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New paper | Lessons That Transfer: Observations from the Russo-Ukraine War for European Land Forces

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What lessons from the Russo-Ukrainian war will remain relevant in a future NATO land war? In a new HCSS paper, Tim Sweijs, Jan Feldhusen, Markus Iven and Björn de Heer identify four tactical developments reshaping European land warfare: persistent battlefield transparency, AI-enabled intelligence fusion, the human factor and mass precision effects. Their findings highlight urgent priorities for force design, doctrine and military adaptation over the next three to five years.

Nieuwe paper | Defensieplanning: Voorbij de Platformlogica

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Nieuwe tanks, fregatten en F-35’s versterken de Nederlandse krijgsmacht, maar zijn niet voldoende voor duurzame gevechtskracht. In een nieuw HCSS-paper laat gastauteur Leo van der Meiden zien waarom defensieplanning voorbij de traditionele platformlogica moet kijken. De sleutel ligt in samenhangende ketens, voortzettingsvermogen, regeneratie en aanpassingsvermogen. Wat betekent dat voor de komende Defensienota?

Expert Analysis | From Epic Fury to Energy Fragility: A Wake-Up Call Europe can no longer ignore

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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

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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

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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.

Looking Back at GLOBSEC 2026: Strengthening Europe’s Geopolitical Role in a Time of Systemic Transformation

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At GLOBSEC 2026 in Prague, HCSS analysts Irina Patrahau and Benedetta Girardi joined discussions on Europe’s geopolitical future, economic security, and strategic resilience. From co-hosting a side session on Europe’s geoeconomic statecraft to participating in the prestigious GLOBSEC Young Leaders Forum and GLOBcast podcast, they explored how the EU can translate economic strength into geopolitical influence in an increasingly fragmented world. Read our recap for key insights on European competitiveness, strategic partnerships, energy security, and the challenge of turning ambition into action.

GLOBcast with Irina Patrahau | Navigating Disruption: Europe’s Energy and Security Crossroads

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As energy, technology, economics, and security become increasingly intertwined, Europe faces critical questions about resilience, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. In GLOBSEC’s flagship podcast, GLOBcast, HCSS’ Irina Patrahau joins Roger Hilton to discuss Europe’s vulnerabilities in energy and critical minerals supply chains, the risk of new dependencies emerging through the green transition, and how the EU can navigate growing competition with China. Drawing on insights from GLOBSEC 2026, the conversation explores what Europe must do to strengthen its strategic position in an increasingly contested geopolitical landscape.

Nederlanders ervaren migratie als grootste bedreiging | Gerben Bakker: “Sentiment zal pas verminderen als asielcijfers kelderen.”

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Migratie wordt door Nederlanders nog altijd gezien als de grootste maatschappelijke dreiging, zelfs boven oorlog en klimaat, blijkt uit onderzoek van HCSS. Volgens Gerben Bakker gaat het niet alleen om feiten, maar vooral om gevoelens van culturele verandering, verlies van controle en afnemend vertrouwen in de overheid. Als politiek en bestuur geen overtuigende antwoorden vinden op dit sentiment, dreigen polarisatie, protesten en verdere maatschappelijke verharding. “Het sentiment zal pas verminderen als te zien is dat de asielcijfers kelderen.”

Internship opportunity | Water, Peace and Security (WPS)

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The Water, Peace and Security (WPS) internship at HCSS offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research linking water scarcity and security dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa. Interns contribute to tools that help anticipate and reduce water-related risks, support stakeholder dialogue, and develop training and workshops on the water-security nexus. Working from The Hague, successful candidates will join a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team and gain hands-on experience in policy-relevant research. Strong analytical skills, creativity, and excellent English are required. Arabic is a strong advantage.

WTC 2026 Geopolitical Update | launch second edition of GATRI

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Geopolitical risks are reshaping the global business environment, affecting trade, investment, and supply chain resilience. On 8 June, HCSS joins the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) and the World Trade Center Netherlands Alliance for the 2026 Geopolitical Update, a virtual briefing on the geopolitical, economic, and trade dynamics shaping the year ahead. During the event, HCSS will also launch the second edition of the Geopolitical Annual Trade Risk Index (GATRI), providing data-driven insights into geopolitical stability and international trade.

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