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:03:00 GMT The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties provides the legal framework for creating, interpreting, amending, and ending treaties, forming the foundation of modern treaty law. Camila Mejia Quintero International Law & Treaties https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/plaid-cymru-snp-and-the-cracking-union https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/plaid-cymru-snp-and-the-cracking-union Thu, 23 Jul 2026 08:05:00 GMT The UK elections renewed debate over independence as Plaid Cymru advanced in Wales and the SNP strengthened its position in Scotland, keeping constitutional questions in focus. Arianna Vicinanza International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/hybrid-security-regimes-in-practice https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/hybrid-security-regimes-in-practice Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:37:00 GMT Hybrid security regimes are deliberate political strategies that expand state influence through flexible, state-aligned networks rather than relying solely on formal institutions. Oezlem Has Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-paradox-of-tunisias-arab-spring https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-paradox-of-tunisias-arab-spring Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:32:00 GMT The Jasmine Revolution showed that lasting democracy depends not only on constitutional reform but also on strong institutions, accountability, and socioeconomic progress. Juliette Bourahla Human Rights & Humanitarian Aid https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-eus-support-against-russian-hybrid-threats https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-eus-support-against-russian-hybrid-threats Tue, 21 Jul 2026 08:05:00 GMT The EU has applied lessons from Moldova to help Armenia strengthen resilience against disinformation and hybrid threats ahead of its 2026 parliamentary elections. Mariami Aliashvili Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/challenges-and-opportunities-of-political-communication-a-conversation-with-meltem-seker https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/challenges-and-opportunities-of-political-communication-a-conversation-with-meltem-seker Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:14:30 GMT In an era dominated by rapid-fire video and algorithmic echo chambers, who gets to shape our political understanding? Political scientist and digital creator Meltem Seker sits down with Marco Valerio Tauro to dissect the structural challenges of modern media, the danger of an online “expertise va… Marco Tauro Public Affairs https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-paradox-of-obedience https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-paradox-of-obedience Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:10:00 GMT AI that reinforces rather than challenges military assumptions could weaken decision-making. The article argues Europe needs AI systems that embed structured dissent, not compliance. Edoardo Barca Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/technet-international-2026 https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/technet-international-2026 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:05:00 GMT TechNet International 2026 highlighted the need for secure, data-centric defense, emphasizing lifecycle data protection and AI that supports—not replaces—human decision-making. Andrea Guidotti Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/escalation-in-the-dark https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/escalation-in-the-dark Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:23:00 GMT China’s nuclear expansion is increasing uncertainty around crisis decision-making, making deterrence less predictable and raising the risk of miscalculation, especially over Taiwan. Ylva Vesterholm Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/somali-state-building-and-sub-state-actors https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/somali-state-building-and-sub-state-actors Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:05:00 GMT This article examines how Somali leaders Ahmed Madobe and Saeed Abdullahi Deni use political competition to strengthen their influence while remaining constrained by external support and institutional limits. Jakob Dehner International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/lessons-from-the-black-sea-forum https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/lessons-from-the-black-sea-forum Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:27:19 GMT Interview with former German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on Ukraine’s resilience, Europe’s responsibility, and why political will and civic engagement remain essential for lasting peace. Neele Seifert International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/lost-in-space-europes-satellite-dependency https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/lost-in-space-europes-satellite-dependency Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:15:00 GMT Europe can strengthen its strategic autonomy by reducing reliance on foreign satellite systems through stronger governance, redundancy, and EU-led space capabilities. Julia Wissmiller Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-idsf-on-security-challenges-in-the-middle-east https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-idsf-on-security-challenges-in-the-middle-east Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:42:00 GMT According to IDSF, Israel’s security relies on national resilience, technological innovation, and regional partnerships, while deradicalization remains essential for long-term Middle East stability. Kephi Alkalay Peacekeeping & Conflict Prevention https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-unfinished-peace