Emma Genovesi on her typical day as a general intern, gaining practical experience and finding her perfect work environment at HCSS

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Hi Emma, could you introduce yourself? Tell me where you are from, what your educational background is, if you had any prior work experience before your internship at HCSS? 

Hi, my name is Emma, and I have been living in The Hague, and more generally, the Netherlands, since September 2024. However, I was born in Assisi, Italy, and I grew up in Rome. I am half Italian and half American, and I have lived and studied in both countries. I went to an all-girls boarding school in Massachusetts, where I developed an interest in law and history. Once I graduated, I felt drawn back to Europe and the European sense of citizenship, which aligned with my view of, well, to put it bluntly, living.

For my bachelor’s studies, I started off doing Political Science and International Relations at the University of Bologna, and then proceeded to do my Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy, focusing on International Security Policy. During my Master’s, I had two Erasmus experiences: the first at KU Leuven and the second in Brussels.

KU Leuven truly had an impact on me, from my professors to my classes to my awesome housemates. It’s quite impressive how one experience can change the course of your future plans. Speaking to friends and professors, I found an internship for my second Erasmus experience in Brussels. However, as sometimes happens, the internship, which was on European projects, turned out to be not what I expected. Nonetheless, I truly took pleasure in my work there, from drafting white papers to attending EU Hydrogen meetings for future projects.

During this time, I chose to focus on the field in which I had conducted my studies, international relations, and, because of the increased relevance of cyberspace within IR, which was reflected in my internship work, I decided to narrow my field by attending the Cyber Security and Governance program at Leiden University. Because I was looking for practical experience in my field, I decided to apply to HCSS, and so, long story short, here I am!

Can you describe your time as a general intern? What does your day-to-day look like?

My time as a general intern has been quite the whirlwind. I mean this in the most positive way possible—there is never a dull moment! Being a general intern at HCSS is quite unique, as you are immediately immersed in the world of research and writing, something that some internships differ on. Yes, you have kitchen duty, and yes, that means you get to choose the cookies for the cookie jar that week, but overall, you are able to take ownership and responsibility for your work. This truly blew me away when I first started. It did take a bit of getting used to, but it is quite a rewarding feeling.

To give you an example, my typical day ranges from conducting research on Chinese hybrid threats toward medium and small powers in Asia and Europe, to researching the Microsoft Capstone regarding NATO’s interoperability, to co-hosting the Southern Africa–Netherlands Cyber Security School (SANCS) lessons on Microsoft Teams. This last experience was particularly interesting, as I got to meet so many fascinating lecturers and sit in on their explanations of cybersecurity and beyond.

I must say, doing this internship alongside my studies has been a challenge, but the hours I spend in the office are invaluable. I truly recommend this as part of your studies, as you get to keep working on what you would do in the classroom, but in a practical, hands-on manner that has proven extremely useful for my development.

But my days are also so much more than just the work I do. I have lunches with my awesome mentor Laura Jasper, or with my colleagues on the terrace; chats with analysts about the U.S.’s current stance with NATO over the cookie jar in the pantry; and of course, coffee breaks with fellow interns. If I’m being honest, I was a bit worried about the 40-hour work week in the office when I first started, but I love coming into the office and being surrounded by such a great group of people!

So, what initially attracted you to the HCSS internship programme and why did you apply? How did you find out about HCSS?

As I mentioned, I was really looking for a work environment that aligned with my studies in security studies and cybersecurity. HCSS, as a strategic studies research centre and provider of the Southern Africa–Netherlands Cyber Security School (SANCS), really reconciled my past studies while also serving as a springboard for my future career through practical, hands-on engagement. Furthermore, looking through its publications, I got the strong impression that HCSS tackles a broad range of topics, from climate and energy to strategic technologies, which would offer plenty of opportunities to learn about subjects I hadn’t had the chance to explore during my studies. In the long run, this has turned out to be the most fulfilling aspect of my experience at HCSS: the variety of topics I get to work on, gaining practical experience and knowledge in areas I knew very little about at the beginning.

