The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies

HCSS conducts research on geopolitical and defence & security issues for governments, international institutions and businesses. Our research is characterized by a datadriven, multidisciplinary approach, specialist knowledge and a strategic orientation.

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Latest Research

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Breaking Patterns: Multi-Domain Operations and Contemporary Warfare
Today the dominant concept within NATO and other technologically advanced militaries is multi-domain operations (MDO). MDO aim to combine and coordinate effects from across military and sometimes non-military actions. This new HCSS study by Davis Ellison and Tim Sweijs examines how the adoption of MDO concepts can help armed forces achieve military success. The report argues that MDO could break away from the worst patterns of past conceptual work, though this will require concerted changes in prevailing approaches.

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Aardgaswinning in Nederland: Impact op betaalbaarheid, leveringszekerheid en klimaat
Welke mogelijke toekomstscenario’s zijn er voor de Nederlandse gasproductie? En wat is de impact op de betaalbaarheid en leveringszekerheid? Energie specialisten Jilles van den Beukel en Lucia van Geuns kijken in deze nieuwe HCSS studie naar twee opties: een scenario waarin het huidige suboptimale investeringsklimaat wordt voortgezet, en een scenario dat uitgaat van een aanzienlijke verbetering van het investeringsklimaat, met name door snellere en beter voorspelbare procedures.

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Why should Europe guard the Indo-Pacific maritime commons: Order, Access, or US hegemony?
This paper argues that Europeans need to more clearly formulate their objectives and develop policies based on a realistic view of their capabilities before embarking on a long-term commitment in the Indo-Pacific. This paper examines three distinctive objectives 1. upholding the maritime order, 2. ensure that Europe maintains access to key Asian economies, and 3. support for U.S. hegemony.

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Great power competition and social stability in the Netherlands: The risks of Russian gas, Chinese raw materials and Taiwanese chips to vital sectors
Great powers, that is states with exceptional political, economic and military power, are embroiled in an intensifying geopolitical competition. A geopolitical crisis in East Asia is likely to have an even greater impact on Dutch prosperity, well-being and security than the war in Ukraine, warns HCSS.

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The Socio-Political Instability Observer: May 2023
This year HCSS launched The Socio-Political Instability Survey, inviting experts from around the world give their views on the short-term likelihood and location of volatility and conflict globally. This 'Observer' outlines the results of the first Socio-Political Instability Survey and provides analysis.

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Accelerating cross-border cooperation on hydrogen infrastructure: North Rhine Westphalia – The Netherlands
The existing energy supply relationship between industrial consumers in North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW), Dutch seaports and other supply chain partners is an important basis for the acceleration of green hydrogen supply chains between the Netherlands and NRW. In June 2023, HCSS co-organised a workshop on cooperation between the Netherlands and North Rhine Westphalia. This factsheet outlines the main takeaways from that workshop.

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September 26, 2023

Breaking Patterns: Multi-Domain Operations and Contemporary Warfare

September 21, 2023

Aardgaswinning in Nederland: Impact op betaalbaarheid, leveringszekerheid en klimaat

September 13, 2023

Why should Europe guard the Indo-Pacific maritime commons: Order, Access, or US hegemony?

August 3, 2023

Great power competition and social stability in the Netherlands: The risks of Russian gas, Chinese raw materials and Taiwanese chips to vital sectors

July 26, 2023

The Socio-Political Instability Observer: May 2023

July 18, 2023

Accelerating cross-border cooperation on hydrogen infrastructure: North Rhine Westphalia – The Netherlands

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Europe in the Indo-Pacific

The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as the new epicentre of geopolitical competition. Europe has begun its own tilt towards the Indo-Pacific, yet it remains unclear what specific role Europeans should play. The HCSS “Europe in the Indo-Pacific Hub (EIPH)” brings together scholars, experts and practitioners across Europe, Asia, as well as East-Africa and the US.

Latest Research

September 13, 2023

Why should Europe guard the Indo-Pacific maritime commons: Order, Access, or US hegemony?