https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-unfinished-peace Thu, 16 Jul 2026 08:05:00 GMT Northern Ireland shows that peace is not the absence of conflict but the ability to manage political and social divisions without returning to violence. Georgia Proctor Peacekeeping & Conflict Prevention https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/dependency-theory https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/dependency-theory Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:27:00 GMT Main Question: Why do some countries remain economically dependent despite participating in the global economy and attracting foreign investment? Argument: Dependency Theory argues that the benefits of international economic integration are distributed unevenly, with core economies often benefiti… Camila Mejia Quintero International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/making-geopolitics-accessible https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/making-geopolitics-accessible Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:05:00 GMT How can geopolitics remain accessible in an age of shrinking attention spans? Andreas Grassl discusses trust, short-form content, polarization, and the changing future of political communication. Neele Seifert International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-paradox-of-power https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-paradox-of-power Wed, 15 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT The U.S. remains unmatched in military reach, yet sustaining prolonged conflict increasingly depends on fragile supply chains, industrial capacity, and critical materials shaped by China. Neele Seifert International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-arab-springs-in-yemen-a-stolen-revolution https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-arab-springs-in-yemen-a-stolen-revolution Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:24:00 GMT This article examines how external intervention in the Yemeni revolution contributed to one of the most severe humanitarian crises of our time. By prioritizing foreign interests over those of the local population, the Gulf Cooperation Initiative neglected the urgent needs of Yemeni society, drivi… Sarah Ben Salah International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/fault-lines-eastward https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/fault-lines-eastward Tue, 14 Jul 2026 08:05:00 GMT The article argues that the Iranian War has reshaped Eurasian logistics, increasing the strategic importance of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan while creating new partnership opportunities for Western countries. Arianna Beretta International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/what-post-brexit-britain-can-learn-from-the-past https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/what-post-brexit-britain-can-learn-from-the-past Tue, 14 Jul 2026 08:05:00 GMT Britain’s strategy has long relied on alliances, balancing Europe, and deterring Russia. Today, sustaining that approach requires adapting to new global realities and rebuilding domestic strength. Alastair Nicol International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-baltic-shield https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-baltic-shield Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:10:00 GMT The Baltic states are strengthening NATO’s eastern flank with Ukraine-inspired defenses, preparing to deter both hybrid and conventional Russian threats from day one. Liza Oliinyk Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-ai-infrastructure-leverage-framework https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-ai-infrastructure-leverage-framework Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:05:00 GMT Governments can shape AI by using infrastructure, energy, and regulation as bargaining tools to secure compute-sharing, data residency, and public benefits without nationalizing private firms. Youssef Eldershabi International Economic Relations https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/sudans-forgotten-war-an-womens-untold-cost https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/sudans-forgotten-war-an-womens-untold-cost Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:40:24 GMT Sudan’s Invisible Humanitarian Crisis: Forced Displacement, Famine, and the Gendered Cost of Civil War Introduction This brief examines forced migration in sub-Saharan Africa through the lens of Sudan’s civil war. Since April 2023, Sudan has produced what the United Nations calls the world’s most… Lidia Minich Peacekeeping & Conflict Prevention https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/community-run-aid-networks-in-yemen https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/community-run-aid-networks-in-yemen Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:45:46 GMT How have community‑run aid networks adapted to Yemen’s blockade? They have responded to severe limits on movement, resources, and access by decentralizing decisions, building local supply chains, strengthening community trust, and adopting flexible management. Vernessa Beharry Human Rights & Humanitarian Aid https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/article-427-teu-and-the-eus-defence-future https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/article-427-teu-and-the-eus-defence-future Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:22:56 GMT Thematic Working Group Briefs – 2026 Article 42(7) TEU and the EU’s Defence Future More than fifteen years after the Lisbon reforms entered into force, Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), frequently termed the mutual defence clause, has remained as one of the least addressed poli… Indrikis Osenieks International Law & Treaties https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/beyond-the-pitch