At the same time, I remember reading through previous intern testimonials and really feeling that HCSS was a welcoming environment. Knowing it was a full-time internship, I truly wanted to ensure that the people and the environment would be a good fit for me personally. Today, I can truly say that HCSS, its staff and its facility, is absolutely awesome. From the first day, everyone was extremely welcoming, introducing themselves and offering help when needed. From mentor lunches where you get to try out different local restaurants in the neighborhood, to outings with colleagues, working at HCSS is fun and comfortable, which is incredibly valuable when you’re balancing university work alongside the internship.

Therefore, I am very thankful to have found out about HCSS through my friend and to have applied—this has turned out to be the perfect fit for me, and I hope it will be for you as well!

What advice would you have for future interns that are thinking of applying?

Genuinely, be yourself. I think this is probably the most overstated but hardest advice to follow. Before starting my internship I think I was quite in my head about expectations and how to perform which are normal feelings when you are feeling excited and a bit anxious to start working in a new environment. However, if there is one thing I truly have valued at HCSS is the space you are able to create for yourself and be who you are both in how you express your work and how you express yourself.

HCSS is an amazing environment, and the best way to connect with such vibrant, passionate people is through authenticity. Speak up when you’re interested in a subject, when you have doubts, or when you need help from a fellow intern or analyst. Your voice is always valued. In addition, being yourself in your work is fundamental. It’s what allows you to think critically, explore creative solutions, and contribute meaningfully to original research. In addition, it’s a lot more fun to work with people when you feel at ease and accepted for who you are, so seriously, be yourself and have fun!

This interview was conducted by HCSS Communications & Events Officer, Stephanie Govaerts

In Memoriam: Joseph S. Nye Jr. (1937–2025) | Architect of Soft Power

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HCSS mourns the loss of Joseph S. Nye Jr., a towering figure in international relations theory, who passed away on May 6 at the age of 88.

Professor Nye leaves behind a profound legacy – both as a scholar and a public intellectual – who fundamentally reshaped how we think about power, diplomacy, and global leadership. Best known for introducing the concept of soft power, Nye offered a compelling alternative to traditional, hard-edged notions of influence.

As Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School, former Assistant Secretary of Defence, and a prolific author, Nye consistently bridged the worlds of theory and practice. His thinking has influenced generations of strategists, diplomats, and policymakers across the globe – including here with us in The Hague.

At The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS), Joe Nye was instrumental in launching the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace (GCSC) initiative in February 2017, as part of ongoing global efforts to enhance international security in cyberspace.

“It`s hard to overstate how much Joe meant to me, and how deeply I feel his loss,” says HCSS Senior Fellow Dr. Alexander Klimburg, who was previously the Director of the HCSS Cyber Policy and Resilience Program and the Director of the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace Initiative (GCSC) Secretariat.

Joe was the heart and soul of the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace. His support was instrumental—not just in shaping the initial proposal but also in helping recruit a remarkable group of Commissioners. It wasn’t just his personal advice on specific issues and personalities that helped; it was his ability to wade into the often messy sausage-making without ever compromising himself or his values.

We’ve collected some of his fellow Commissioners’ responses to his passing:

