What can the EU do to not be completely dependent on China for raw materials? Which security threats is Brazil facing as climate change impacts surge? Should we ban autonomous weapons systems? All this, and more, in the new HCSS Digest!
What can the EU do to avoid being completely dependent on China for raw materials? Take on the fight, or look for alternatives? Listen to the new episode of podcast De Strateeg, with HCSS Deputy Director Michel Rademaker and MEP Tom Berendsen, discussing the global power game for control of raw materials.
Climate change will increase the burdens on Brazil’s armed forces and endanger the country’s energy and water security, military experts predict in a new report from the IMCCS, the International Military Council on Climate and Security.
The IMCCS report was picked up by various media, such as Reuters: Brazil to face major security threats as climate impacts surge, military experts warn, as continuing Amazon forest loss and climate impacts could drive growing shortages of water and hydropower.
China doesn’t have enough agricultural land to sustain its own population, and is therefore looking for our agricultural gems. According to Rob de Wijk, the Netherlands must prevent our agricultural sector from being hijacked, or drastically reduced, he says in an interview with RTL Z. Because it is precisely this agricultural power that is a strong asset on the world stage – and thus a strategic asset against China.
What does the future hold in store for NATO and the transatlantic relationship? Dr. Jack Thompson, Senior Strategic Analyst at HCSS and Co-chair of the Initiative on the Future of Transatlantic Relations, has written a chapter on “The US role in NATO: past, present, and future” for a new publication: “NATO and Transatlantic Relations in the 21st Century: Foreign and Security Policy Perspectives”. This essential book, published by Routledge on December 31st, explores the evolution and future relevance of NATO from the perspective of the member-states.
Unmanned weapon systems should be banned, 170 scientists wrote in an open letter this week, but are these autonomous weapons really that dangerous? Strategic analyst Patrick Bolder brings some much needed nuance in radioshow Dit Is De Dag.
Earlier this week, Bolder was ANP Expert of the Day for the ANP Expert Support, a new pilot HCSS has joined to make access to experts in various fields more easier for journalists and media.
If the Netherlands wants to take the lead in the EU in the fight for more budgetary discipline and sustainable land use, and against squandering and corruption, PM Rutte must come up with a new narrative about the EU – something he has not been able to do in recent years, says Rob de Wijk in his column for Trouw.
The Trump administration is pushing hard for a major anti-Iran coalition in the Middle East, whereas Joe Biden seems to want to improve the relationship with Iran. HCSS defense expert Peter Wijninga commented on the situation on BNR Nieuwsradio. Wijninga also spoke on BNR about the withdrawal of US troops from Germany.
In other news… We’re also celebrating two birthdays this week: congratulations to Michel Rademaker and many happy returns to Laura Birkman!
Finally, we’d like to welcome new Assistant Analyst Jeffrey Trux to the ranks of HCSS!