https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/beyond-the-pitch Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:50:46 GMT When FIFA awarded the 2026 World Cup to a joint bid from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the decision was widely celebrated as a testament to North American cooperation. The tournament would be the largest in football history, spanning three countries, sixteen host cities, and millions of … Kalum Rock International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/limited-statehood https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/limited-statehood Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:49:03 GMT Limited Statehood: How Armed Groups Fill Governance Gaps in Sub-Saharan Africa When state authority is weak or absent, armed groups may seize the opportunity not only to fight national authorities, but also to create rules, tax civilians, regulate behaviour, impose their own concept of justice, a… EPIS Staff International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/what-it-takes-to-build-peace-today https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/what-it-takes-to-build-peace-today Mon, 06 Jul 2026 19:10:39 GMT -In an era of escalating global instability, what does it truly take to move beyond short-term deterrence and build lasting, sustainable peace? -True security requires shifting from military-first policies to long-term processes that prioritize local ownership, multipartiality, and the meaningful… Chris Coulter Peacekeeping & Conflict Prevention https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/ila-conference-report https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/ila-conference-report Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:23:45 GMT ILA Conference Report: A Glimpse into the Future of Aerospace Taking place from June 10 to 14 2026, the biennial International Aerospace Exhibition ILA (“Internationale Luft- und Raumfahrtausstellung” in German) did not disappoint, even after the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a German-French-S… Alexandra von Vultejus Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/when-humanitarian-aid-becomes-a-crime https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/when-humanitarian-aid-becomes-a-crime Mon, 06 Jul 2026 11:54:22 GMT Thematic Working Group Briefs – 2026 When Humanitarian Aid Becomes a Crime Across Europe, people who provide life-saving humanitarian assistance are increasingly at risk of being treated as criminals (PICUM, 2026). Gaps in the EU Facilitation Directive (2002), left by the vague definition of huma… Sofia Armeni Human Rights & Humanitarian Aid https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/priorisation-matters-the-case-for-grand-strategy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/priorisation-matters-the-case-for-grand-strategy Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:01:14 GMT Interview on Grand Strategy Interviewers: Jolina-Zoe Zarda, Xerxes Hafezi Rachti Interviewee: Prof. Marina Henke, PhD About the interviewee: Marina Henke is Professor of International Relations at the Hertie School and Director of the Centre for International Security in Berlin. Her research focu… Jolina Zarda Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-atomic-bomb-we-havent-faced-yet https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-atomic-bomb-we-havent-faced-yet Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:05:00 GMT Does Anthropic’s Mythos change cybersecurity or is it overhyped? While AI lowers the barrier for cyberattacks, Europe’s biggest challenge remains enforcing NIS2, with human error still the weakest link. Julian ter Hedde Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/saudi-arabia-and-the-abraham-accords https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/saudi-arabia-and-the-abraham-accords Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:24:58 GMT HeadlineSaudi Arabia and Israel: A Complicated Route Toward Normalisation AuthorsJoseph Ayinla & Marcel Lesik Working GroupMENA Overall SummarySaudi Arabia’s approach to Israel reflects its broader ambition to become a leading regional and global power, using normalisation as leverage for US secu… Joseph Ayinla International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/western-balkans https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/western-balkans Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:32:01 GMT Thematic Working Group Briefs – 2026 Western Balkans: EU, Environment & Accession The Western Balkan EU accession candidates (Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina) together with Kosovo, as a potential candidate, face significant challenges in meeting the EU’s envir… Louisa Hermelin Tamas Climate Policy & Environment https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/why-europe-cant-go-it-alone-on-chips https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/why-europe-cant-go-it-alone-on-chips Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:19:06 GMT Felix Thank you for agreeing to this interview. We’ve worked together on an academy on technological sovereignty. Before we start, let me say one or two sentences about your background. You have a degree in physics from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and a PhD in physics that you did in Be… Felix Heuner Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/hydro-hegemony-turkiyes-leverage-over-syria-iraq https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/hydro-hegemony-turkiyes-leverage-over-syria-iraq Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:09:00 GMT How does Türkiye’s Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) transform upstream water control into geoeconomic leverage over Syria and Iraq? This article argues that expanded hydropower and irrigation infrastructure convert hydrological dominance into domestic economic gains, producing asymmetric inter… Marion Cordebart Climate Policy & Environment