Entries by Patrick Willemsen

NATO’s Second Foresight Conference Looks Ahead to the Alliance’s Future

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At NATO’s Second Foresight Conference in Rome (7–9 October), Dr. Tim Sweijs shared his insights on developing a Theory of Victory versus a Theory of Long-Term Advantage for NATO. In panels with Professor Olivier Schmitt and other senior experts, he explored how the Alliance can enhance strategic effectiveness amid rising geopolitical tensions. Dr. Sweijs also joined the closing session, What’s Next for NATO, discussing the Alliance’s future direction and deterrence posture.

De Balie | At the frontline of Russia’s shadow war: In conversation with Estonia’s former president Toomas Hendrik Ilves

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Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace on September 19th. The incursion lasted only twelve minutes, but the message was clear: Russia continues to test NATO’s borders. What does this mean for Europe’s security? On 15 October, HCSS research director Tim Sweijs will join Estonia’s former president Toomas Hendrik Ilves at De Balie in Amsterdam. Together with photographer Claudia Heinermann, they will discuss Europe’s security challenges now that Russia is increasingly testing the borders of Nato-territory, in a panel moderated by Yoeri Albrecht.

The Draghi Report Revisited | Semiconductors

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One year after Mario Draghi’s call to action, Europe’s pursuit of technological sovereignty remains a work in progress. In this latest edition of our Draghi Report Series, HCSS strategic analyst Benedetta Girardi examines Europe’s semiconductor ambitions. Despite political momentum and the EU Chips Act, progress remains uneven. What has been achieved — and where does Europe still fall short? Read how the EU’s bid for technological sovereignty is faring in the global chip race.

Nico Tak joins HCSS as Strategic Advisor Defence and Security

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HCSS is pleased to announce that Nico Tak will be joining us as Strategic Advisor Defence and Security! A retired three-star general with practical experience of security policy and defence at the strategic, operational and tactical levels, he is an expert in security policy, strategy and leadership. “We are living at a time when the geopolitical situation is deteriorating, whilst nations are faced with internal divisions, unrest and isolationist movements. HCSS is an important thinktank for informing policy makers, academics and the general public. With my political-military and practical experience, I look forward to contributing to the team.” 

The Draghi Report Revisited | Critical Raw Materials

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One year after Mario Draghi’s call to secure Europe’s economic sovereignty, HCSS revisits his warnings in the Draghi Report Series. In this second article, Irina Patrahau and Michel Rademaker assess Europe’s progress on Critical Raw Materials. Despite new projects and ambitious targets under the Critical Raw Materials Act, implementation lags behind political ambition. Can Europe overcome permitting bottlenecks, financing gaps and dependency on China to secure its industrial future?

The Draghi Report Revisited | Automotive

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One year after Mario Draghi’s landmark report, how far has Europe come in securing its automotive future? In the first article of our Draghi Revisited Series, HCSS analyst Ron Stoop examines the EU’s progress in the automotive sector. From EV tariffs and Chinese competition to emission targets and charging infrastructure, what steps have been taken—and where do the biggest gaps remain? Read his sharp analysis on Europe’s industrial resilience.

HCSS Publieksmonitor Najaarspeiling: groeiende zorgen over interne spanningen, functioneren democratie en uitblijven daadkrachtig bestuur

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De Najaarspeiling van de HCSS Publieksmonitor laat zien dat maatschappelijke stabiliteit in Nederland broos blijft. Nederlanders beoordelen deze met een 6,1, lager dan in de zomer. Interne spanningen en zorgen over de werking van de democratie nemen toe, terwijl vertrouwen in de overheid laag blijft. Tegelijkertijd zien veel Nederlanders hun buurt als bron van veerkracht. Lees nu de belangrijkste bevindingen.

Markus Iven joins HCSS as new Strategic Analyst!

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HCSS is very pleased to announce that Markus Iven has joind us as a new Strategic Analyst, focussing on grand strategy, transatlantic security and defence! Previously, Markus served as a reserve officer at the German Military Delegation to NATO in the Strategy, Plans and Policy Branch. On joining HCSS, he commented: “For me, HCSS combines data-driven methods and strategic thought in a way few institutes can. As Europe is relearning to think strategically, there is no better place to be!”

Michel Rademaker at the Sarajevo Security Conference | AI in the Military Domain: Legal, Industry, and Practitioner Perspectives

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HCSS Deputy Director Michel Rademaker will be a speaker at the upcoming Sarajevo Security Conference. On Sunday, September 28, he will be the featured speaker and moderator of the panel on “AI in the Military Domain: Legal, Industry, and Practitioner Perspectives”, which also includes Jessica Dorsey, Col. Arnel David, and Dr. Anke Allenhofer.

HCSS Focus | Deterrence and Arms Control in an Era of Disruption

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The HCSS Strategic Stability: Deterrence and Arms Control programme examines the full spectrum and dynamics of contemporary deterrence. With groundbreaking research from our team of experts, we explore how political signalling, psychological biases, and emerging disruptive technologies shape deterrence and arms control today, providing policymakers with practical insights to anticipate risks, avoid miscalculation, and craft more credible strategies and policies for stability in a turbulent world.