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Expert Analysis | At cross purposes? The TPNW and US alliance commitments

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The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is often portrayed as incompatible with US alliance commitments, limiting its consideration within NATO. This analysis challenges that assumption, arguing that the experiences of US allies such as New Zealand and the Philippines demonstrate that support for the TPNW need not undermine alliance obligations. At a time of growing uncertainty over extended deterrence, Davis Ellison explores how the treaty could strengthen non-proliferation efforts while prompting a more pragmatic debate about the future relationship between nuclear disarmament and alliance security.

HCSS side event at the NATO Summit in Ankara

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The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) co-hosted a high-level side event during the NATO Summit in Ankara. The panel: ‘Mind the Gap: Can Europe Build a More European NATO?’ brought together senior military, diplomatic, and industry leaders to examine Europe’s evolving role within the Alliance.

New Report: Breakdown of the International Order? Strategic Options for Small and Middle Powers

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The international order is fragmenting, but small and middle powers (SMPs) are not powerless. A new HCSS report by Benedetta Girardi, Stephanie Govaerts, Noemie Jacq, Sven Koopmans and Tim Sweijs sets out four strategic options for SMPs and argues that flexible, issue-specific coalitions offer the most promising path for protecting rules, strengthening resilience and shaping future governance. The report also lays out five key recommendations for the governments of SMPs.

Benedetta Girardi and Hans Horan on Chinese Interference in Dutch Strategic Industries

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A new HCSS and China Knowledge Network (CKN) report by Benedetta Girardi and Hans Horan examines how Chinese foreign interference affects Dutch strategic industries, including semiconductors, maritime industries, and aerospace. Watch their interview and report presentation here.

Expert Insights | Seeing Deterrence Up Close: Notes from Estonia’s Front Line

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Just days before the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, HCSS strategic analyst Davis Ellison joined a study tour of Estonia to gain first-hand insight into security on NATO’s eastern flank. From military exercises at Tapa and the border city of Narva to discussions with senior Estonian officials, journalists and security experts, the visit highlighted how deterrence, resilience and regional cooperation shape daily life on Europe’s frontier with Russia. It also offered a stark reminder of what is ultimately at stake in defending the Alliance’s eastern border.

New HCSS-China Knowledge Network Report: Chinese Foreign Interference in Dutch Strategic Industries Poses a Systemic Long-Term Challenge

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A new HCSS and China Knowledge Network (CKN) report by Benedetta Girardi and Hans Horan examines how Chinese foreign interference affects Dutch strategic industries, including semiconductors, maritime industries, and aerospace. The study finds that interference activities form part of a long-term systemic strategy and calls for a more coordinated, resilience-based approach to protecting Dutch economic and technological security.

Noemie Jacq on her professional development, A-Z project work, and advice for future interns

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Hi, my name is Noemie! I am originally from a small village in Bretagne (France) but I have been living in the Netherlands for the past 5 years. Prior to the internship, I had very little experience in working in the field. It was important for me to get work experience before starting my masters, and I couldn’t be happier after my time at HCSS!

Ethan Mansfield on site visits, industry interviews, and what hands-on security research looks like in practice

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So what’s it like, being an intern at HCSS? From California to The Hague, Ethan Mansfield joined HCSS to put his academic knowledge of international relations into practice. During his internship, he contributed to projects on hybrid threats, nuclear deterrence and critical underwater infrastructure, while attending conferences, industry interviews and site visits. Working alongside HCSS analysts gave him first-hand insight into policy research and helped him develop the practical skills needed to bridge the gap between theory and the realities of international security.

Event Recap | HCSS Alumni Reunion 2026

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On June 25th, 2026 HCSS hosted the second edition of our alumni reunion event at our office, welcoming former staff and interns to reconnect, share stories and re-live great memories! Following the great success of last year’s event, our aim is to continue this annual tradition, strengthening our community and creating new opportunities for connection and networking. If you are an HCSS alumni and would like to receive an invitation for future events, please send an email to events@hcss.nl so we can include you in our mailing list.

Clarice van der Paardt on modelling conflict, analysing hybrid threats and working at the intersection of data and security at HCSS

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Hi! My name is Clarice van der Paardt and I was born and raised in Amsterdam. I found out about this internship through an AUC alumnus who had been at HCSS a few years earlier. When browsing HCSS’ projects and fields of research, the breadth of research topics really reflected the learning opportunities that this internship would offer me. I also read a lot of intern testimonials when familiarising myself with the internship programme. They helped a lot and made me excited to apply. Writing this therefore really feels like a full-circle moment!

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