https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/from-medicine-to-military-tech https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/from-medicine-to-military-tech Wed, 01 Jul 2026 17:49:03 GMT From Medicine to Military Tech A Founder’s Journey Himmel: Dr. Andres, you are a doctor, and now you sell optics and advocate for the idea that “defence is a human right.” How did that come about? Dr. Andres: Well, I didn’t start directly in the defence sector. During my studies, I had a PDA, som… Theodor Himmel Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/central-banks-geoeconomics https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/central-banks-geoeconomics Wed, 01 Jul 2026 02:48:00 GMT How do central banks and digital currencies, particularly the Digital Euro, shape geoeconomic competition and European integration? CBDCs have become tools of geoeconomic power, intensifying US–China rivalry and enabling states to reduce dependency and gain control over financial infrastructures.… Andrea Guidotti Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/recruiting-the-earth-as-an-informant-the-securitisation-of-arctic-science https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/recruiting-the-earth-as-an-informant-the-securitisation-of-arctic-science Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:33:12 GMT About the Article How does the use of technological monitoring in the Arctic turn environmental information into a security issue? This article will explore how the environment is transforming a new reality in the Arctic by creating the realm of “environmental security”. It argues that the enviro… Sophia Nistor Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-baltic-pivot https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-baltic-pivot Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:43:31 GMT The Baltic Pivot: Poland’s Strategic Reorientation By Radosław BinkiewiczEPIS Think Tank – Report Group: Security Policy and Defence The article argues that Poland should respond to Russia’s military and hybrid threat, as well as the growing rift in Transatlantic relations, by making the Baltic S… Radoslaw Binkiewicz Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/what-to-buy-in-the-future https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/what-to-buy-in-the-future Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:50:03 GMT What to Buy in the Future? Recalibrating European Defence Spending to Decrease Structural Dependencies Executive Summary Europe has increased the volume of its defence spending but remains structurally dependent on manufacturers under US jurisdiction. If Europe wants to become a somewhat sovereig… Xerxes Hafezi Rachti Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/intelligence-as-part-of-european-grand-strategy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/intelligence-as-part-of-european-grand-strategy Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:51:57 GMT Intelligence as a part of European grand strategy: a feasible future on a larger scale? Introduction Intelligence agencies help policymakers implement the grand strategy they pursue (Rovner, 2021). They play an important role in monitoring international security, which in turn informs decision-ma… Julia Konarzewska Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/reconfiguring-europes-forward-presence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/reconfiguring-europes-forward-presence Sun, 28 Jun 2026 18:30:07 GMT Anna Lena Gansäuer Anton Hahn Draft V3, June 26, 2026 Reconfiguring Europe’s Forward Presence: Designing a Credible Eastern Flank Posture Amid Reduced U.S. Military Commitment Executive Summary This article assesses how NATO’s former and current Eastern Flank deterrence and force posture is … Anton Hahn Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/a-doctrine-before-a-strategy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/a-doctrine-before-a-strategy Sun, 28 Jun 2026 18:28:35 GMT A doctrine before a strategy: Building the preconditions of European grand strategic reasoning The European Union confronts acute geopolitical pressure with strategic documents whose vocabulary outruns their substance. I argue that the EU’s three strategic documents — the 2003 European Security S… Denisa Cepoiu Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/democratic-backsliding-in-latin-america https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/democratic-backsliding-in-latin-america Sun, 28 Jun 2026 17:31:56 GMT Democratic backsliding in Latin America: erosion from within and the case of Argentina In modern politics, Latin America has often served as a perfect real-world laboratory for studying major political changes. The “Third Wave” of democratization, which swept the region during the late twentieth … Sofia Arnone International Relations & Diplomacy https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-militarization-of-the-arctic https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/the-militarization-of-the-arctic Sun, 28 Jun 2026 16:33:30 GMT Carla Reinhard and Filippo Perini, EPIS Arctic & Space Report Group Overall Report Theme: The Militarization of the Arctic Article Research Question: What is the impact of the militarization of the Arctic on the development and strategic use of space infrastructure? Structure of the Article The A… Filippo Perini Security Policy & Defence https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/us-sanctions-and-venezuelas-energy-security https://epis-thinktank.com/publications/us-sanctions-and-venezuelas-energy-security Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:46:11 GMT The origins of Venezuela’s lasting energy security crisis and its effects on the country’s public order and broader economy are often explained in light of the United States’ increasingly interventionist foreign policy in the region. The United States administration’s promotion of great power dip… Paul Lundwall International Economic Relations