Entries by Stephanie Govaerts

New Snapshot: The Four (not so noble) Truths about Nuclear Governance

/in , , , /by

Can arms control survive when giving up nukes seems to invite risk and keeping them feels like the only reliable hedge? Assistant Analyst Elton Högklint traces this dilemma through four case studies—Ukraine, Libya, North Korea, and Iran—revealing systemic breakdowns in security guarantees, negotiation dynamics, policy continuity, and treatment of civilian nuclear aims. He proposes a revised framework to answer the central question: how do we make disarmament rational, credible and sustainable?

HCSS at the NATO Public Forum 2025: A behind-the-scenes look at what we brought to the table

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

You’ve seen the speeches, the world leaders, and the headlines from the recent NATO Summit in The Hague. But what you haven’t seen is what happened behind-the-scenes. HCSS was proud to be one of the co-organizers of the NATO Public Forum last month. While world leaders took to the stage, our dedicated team worked tirelessly to make the event run smoothly, from shaping the agenda with last-minute speaker changes, to cross-continent coordination of international panels and managing communications and media requests. We’re excited to share a few sneak peeks from the backstage world here – insights, photos, and stories from that other side of the camera by our team on the scene.

Job Opening: Data Scientist & Software Developer (Junior) (OPEN)

/0 Comments/in , , /by

We are expanding our Datalab team with junior-level data scientists & software developers who have a strong quantitative background and an affinity for geopolitics and national and international security. We are specifically looking for candidates who have knowledge of methodologies in data science and development, such as machine learning, statistical modelling, and NLP/Generative AI. Candidates must also be able to function in a dynamic project organisation and have a strong interest in building data-driven tools and applying data analysis for strategic policy advice. 

Irina Patrahau | Five Key Decisions to Revitalize US Critical Mineral Stockpiles

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

In a new report published by the Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) at Columbia University, experts Dr. Tom Moerenhout, Cina Vazir, and Irina Patrahau identify five key decisions that must be made to revitalise the U.S. stockpiling system and to establish effective strategies for Europe and the Netherlands. From expanding its mandate to refining what, how, and who should manage it, the report offers a roadmap for policymakers.

New Paper | Uncovering the Climate–Conflict Link: Mapping the Causal Pathways in Iraq

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Environmental conditions like drought, heat, and soil stress are increasingly linked to armed conflict, but the exact pathways remain unclear. In a new study, Ninoslav Malekovic, Maarten Vonk, Laura Birkman, and Tim Sweijs use advanced causal analysis on Iraqi subdistricts to reveal how these conditions—especially when paired with high energy demand and dense populations—can drive violence through complex chains of resource and demographic pressure. Their findings highlight where and why conflict is more likely, offering a foundation for targeted interventions to prevent violence before it unfolds.

Two internship positions are about to close for applications!

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

HCSS is looking for new interns for two different internship positions! We’re looking for general interns and a Water, Peace and Security (WPS) intern (both deadlines 20 July). Read to find out more!

New HCSS Position Paper: Connecting Continents, Securing Futures: The ROK-NL Partnership Amid Global Shifts

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

This position paper outlines how the Republic of Korea and the Netherlands can deepen their strategic partnership amid global geopolitical and technological shifts. Highlighting key areas such as security, AI governance, and high-tech industry cooperation, the paper calls for joint action on cyber defence, education, clean tech, and innovation. Building on the 2025 ROK-NL Forum, held on April 23rd, it presents a roadmap for agile, values-driven cooperation between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Interviews by Dr. Davis Ellison with Dr. Victoria Vdovychenko, Dr. Christian Fjäder and Dr. Simona R. Soare on shaping the future of digital defence

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

On the 18th of July 2025, The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) hosted its symposium “From Cloud to Community: Shaping the Future of Digital Defence” in The Hague. HCSS invited experts to exchange views on shaping the future of digital defence, creating a platform for lively debate and cross-sector collaboration. Just before HCSS hosted this event, HCSS Strategic Analyst Dr. Davis Ellison briefly spoke three of the speakers. Watch the interviews here.

Event Recap | From Cloud to Community: Shaping the future of digital defence

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

HCSS is proud to have hosted its symposium “From Cloud to Community: Shaping the Future of Digital Defence” on 18 June in The Hague. This second edition built on the success of our first event in Brussels on March 10, but pushed the conversation further — moving beyond NATO’s digital capabilities to tackle the big question: How do we build a future of digital defence that works for both soldiers on the battlefield and citizens at home? Read the recap to get some insights and takeaways from the event.

GC REAIM Symposium: Next Steps for Responsible Practice

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

HCSS is pleased to invite you to join us for the GC REAIM Symposium: Next Steps for Responsible Practice, on 26 June, 2025 from 10.00 – 16.30 at HCSS (Lange Voorhout 1, The Hague). This is the fifth and final Global Commission on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain (GC REAIM) Symposium and the Secretariat is extremely proud to be hosting around the NATO Summit. Register via the Eventbrite link!