Expert Analysis | From Epic Fury to Energy Fragility: A Wake-Up Call Europe can no longer ignore
The 2026 Hormuz Crisis has triggered the largest and most complex energy shock in modern history, exposing deep vulnerabilities in Europe’s energy system. While the immediate disruption stems from conflict in the Gulf, the crisis has revealed a longer-term problem, warn Irina Patrahau and Lucia van Geuns: Europe remains heavily dependent on external energy supplies and continues to respond with emergency measures rather than structural reform. As geopolitical tensions and climate-related risks intensify, the continent faces a stark choice between recurring crises and building lasting resilience.
Universiteit Leiden en HCSS | Leergang Strategie en Weerbare Rechtsorde
In september 2026 start de Leergang Strategie en Weerbare Rechtsorde, een samenwerking tussen het Centre for Professional Learning van de Universiteit Leiden en HCSS. In dit programma komen academische inzichten en strategische praktijkkennis samen om deelnemers beter te laten begrijpen hoe digitale, criminele en statelijke dreigingen de Nederlandse rechtsorde beïnvloeden. Met aandacht voor data, foresight en scenariodenken leer je ontwikkelingen duiden en vertalen naar strategisch handelen. De leergang versterkt het vermogen om complexe veiligheidsvraagstukken in geopolitieke context te plaatsen en effectief op te treden binnen het veiligheidsdomein van morgen.
Expert Analysis | Defence Burden Sharing in Europe: A Burden in Itself
Europe’s growing defence ambitions raise a difficult question: what is a fair way to share the burden of collective security? In this new expert analysis, HCSS research scientist Rens van Dam explores why equal defence spending targets may not reflect the realities of threat perception across Europe. Using a Lindahl model based on countries’ proximity to Moscow, the research suggests that states facing greater risks should contribute more. As Europe adapts to a reduced U.S. role in NATO, the debate is no longer only about spending more – but about how to distribute costs fairly and effectively.