  • David KOH: “Joe was a mentor and colleague. I first met him when he was Dean and I was at Harvard for my MPA course. It was an honour to subsequently work alongside him in the international cyber ecosystem. He was a giant of a man; he will be missed.”
  • Motohiro Tsuchiya: “Joe Nye had huge impacts on me. I met him for the first time in 2001 at an academic conference in San Francisco. I gave him my paper and he read it in a flight returning to Boston and gave me a comment by email. I am still keeping his business card I got in 2001.”
  • Marietje Schaake: “I share the deep appreciation for Joe as a true gentleman in his work and life. It is indeed a big loss. I continued to see Joe and corresponded with him, and he always spoke about his wife Molly (who passed late last year, 63 years of marriage) and sons. Of all his achievements in life his family was what he looked back on with most pride and joy. Let us all make sure that with Joe’s passing the very idea of soft power does not die as well.”
  • Khoo Boon Hui: “I had the privilege of first meeting Professor Nye when I was a student at the John F. Kennedy School of Government over 40 years ago. Even then, his clarity of thought, intellectual generosity, and humility left an indelible mark on me. He had that rare ability to combine rigorous analysis with a genuine concern for the world and its people. His concept of “soft power” fundamentally changed how we understand influence and diplomacy, and it continues to shape international relations to this day. Professor Nye was, in every sense, a gentleman and a scholar. His legacy will live on through his contributions to the GCSC, his writings, his students, and people around the world who have been influenced by his ideas and example. Rest in peace, Professor Nye. The world is better because you were in it.”
  • Bill Woodcock: “It was a pleasure and an honour to serve on the GCSC, and a few other boards, with Joe.”
  • Sean Kanuck: “Let us pay tribute to a great scholar and wonderful human being! Joe Nye was truly worthy of admiration and emulation. From first meeting him as my college professor for Historical Studies A-12 in the early 1990s to collaborating with him on the Commission, Joe always brought wisdom, intellectual curiosity, kindness, and compassion. Despite his great success and celebrity, he always made time for teaching and his students. He was also both a true patriot and global citizen. I count him as a great mentor and inspiration to help pursue a better world for us all. With great respect and fondest memories …  Joe, may you find eternal peace.”
  • Wolfgang Kleinwächter: “It is such sad news. Joe combined in a unique way academic excellence with political wisdom. His “Soft Power” and “Power Shifts” theories from the early 1990s helped to develop the concept of the multistakeholder approach for the governance of the digital space at the eve of the 21st century. We will miss him.”
  • Alexander Klimburg: “A dear mentor and friend, Joe Nye inspired us not only with his vision of a world shaped not solely by brute force, but by the soft power of attraction and conviction. He also inspired us with his character. Without a doubt, he was one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and most sincere people I have ever met. Working with Joe in 2014 was one of the most formative periods of my life—and not only intellectually. Observing him engage with others, always with unfailing kindness and thoughtfulness, even amid the harsh realities of elite academia and the national security world, was a masterclass in moral leadership. Joe shared of himself freely and generously. I am profoundly grateful to his family for allowing him to do so. We owe them an immeasurable debt. Thank you for sharing Joe with us. We – and the world – are all the better for it.”

Professor Nye’s work helped shape our understanding of strategic influence in an interconnected world. His intellectual clarity and moral compass served as a guidepost for responsible global engagement, particularly as hybrid threats and shifting power balances challenged the liberal international order he so vigorously defended.

Beyond his academic and policy achievements, Nye will be remembered for his humility, mentorship, and steadfast belief in the power of ideas to create a more just and peaceful world.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. The international community has lost one of its wisest voices – but his legacy will continue to inform and inspire.

Strategisch Vragen | De Strateeg: Hoe belangrijk is klimaat voor militairen zelf?

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Klimaatverandering heeft veel invloed op de wereld. Maar waar het eerst een steeds belangrijker thema werd, ook voor defensie, is het door de terugkeer van president Trump in het Witte Huis weer een taboe geworden binnen de NAVO. In hoeverre zijn de gevolgen van klimaatverandering voor militairen echt belangrijk? En wordt er nu nog wel verduurzaamd door krijgsmachten?

Dat ga je horen in deze aflevering van De Strateeg, waarin Paul van Liempt vragen van luisteraars bespreekt met:

  • Tom Middendorp, voormalig commandant der strijdkrachten.
  • Laura Birkman, strategisch analist bij het Den Haag Centrum voor Strategische Studies.

Bron: BNR Nieuwsradio, De Strateeg, 28 mei 2025

Over deze podcast

De Strateeg is een podcast van BNR in samenwerking met het Den Haag Centrum voor Strategische Studies (HCSS). Abonneer je via bnr.nl/destrateeg om geen enkele aflevering te missen.

Host: Paul van Liempt

Redactie: Michaël Roele

Tim Sweijs: ‘Verschuiving van de machtsbalans is een grote uitdaging voor westerse krijgsmachten.’

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In de hedendaagse ooglogsvoering winnen de ‘Davids’ het steeds vaker van de ‘Goliaths’. Deze ‘democratisering van geweld’ kan een grote bedreiging gaan vormen voor westerse krijgsmachten, zegt HCSS-onderzoeksdirecteur Tim Sweijs in gesprek met Arend Jan Boekestijn en Rob De Wijk. ‘Die hele machtsbalans is flink verschoven, waardoor we niet meer ver weg kunnen opereren zonder dat het ons veld raakt.’

