Entries by Patrick Willemsen

HCSS Commentary | Opaque Supply Chains may prevent ReArming Europe

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Europe’s military supply chains are too fragile, fragmented, and opaque for today’s security environment—putting its Rearmament Plan at risk. While policymakers focus on boosting defence investments, a critical blind spot remains: securing the midstream of military supply chains. Without transparency and resilience in sourcing key components, European defence readiness is vulnerable to disruption. Read the latest HCSS op-ed by analysts Irina Patrahau and Benedetta Girardi on why Europe must urgently strengthen its defence supply networks.

New report: From the Euronuke to a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone

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The latest HCSS report examines the precarious state of the international nuclear order and the challenges Europe faces as U.S. security guarantees become increasingly uncertain. With arms control agreements collapsing and the return of transactional U.S. alliances, European nations must explore alternative deterrence strategies. This report by Davis Ellison, Samuel Zilincik, and Tim Sweijs outlines six potential pathways for strengthening European security, from nuclear-sharing to strategic conventional weapons.

Dynamics of De-Risking: Towards resilient supply chains for antibiotics, drones and the electricity grid in the Netherlands

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The European Union and its member states face growing vulnerabilities due to economic dependencies on China, particularly in health, defence, and energy. As China increasingly employs economic statecraft tactics—using economic tools to exert geopolitical influence—the EU must find ways to safeguard its vital sectors. To address these risks, the EU has launched a ‘de-risking’ agenda, […]

Event | ROK-NL Forum 2025

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The security landscape is shifting rapidly, with new alliances forming and global tensions rising. How should international partners respond to these changes? Join policymakers and experts at the HCSS “ROK-NL Forum 2025” on 23 April, to discuss ROK-NATO and security partnerships, AI governance and ethical innovation, and the future of STEM and High-tech industries.

Friso Stevens | Gripped by Fear: China’s Digital “Stability Maintenance” and Revanchist Emotional Nationalism

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The Mechanics of Chinese Nationalism: In a new article for the Journal of Current Chinese Affairs, HCSS Senior Fellow Friso Stevens analyzes China’s digital nationalism and its role in state control. He explores how online discourse shapes patriotic sentiment, fuels repression, and sustains the Chinese Communist Party’s grip on power. As economic stagnation grows, the risk of public unrest increases—posing a challenge of the party’s own making.

The Diplomat | China Watches, Taiwan Learns: Ukraine’s War and the Indo-Pacific

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How can Taiwan ensure its defence strategy evolves in time to counter China’s growing military pressure? Over the course of a year-long study, HCSS researchers Benedetta Girardi, Davis Ellison, and Tim Sweijs analysed the campaign in Ukraine, comparing it with Taiwan’s military strategies and defence posture. If one thing is certain, it’s this: Beijing’s calculation will be shaped by whether Taiwan is ready to defend itself. For Taiwan to do so successfully, it will have to learn lessons from the war against Ukraine, a country that failed to deter an attack from a much more powerful neighbor, yet has been able to successfully defend itself since.

Strategische Vragen | De Strateeg: Hoe geef je de maffia een koekje van eigen deeg?

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Oorlogen en conflicten hebben een directe invloed op de georganiseerde misdaad. De verwevenheid van sommige staten met de georganiseerde misdaad speelt daar een belangrijke rol in. Hoe kunnen we dat aanpakken? Dat hoor je in deze aflevering van BNR podcast De Strateeg, waarin Paul van Liempt vragen van luisteraars bespreekt met Laura Jasper, strategisch analist bij HCSS, en met Tom Driessen, voormalig hoofd van de nationale recherche.

Defence Industry Symposium: ‘Europa moet vanuit eigen kracht defensie en veiligheid versterken’

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Op 12 maart 2025 organiseerde HCSS in samenwerking met VNO-NCW en het Ministerie van Defensie de Defense Industry Day, een pre-event van de NAVO-top die op 24 en 25 juni in Den Haag zal plaatsvinden. Toonaangevende experts, beleidsmakers en het bedrijfsleven kwamen samen om te discussiëren over het opschalen van defensie-inspanningen en samenwerken aan een veerkrachtige industrie.

International Conference on Water, Peace and Security 2025: Water as a Catalyst for Peace and Cooperation

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Save the date: The International Conference on Water, Peace, and Security is happening on 27-28 October, 2025! Taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, and online, the conference will focus on the theme “Water as a catalyst for peace and cooperation.” The conference will bring together key stakeholders to explore the challenges and solutions to water insecurity in the context of sustainable peace and development.

New report: Deterring or Spiralling? Emerging Technologies, Strategic Stability, and Prospects for Sino-European Arms Control

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How are EDTs reshaping nuclear deterrence and global defence strategies? The latest HCSS report by Davis Ellison, Tim Sweijs, and Timur Ghirotto explores how emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs) like AI, hypersonic missiles, and cyber warfare threaten global security. It highlights the urgent need for arms control measures, transparency, and European engagement with China to prevent instability.