Entries by Stephanie Govaerts

New WPS Policy Brief | Entry-points for Collaborative Water Governance in Southern Iraq

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As Iraq continues to deal with a chronic water crisis, experts both inside and outside the government are mobilising to find and design durable solutions. Addressing water-related tensions in southern Iraq can be a significant challenge, especially when it comes to addressing long-term systemic issues. In support of designing realistic and achievable first steps, this Water, Peace and Security (WPS) policy brief – based on 13 interviews with water experts in southern Iraq, 3 focus groups, and 3 working groups – outlines a set of entry-points for the development of long-term solutions.

New Report | In the Shadows of War: The Impact of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine on Criminal Networks in Eastern Europe

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How has Russia’s invasion of Ukraine opened up new spaces for organised crime to become weaponised across Europe and thereby risking security across the continent? This report by Laura Jasper, Ana Dadu, and Davis Ellison examines how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has enabled criminal networks to exploit wartime instability, adapt to shifting markets, and expand their operations across Eastern Europe. Key findings reveal a significant link between organised crime, kleptocracy, and stability, highlighting their particularly destabilising impact on Eastern Europe. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to addressing the hidden criminal dimensions of war.

Nieuwe Notitie | Het onafhankelijk toezicht en het onafhankelijk onderzoek

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De grootste zorg bij de invoering van de gedeelde verantwoordelijkheid voor veiligheid was dat de overheid haar regierol zou verliezen en het toezicht zou afnemen. Hoewel de overheid veiligheid als kerntaak behield, werd zij steeds terughoudender in haar controle, wat leidde tot een verschuiving naar sectorale veiligheidsregels zonder bindende overheidsvoorschriften. Dit resulteerde in verminderde inspecties en bezuinigingen op toezicht. In deze notitie pleiten Professor mr. em. Pieter van Vollenhoven en Drs. Lodewijk Gunther Moor ervoor dat de Tweede Kamer het initiatief neemt om echt onafhankelijk toezicht door Rijksinspecties mogelijk te maken, zodat veiligheid niet ten koste gaat van bestuurlijke invloed en financiële overwegingen.

Tim Sweijs in Trouw | Vier scenario’s voor Europa in een nieuwe wereldorde

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Nu de VS per direct alle wapensteun aan Oekraïne opschorten, is de toekomst voor het land nog ongewisser dan zij al was. Maar ook Europa staan onzekere tijden te wachten. Joris Belgers van Trouw besprak vier scenario’s met defensie-expert Dr. Tim Sweijs, onderzoeksdirecteur bij het Haags Centrum voor Strategische Studies (HCSS).

New Position paper | Scaling Up the European Defence Industry

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In an era of heightened geopolitical tensions, the importance of military preparedness and sustainment of any war effort is more pressing than ever. The Trump presidency has once more underscored the need for Europe to be able to fend for itself. Unfortunately, Europe is currently falling short in a number of critical capabilities if called upon to go alone. European NATO-members states strongly depend on US capabilities for their defence operations. This position paper will give an overview of the most pressing topics in the defence industry sector and will provide recommendations for future policy agendas.

Kan Zelensky de relatie met Trump repareren? | Interview met Tim Sweijs en Dick Zandee over gevolgen ruzie Witte Huis in Reformatorisch Dagblad

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Cornelis Boon, sprak voor het Reformatorisch Dagblad met Tim Sweijs, directeur onderzoek bij denktank The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) en Dick Zandee, Senior Research Fellow en Hoofd van het Veiligheids- en Defensieprogramma bij het Clingendael Instituut. In Europa wordt de Oekraïense president Volodymyr Zelensky om zijn aanpak geprezen. Maar aan de overzijde van de oceaan heeft hij zijn krediet verspeeld, na zijn clash met de Amerikaanse president Donald Trump en vicepresident J.D. Vance. Valt de schade nog te repareren?

Thijs van Aken joins HCSS as new Strategic Analyst

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HCSS is pleased to announce that Thijs van Aken has joined our team as a Strategic Analyst! Thijs: “I’m excited to continue working at HCSS in my new role as Strategic Analyst. The changing and dynamic international order asks for research-informed discussions about the future of European security. HCSS is a leading institution contributing facts-based knowledge to policymakers and publics in Europe and beyond. Alongside international security issues, I’m eager to bridge the gap between geopolitical trends and national security questions related to societal resilience, radicalisation and extremism.”

New Snapshot | Uncharted Waters: Two Opportunities for Water and Security in Syria’s Reconstruction

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Control over water has become an entrenched part of strategic considerations for groups governing Syria, both due to the role played by water infrastructure in projecting power across the Syrian territory, and the fact that irrigation is currently the ‘sine qua non’ of food self-sufficiency ambitions. As Syria enters a reconstruction phase, how can the HTS-led transitional government use water governance to contribute to peace and stability in Syria? Our newest snapshot by Benedetta Benzoni tries to answer this question.