Entries by Stephanie Govaerts

Securing Water, Sustaining Peace: Involving Defence and Security Actors in Addressing the Water Security Nexus

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Two weeks ago, HCSS strategic analyst Thijs van Aken represented The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) at the International Conference on Water, Peace and Security in Nairobi, Kenya, organised by the Water, Peace & Security (WPS) Partnership. The event, themed “Water as a Catalyst for Peace and Cooperation”, brought together governments, international organisations, civil society, researchers, and practitioners to explore how water can serve as a driver for peace rather than conflict. 

HCSS Strengthens Singapore–Netherlands Cooperation on Critical Undersea Infrastructure Protection 

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Dr. Tim Sweijs and Benedetta Girardi recently visited Singapore for a seminar on critical undersea infrastructure protection, co-organised by HCSS with the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Singapore and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). The event brought together practitioners and experts from both countries to examine how bilateral cooperation can strengthen protection, resilience and governance of undersea infrastructure. The discussions converged three key takeaways for future Singapore–Netherlands cooperation.

WPS Symposium Recap | From Fragility to Resilience: Engaging Defence and Security Actors in Water Security

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On November 5th, 2025, HCSS hosted a Water Peace and Security (WPS) 4D Mini-Symposium – From Fragility to Resilience: Engaging Defence and Security Actors in Water Security. This event explored the role of defence and security actors in tackling water-related security challenges. This report synthesises the key take-aways from the event: (1) Foster Cross-Sectoral Trust and Understanding, (2) Build Comprehensive Cooperation Structures and (3) Understand Local Realities. 

HCSS at the Paris Peace Forum 2025

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A delegation from HCSS participated in the 8th edition of the Paris Peace Forum, held on 29–30 October 2025. The delegation, consisting of Deputy Director Michel Rademaker and Strategic Analysts Irina Patrahau and Sofia Romansky, actively contributed to discussions on the Global Commission on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (GC REAIM) and on Critical Raw Materials.

Grace Wermenbol joins HCSS as Senior Fellow International Security and Geopolitics

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HCSS is delighted to welcome Dr. Grace Wermenbol as Senior Fellow for International Security and Geopolitics. Dr. Wermenbol brings extensive experience from senior roles across the U.S. government, including the State Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University and the author of A Tale of Two Narratives. Dr. Wermenbol holds a DPhil from the University of Oxford and specializes in the geopolitics of the Middle East, U.S. foreign policy, and international security.

WPS Symposium | From Fragility to Resilience: Engaging Defence and Security Actors in Water Security

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HCSS is pleased to invite you to join the Water Peace and Security (WPS) 4D Mini-Symposium – From Fragility to Resilience: Engaging Defence and Security Actors in Water Security on 5 November 2025. This event will explore the role of defence and security actors in tackling water-related security challenges. Around the world, security actors are increasingly called upon to respond to climate change–induced disasters and stabilise regions where water risks threaten peace. Yet, integration into broader cross-sectoral efforts remains limited.

Rens van Dam joins HCSS as new Research Scientist!

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HCSS is very pleased to announce that Rens van Dam has joined us as a new Research Scientist. Previously, Rens gained practical experience during his internship at the HCSS DataLab, and later on as a part-time Data Scientist where he contributed to data-driven research and the development of multiple dashboards. On joining HCSS, he commented: “I’m excited to start my work as a Research Scientist at HCSS, using my quantitative and economic background to help understand and address the pressing security issues, such as defence and climate, facing Europe today. These challenges require knowledge-based and informed strategies, and I hope to contribute to developing them at HCSS!”

Strengthening ROK-NL ties: Key insights from HCSS field visits and initiatives in Seoul

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On 18 September 2025, a delegation from the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) –comprising Benedetta Girardi, Irina Patrahau, Michel Rademaker and Karlijn Velthuis–joined the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) in co-organizing the ROK–NL Think Tank Dialogue on Industrial Open Strategic Autonomy in the Indo-Pacific, held at the Hotel President in Seoul. The event brought together policymakers, scholars, and researchers from both countries to discuss how the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea can jointly strengthen their technological and industrial resilience in an era of growing geopolitical complexity.

Nidas Brandsma joins HCSS as new Data Scientist!

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HCSS is very pleased to announce that Nidas Brandsma has joined us as a new Data Scientist. Previously, Nidas gained practical experience during his internship at the HCSS DataLab, where he contributed to data-driven research and the development of multiple dashboards On joining HCSS, he commented: “From studying physics and econometrics to joining HCSS, my journey has always been about asking the right questions. Now, I’m excited to apply that mindset to data-driven research in security and geopolitics. It feels like the perfect next step.”

De Balie | At the frontline of Russia’s shadow war: Dr. Tim Sweijs and Estonia’s former President Toomas Hendrik Ilves

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On Wednesday 15 October, HCSS Research Director Dr. Tim Sweijs joined a conversation with Estonia’s former President Toomas Hendrik Ilves at De Balie in Amsterdam. Together with moderator Yoeri Albrecht, they discussed Europe’s security challenges now that Russia is increasingly testing the borders of NATO-territory.