May 2, 2023

A Man-of-War is the Best Ambassador: European Naval Deployments as Costly and Useful Diplomatic Signals

May 1, 2023

Nederland en Maritieme Veiligheid in de Indo-Pacific regio: van principes naar uitvoerbaar beleid

Deterrence and Arms Control

Questions of deterrence and arms control have become more complicated over the past decade, driven by intensified geopolitical competition in Asia and Europe, by emerging technologies, or refinements in existing technologies. Today, the arms control regime of the Cold War is in trouble. How Europe can shape a reinvigorated arms control regime is a question which HCSS seeks to answer in our Deterrence and Arms Control programme.

Latest Research

May 9, 2023

Pathways to Disaster: Russia’s War against Ukraine and the Risks of Inadvertent Nuclear Escalation

April 25, 2023

Good Fear, Bad Fear: How European defence investments could be leveraged to restart arms control negotiations with Russia

March 21, 2023

CSP Journal | Beyond Deterrence: Reconceptualizing denial strategies and rethinking their emotional effects

Energy & Raw Materials

The energy transition is changing the architecture of economies by replacing the traditional fuels with new energy carriers. In this transition period, balancing the conventional energy system with the low-carbon one presents challenges for governments and companies alike. HCSS seeks to understand, analyse and address pressing geo-economic and geopolitical issues induced by the energy transition, such as the need for critical raw materials.

Latest Research

September 21, 2023

Aardgaswinning in Nederland: Impact op betaalbaarheid, leveringszekerheid en klimaat

August 3, 2023

Great power competition and social stability in the Netherlands: The risks of Russian gas, Chinese raw materials and Taiwanese chips to vital sectors

July 18, 2023

Accelerating cross-border cooperation on hydrogen infrastructure: North Rhine Westphalia – The Netherlands

a moped with 2 passengers drives through the water

Climate & Security

The Climate & Security Program (CASP) is HCSS’ response to the urgent and ever increasing need for a better understanding of the most pressing geopolitical and security implications of climate change. CASP seeks to bridge the gap between researchers, policymakers and practitioners working on climate-related security challenges in Europe and around the world.

Latest Research

March 21, 2023

Understanding the Pathway from Water Insecurity to Urban Migration in Southern Iraq

February 15, 2023

Resilient and Robust: Climate-Proofing the Military for Increased Military Effectiveness

November 11, 2022

Global Center on Adaptation | State and Trends in Adaptation Report 2022

Strategic Monitor

In order to remain on top of the rapid changes in the international environment, the Dutch MFA and MoD have tasked HCSS and the Clingendael Institute to conduct research within the framework of the Strategic Monitor.

Latest Research

September 13, 2023

Why should Europe guard the Indo-Pacific maritime commons: Order, Access, or US hegemony?

May 9, 2023

Pathways to Disaster: Russia’s War against Ukraine and the Risks of Inadvertent Nuclear Escalation

May 2, 2023

A Man-of-War is the Best Ambassador: European Naval Deployments as Costly and Useful Diplomatic Signals

Cyber Policy and Resilience

Cyberspace is increasingly a key domain for both domestic and international policy making, with cybersecurity being one of the most versatile and pressing challenges. The HCSS Cyber Policy and Resilience Programme bridges the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity with traditional statecraft, drawing on a strong academic foundation merged with professional experience.

Latest Research

May 16, 2023

Deception as the Way of Warfare: Armed Forces, Influence Operations and the Cyberspace paradox

February 15, 2023

Defending the Digital Domain: The effort to build a cyber resilient India

September 14, 2022

Preventing the (Un)thinkable: Escalation Scenarios and Risk Reduction Measures for Russia and NATO following the War in Ukraine

About The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies

HCSS conducts research on geopolitical, defence & security issues to governments, international institutions and businesses. We combine broad conceptual knowledge, qualitative and quantitative methods and present our findings in the form of recommendations, strategic explorations and scenario analyses.

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