Kleinere ‘krijgsmachten’ hebben steeds meer toegang tot wapens en munitie, zegt Sweijs. ‘Honderd jaar geleden konden de Britten ongestraft het Midden-Oosten bombarderen. Inmiddels hebben de Houthi’s langeafstandsraketten en drones, waarmee ze het internationale scheepsverkeer kunnen ontregelen en Saoedi-Arabië en Israël kunnen raken. Die verschuiving van de machtsbalans is een grote uitdaging voor westerse krijgsmachten.’

Dat betreft volgens Martijn Kitzen, hoogleraar irreguliere oorlogvoering en speciale operaties aan de Nederlandse Defensie Academie, niet alleen raketten die milities kunnen afvuren of aanslagen die ze kunnen plegen, maar ook online beïnvloeding. ‘Op het hoogtepunt van IS werden in Nederland soms 150.000 propagandaberichten per dag gegenereerd via botnets. En dat soort zaken zullen we in de toekomst alleen maar meer zien. Veel middelen zijn vandaag de dag ook toegankelijk voor niet-statelijke groeperingen.

Die toegankelijkheid van allerlei wapentuig en munitie is des te problematischer omdat niet alleen Rusland, maar ook verschillende extremistische groeperingen in het Midden-Oosten goed gedijen bij onvrede in de samenleving over het lokale bestuur. Tien jaar geleden stond IS bij iedereen op het netvlies, maar inmiddels zit de terreurorganisatie steeds meer ‘onder de grond’, zegt Kitzen. ‘Het totale gebrek aan behoorlijk bestuur is één van de belangrijkste factoren die een nieuwe cel van IS in de Sahel populair maakt.’

Een groot probleem is dat het vaak ontbreekt aan een politieke oplossing, die je met diplomatie en ontwikkelingshulp kun verspreiden in conflictgebieden, zegt Kitzen. ‘Je moet wel voor ogen hebben wat die oplossing is. In Afghanistan hadden we daar geen duidelijk beeld van, en dat ontbreekt nu ook nog totaal in verschillende conflicten. Ik hoop dat we inmiddels wel wakker zijn geworden uit onze strategische winterslaap, en dat mensen zich bewust zijn van verschillende scenario’s.’

Sweijs vraagt zich hardop af hoe de NAVO zou reageren op een mogelijk speldenprikje van Poetin in een van de Baltische staten, bijvoorbeeld Estland. ‘Hij kan daarmee proberen de eenheid van het bondgenootschap te testen. En dan ben ik wel benieuwd wat we hier in het Westen doen: stoppen we snel met het helpen van Oekraïne, om het NAVO-bondgenootschap te beschermen? Als dát gebeurt, zijn we eigenlijk terug bij een situatie van 15 december 2021, toen Poetin een ultimatum presenteerde aan de NAVO en de Amerikanen.’

Bron: BNR Nieuwsradio, 25 mei 2025

Hoe die vólgende oorlog er dan uit zou kunnen zien? Samen met Martijn Kitzen, hoogleraar aan de Nederlandse Defensie Academie, schreef Sweijs er een boek over: ‘De oorlog van morgen‘ (Uitgeverij Balans) is nu verkrijgbaar in de betere boekhandel.

Bron: Podcast Boekestijn & De Wijk, BNR Nieuwsradio, 24 mei 2025

De Strateeg | Klimaat: van belangrijk thema tot taboe binnen de NAVO

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De NAVO-landen willen meer geld uitgeven aan defensie, vooral om achterstanden in te halen om de boel weer op peil te krijgen. Dat, plus de terugkeer van Donald Trump in het Witte Huis, zorgt ervoor dat er daarbij minder rekening wordt gehouden met klimaatbeleid.

Een logische stap of toch problematisch? Dat ga je horen in deze aflevering van De Strateeg van:

  • Tom Middendorp, voormalig commandant der strijdkrachten.
  • Laura Birkman, strategisch analist bij het Den Haag Centrum voor Strategische Studies.

Bron: BNR Nieuwsradio, De Strateeg, 25 mei 2025

Over deze podcast

De Strateeg is een podcast van BNR in samenwerking met het Den Haag Centrum voor Strategische Studies (HCSS). Abonneer je via bnr.nl/destrateeg om geen enkele aflevering te missen.

