Between Power and Principles
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What Is Deterrence? Core Concepts and Distinctions
Prevention via Cost-Benefit Calculus: Deterrence aims to persuade an adversary that the costs and risks of an offensive action far outweigh any potential gains, thereby maintaining the status quo. Credibility and Capability: Success requires both the actual military capacity to act and the percei…
Stealthily stabbing the Red Dragon
Main Question: Can new US stealth aircraft like the F-47 and B-21 stop China’s rise as a dominant air power in the Pacific? Argument: The US is facing a shrinking and aging air fleet while China modernizes rapidly, but advanced technologies in the F-47 and B-21 could shift the balance. Conclusi…
Papal Diplomacy
Since World War II, the Holy See has used its moral authority to engage actively in reconstruction, diplomacy, and the promotion of human rights. Pope Pius XII expanded international relations, especially with newly independent states. Vatican Ostpolitik gained momentum from the 1970s, particular…
France’s Diplomatic Future in a Shifting World
Didier le Bret reflects on his career shaped by crises from post-Soviet transitions to the Haiti earthquake. He argues that France must combine credibility, sovereignty, and diplomacy to remain globally relevant. His call: Europe must engage the Global South and reclaim multilateralism to ensure …
Israel’s Use of Force: Legal or Dangerous Shift?
Is Israel redrawing the boundaries of international law by force? This article examines Israel’s justification of pre-emptive self-defence against Iran and argues it lacks legal basis under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Without evidence of an actual or imminent armed attack, such actions violate …
Rearming at What Cost?
Main question: Should European governments cut social spending to increase military budgets in response to rising global threats? Argument: Policies that reduce support for the most vulnerable populations increase social inequality, fuel resentment, and create fertile ground for right-wing populi…
Facing the Geoeconomic Reality
Main Question: How can Europe make its critical raw materials (CRMs) supply chain more resilient amid geopolitical and economic challenges? Argument: Europe’s heavy reliance on China and unstable resource-rich countries for CRMs threatens its defence and energy transition goals. Conclusion: Euro…
The Link Between Migration And Terrorism
Main question: How do different forms of migration impact international terrorist incidents? Argument: Humanitarian migration, due to socio-economic vulnerabilities and integration challenges, is more linked to increased terrorism risk than non-humanitarian migration, which tends to reduce it. …
From Arms Race to Innovation Race
Main Question: Does the concept of an “AI arms race” accurately describe current global AI competition? Argument: While AI has military applications, framing it as an arms race oversimplifies its multidimensional, collaborative, and innovation-driven nature. Conclusion: The concept of an “AI in…
Algorithmic Deterrence: U.S.-China Arms Race
Main Question: How does the militarization of AI by the U.S. and China contribute to global instability? Argument: The AI arms race between the U.S. and China, especially in autonomous weapon systems (AWS), increases the risk of conflict escalation due to unpredictability, biased data, and reduc…
The External Politics of the Israel-Hamas War
Main Question: Why does the Gaza war persist despite international efforts to end it? Argument: Regional powers exploit the Gaza conflict to advance strategic interests, fueling its continuation. Conclusion: Only by reshaping regional incentives and fostering genuine cooperation can the cycle of …
Satellite Security and Post-Quantum-Cryptography
Is current satellite cybersecurity sufficient to address emerging threats, especially with rising space reliance? Most commercial satellites still rely on outdated or minimal cybersecurity measures. Many use “security by obscurity,” and standard communication protocols either lack security or use…
Introduction to the Security Dilemma
1. Why do we see increases in defense spending despite claims for peace? 2. In an anarchic world, peace is guaranteed by the state’s actions, and higher military spending raises the costs for an aggressor. 3. Though paradoxical, the security dilemma may explain some of the recent increases in mil…
Europe Must Stay Vigilant
Mika Aaltola explains how Russia’s war in Ukraine transformed Finnish public opinion and pushed Finland into NATO. He argues that Finland’s defense posture and trust-based society enable it to lead by example. For Europe to remain relevant, Aaltola urges stronger, more coordinated defense and ren…