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Entries by Stephanie Govaerts

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.

The HCSS Datalab presents: CARMEN, the Critical Raw Materials Early Navigation Dashboard

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The Critical Raw Materials Early Navigation (CARMEN) dashboard, is a tool developed by the HCSS Datalab to help organisations navigate the volatile world of critical raw materials. It brings together near real-time financial, and market data to secure essential materials while minimising exposure to risk. CARMEN contains financial data relating to 87 materials from various sourcing countries such as Australia, Brazil and China, which are updated daily. Discover how CARMEN can strengthen your organisation’s approach to critical raw materials and supply-chain security.

New Webinar | Bridging Waters: Middle Powers’ Cooperation on Maritime Security

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Join the webinar ‘Bridging Waters: Middle Powers’ Cooperation on Maritime Security’ on 18 November 2025 from 10am-12pm online on Microsoft Teams. This webinar will explore opportunities for the Netherlands to collaborate with countries like Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam, focusing on securing vital maritime routes and ensuring freedom of navigation. With expert insights from contributors to a new paper series, the event will examine how through the use of preventive and responsive measures, we can enhance security and uphold open international maritime routes.

New snapshot: India’s Strategy in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

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As global power dynamics shift toward multipolarity, India’s challenge lies not in adaptation, but in shaping the new order. A new HCSS Snapshot, Old Players, New Moves: India’s Strategy in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, explores how India can turn its SCO membership into strategic advantage. Authors Anna Hoefnagels and Benedetta Girardi assess whether the opportunities of SCO membership outweigh its challenges—and how India’s strategic moves today can shape the rules of tomorrow’s global game. The paper identifies three key pathways for India to strengthen its regional role and influence the emerging multipolar order.

Sofia Romansky | AI in the Military Domain at the United Nations First Committee

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The 2024 UN General Assembly First Committee resolution on AI in the military domain marked a key step toward aligning multistakeholder and multilateral approaches. As the First Committee reconvenes in 2025, the Global Commission on Responsible AI in the Military Domain (GC REAIM), supported by HCSS, will host a side event presenting its Responsible by Design Strategic Guidance Report. The report offers shared knowledge, concrete recommendations, and a framework for institutionalising global AI governance—advancing a collective commitment to the responsible use of AI in defence and international security.

HCSS Intern Cohort Fall/Winter 2025

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Presenting our Fall/Winter HCSS Intern Cohort! Twice a year HCSS opens its intern applications, Fall/Winter interns (August – February) and Spring/Summer Interns (February – August). Our interns come from all over the world and work on a wide range of topics at HCSS. The intern coordinators are Benedetta Girardi and Laura Jasper. If you’re interested in applying for the HCSS internship programme look out for the applications to open in December!

The Arctic Security Conference 2025: Managing Polarisation and Fragmentation

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In September, Strategic Analyst Fiona De Cuyper attended the 2025 Arctic Security Conference in Oslo, Norway. The event brought together a diverse group of global participants, including academics, government and business representatives, Indigenous peoples, and locals from northern communities. This year, the central theme of the conference was “Managing Polarisation and Fragmentation”, with sessions focused on great power competition in the High North, the relevance of Arctic cooperative institutions, the state of conflict in the region, the local aspect of security considerations, and the role of non-Arctic states. Fiona’s reflections and insights from the conference are presented below.

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