Host: Paul van Liempt

Redactie: Michaël Roele

Column Nieuwe Oogst: ‘Landbouw als middel om relatie met Trump te verbeteren’

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Vijf jaar geleden werd de Brexit een feit. Experts voorspelden toen dat het Verenigd Koninkrijk zich met hangende pootjes bij de Europese Unie zou melden. Dit heeft weinig met economie te maken, maar alles met geopolitiek. De reden is simpel: het eilandrijk ligt aan de verkeerde kant van Amerika.

Sinds 2010 is duidelijk dat Europa geen strategische prioriteit is voor Washington, maar China wel. De Britten konden lang denken dat ze een ‘special relationship’ met de Verenigde Staten hadden. Die stamt uit 1941, toen beide landen besloten zich in te spannen om een einde aan de Tweede Wereldoorlog te maken. En om een nieuwe wereldorde te scheppen op basis van liberale economische en politieke waarden.

Dit alles wordt nu door de Amerikaanse president Donald Trump afgebroken. Hij heeft geen boodschap aan de Britten, want het is ‘America first’. Dus heeft Londen geen andere keuze dan zich tot het continent te wenden. Zo niet, dan raakt het Verenigd Koninkrijk geopolitiek geïsoleerd. Precies daarom moet Londen nu deels terugkomen op de Brexit. Landbouwproducten staan daarbij centraal. De Britten wilden hun eigen standaarden, maar het bedrijfsleven en de veranderde geopolitieke situatie dwingen hen nu die van de Europese Unie te hanteren. In ruil zou Brussel toegang van Europese vissers tot de Britse visgronden eisen.

Landbouw speelt ook een belangrijke rol tussen Brussel en Washington. Handelscommissaris Maros Sefcovic heeft al aangegeven het handelstekort met de Verenigde Staten te willen oplossen door meer vloeibaar gemaakt aardgas en landbouwprojecten als soja te kopen. Daardoor zou Trump milder gestemd kunnen worden en zouden de heffingen mogelijk van tafel gaan. Tegelijkertijd haalt de Europese Commissie de banden aan met landen in Centraal Azië en India. En de hoop is dat lidstaten als Frankrijk en Nederland eindelijk haast maken met de ratificatie van bijvoorbeeld het handelsverdrag Mercosur.

Wat de Britten richting de Europese Unie doen, Sefcovic richting Amerika doet en de commissie richting andere landen, het zijn allemaal pogingen om de kwetsbaarheid voor de chantagepolitiek van Trump te verminderen. Trump zorg ervoor dat het speelveld in de wereld verandert. De impact is blijvend. Want welke president hem ook opvolgt, China blijft voor de Amerikanen prioriteit. De belangen van andere landen zijn ondergeschikt.

Samenwerking en solidariteit zijn daarom essentieel. Het is te hopen dat de meerderheid van de Tweede Kamer dit omwille van onze welvaart nu ook gaat snappen.

Rob de Wijk, Nieuwe Oogst, 14 mei 2025

BNR’s Boekestijn en De Wijk: De oorlog van morgen, met Tim Sweijs en Martijn Kitzen

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Hoe zou de vólgende oorlog eruit kunnen zien? En hoe bereiden we ons daarop voor? HCSS onderzoeksdirecteur Tim Sweijs en Martijn Kitzen, hoogleraar aan de Nederlandse Defensie Academie, schreven er een boek over en zijn te gast bij Arend Jan Boekestijn en Rob De Wijk.

Boekestijn & De Wijk olv Hugo Reitsma is nu te horen bij BNR Nieuwsradio en je favoriete podcast app. ‘De oorlog van morgen‘ (Uitgeverij Balans) is nu verkrijgbaar in de betere boekhandel.

Bron: Podcast Boekestijn & De Wijk, BNR Nieuwsradio, 24 mei 2025

Oscar Lodeizen on dashboards, AI, and all things data

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Hi Oscar, could you introduce yourself? Tell me where you are from, what your educational background is, if you had any prior work experience before your internship at HCSS?

My name is Oscar Lodeizen, and I’m one of the Datalab interns at HCSS. I grew up in Voorburg and now live in The Hague. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Technology, Policy and Management at TU Delft in the chosen ICT track and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Engineering and Policy Analysis. To complement this, I pursued a minor in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Leiden University. Before my internship at HCSS, I didn’t have formal full-time work experience, which made this opportunity particularly exciting as a first step into the professional world.

So, what initially attracted you to the HCSS internship programme, and why did you apply specifically for the Datalab?

I was looking for a way to develop myself professionally alongside my academic background and gain more practical experience with programming and development. During my studies, I had already worked on AI-related topics from both theoretical and policy perspectives, but I felt that the hands-on side was still missing. The Datalab internship seemed like a perfect opportunity to apply my technical skills in a setting where they could actually contribute to meaningful work. In addition to the internship itself, I was really drawn to HCSS’s strong reputation and the professional quality of its output, which made it feel like a great environment to grow and contribute meaningfully.

What specific projects have you been involved in during your internship? And how have these experiences helped you develop professionally?

Alongside supporting analysts with smaller tasks, I mainly worked on two larger projects, DOMINO and SARA.

DOMINO, which stands for the Dutch Observer for Materials Intelligence and Operations, is a tool designed to help track disruptions in global supply chains for critical raw materials. It collects hundreds of news articles from around the world every day and uses artificial intelligence to automatically filter, label and summarise the most relevant ones. These insights are shown on an interactive dashboard, making it easier for policymakers to quickly understand where risks might be emerging. My role involved developing the pipeline that collects, processes and organises this large flow of information.

The other project, called SARA, or the Synthetic Assistant for Report Analysis, is an internal tool that makes it easier to find and analyse content from the full archive of HCSS reports. It uses a smart method called Retrieval-Augmented Generation, combining hybrid vector and keyword-based search with a deeper AI-driven understanding of context to create answers presented in natural language. It is designed to grow with the expanding HCSS archive and is developed as an interactive chatbot. My role within SARA has been from collecting and structuring the data, to developing the internal workings of the chatbot, and finally designing the front end. I was given a lot of responsibility and my ideas and input were often taken on board from the very start, hence making this my absolute favourite project to work on.

Both projects allowed me to learn how complex information can be turned into something accessible and useful. They also gave me experience with teamwork, responsibility and presenting my ideas, which were all valuable parts of my professional growth.

What kinds of roles and responsibilities do you have as an intern at HCSS?

I think the role of a Datalab intern is quite different from the general research internships at HCSS. What I liked most was the freedom to work on projects that matched my interests and experience, particularly in the area of AI. Of course, that freedom came with responsibility. As a developer, you are often working independently on building tools or dashboards, and you need to find your own way to reach your goals. That can be challenging and even frustrating at times, but it is also what makes it so fulfilling when things come together.

Besides development work, I also contributed to other ongoing projects by helping with visualisations, datasets, and various data-related tasks. Although these assignments were a lot smaller, your contributions as an intern at HCSS are valued very highly, which brings a sense of responsibility as well.

How has this internship influenced your career goals or aspirations?

I have always known that I wanted to work with AI and data, so in that sense, nothing changed. However, the internship definitely strengthened and confirmed that path for me. It made me realise how important it is to have both affinity and enthusiasm for the field you are in. The tools I worked on showed me the real impact your ideas and work can have, and that has only increased my motivation to continue down this path. 

What advice would you have for future interns that are thinking of applying?

Go for it! My time at HCSS has been incredibly valuable, both for learning and for having fun. If the internship aligns with your interests and you are ready for the challenge, I would absolutely recommend applying. The application process can be intense, so preparation is key, but it is definitely worth the effort!

This interview was conducted by HCSS Communications & Events Officer, Stephanie Govaerts

Benedetta Girardi and Alisa Hoenig author chapter in book Decoding the Chessboard of Asian Geopolitics

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Strategic Analyst Benedetta Girardi and former Assistant Analyst Alisa Hoenig author a chapter in the newly published book Decoding the Chessboard of Asian Geopolitics: Asian Powerplay in East and Southeast Asia, The Global North, and Other Emerging Issues, published by Palgrave Macmillan (Eds. Debasish Nandy and Monojit Das).

The chapter, titled “Navigating Geopolitics: Europe’s Evolving Connections with South and Southeast Asia”, explores the dynamic and shifting relationships between Europe and key actors in Asia through a geopolitical lens. In an era marked by strategic competition and shifting alliances, understanding these evolving interregional connections is more important than ever.

You can find the book here: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-96-3073-8

First Online: 19 April 2025

About this book

This book is part of a two-volumes exploration comprising 18 chapters organized into four distinct thematic sections. This volume delves into the geopolitical dynamics and power relations in East and Southeast Asia and the Global North. It examines the interactions of regional and extra-regional powers from both military and soft power perspectives. It highlights China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region, Russia’s involvement in Myanmar’s political economy, and Taiwan’s situation. It also examines the dynamics of India-Taiwan relations and North Korea’s foreign policy. This book presents interconnected discussions on various themes, offering valuable insights for readers. It provides useful insights into the role of the Global North from multiple perspectives. This will benefit students, scholars, and academicians from diverse disciplines such as International Relations, Foreign Policy, Defence and Strategic Studies, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, and Journalism. The other volume provides an in-depth analysis of the intricate power struggles within this Asian region, with a particular focus on India, and delves into the power dynamics of Central Asia, and West Asia offering a comprehensive examination of the geopolitical and power-related issues that shape these regions.

Chapter: Navigating Geopolitics: Europe’s Evolving Connections with South and Southeast Asia

You can find the chapter here: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-96-3073-8_8

Abstract

In a landscape of ever-changing geopolitics and geoeconomics, Asia has stably positioned itself at the centre of global affairs, both in terms of economic relevance and up-and-coming military powers (Girardi et al. in Getting Them on Board: Partners and Avenues for European Engagement in Indo-Pacific Maritime Security, 2024). Geographically far removed from the centre of action, European states have been observing the developments of Asian powers and are now eager to play a role in the dynamics of this intriguing region. Despite the distance, Europe’s connections to Asia are stronger than ever. Europeans are top investors in the region and in 2022, over one-third of European imports came from the Asia. Together, the EU and the Indo-Pacific hold over 70% of the global trade in goods and services (Krentz, 2023). Additionally, European states have steadily increased their presence in the region through freedom of navigation operations, capacity building and infrastructure projects, and diplomatic missions (Girardi et al. in Getting Them on Board: Partners and Avenues for European Engagement in Indo-Pacific Maritime Security, 2024; Van Hooft et al. in Guarding the Maritime Commons | What role for Europe in the Indo-Pacific, 2022). This chapter proposes and in-depth exploration of Europe’s view on the region, giving particular attention to the position of South and Southeast Asian nations. Several European states, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and France, as well as the EU itself, have published Indo-Pacific strategies in which guidelines to European engagement are provided. However, there is little in-depth public policy that establishes a clear European perspective on active cooperation venues; and the little policy available has so far focused on countries such as Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Therefore, this chapter aims at taking a closer look not only at the European view on the region, but also at the role of South and Southeast Asian nations in it.

Emma Bokel joins HCSS as new Data Science Officer

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HCSS is pleased to announce that Emma Bokel has joined our team as a Data Science Officer!

In her previous role as Assistant Analyst, she contributed to the development of GINA (Geopolitical Interactive Network Analysis), worked on a critical raw materials dashboard, and provided data visuals for both the Strategic Monitor for the Police and the one for the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence. Starting as an intern at HCSS, Emma advanced to her current role as a Data Science Officer through her commitment and expertise.

Emma holds a BSc in Computer Science and Engineering with a specialisation in data science from TU Delft. During this time, she spent a semester taking graduate level computer science classes at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. She is on her way to get her MSc in Engineering and Policy Analysis from TU Delft, and did a second exchange semester in the US at Carnegie Mellon University’s school of Information Systems and Public Policy before coming back to work for HCSS.

On joining HCSS, she stated:

“I’m excited to return to HCSS in my new role as Data Science Officer. As someone deeply interested in both data science and public policy, especially in the field of geopolitics, the Data Lab at HCSS is a perfect fit. I’m particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to apply my policy knowledge to support code design, and, on the other hand, to use my data background to critically analyse information for policy purposes.”