Foreign policy & defence

Error message

Notice: Trying to get property 'vocabulary_machine_name' of non-object in _cer_topics_taxonomy_term_page_view() (line 104 of /var/www/vhosts/cer_live/site/sites/all/modules/custom/cer_topics/cer_topics.module).
And the winner is… Vladimir Putin (for now)

And the winner is… Vladimir Putin (for now)

21 March 2024
Putin’s ‘election victory’ does not mean that he will remain in power forever. Western leaders should plan for continued confrontation, but (unlike Putin) they should not fear change in Russia. 
The EU's defence ambitions are for the long term

The EU's defence ambitions are for the long term

13 March 2024
The Commission’s new proposals to strengthen Europe’s defence industry will be hamstrung by limited funding and member-states' doubts. But in the long term, the EU’s role in defence will probably grow.
Two years (and ten years) of war in Europe: Hard times for Ukraine

Two years (and ten years) of war in Europe: Hard times for Ukraine

07 March 2024
After a difficult year for Ukraine, Putin may be encouraged to think he can win the war. But this is a fight neither Ukraine nor Europe can afford to lose.
How should Europe handle China?: Annual report 2023

How should Europe handle China?: Annual report 2023

09 February 2024
The CER's annual report starts with an essay on how should Europe handle China. The report then highlights some of the CER's most important publications and events from 2023.
Europe should look to the West Bank

Europe should look to the West Bank

06 February 2024
The misery of the Gaza war threatens to spill over into a broader conflict. If they want to avoid escalation and advance peace, Europeans need a serious plan for the West Bank.
Europe and the US election: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

Europe and the US election: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

22 January 2024
There is a good chance that Donald Trump will return to the US presidency in 2025. That would endanger European interests, but Europe is not investing in mitigating the risks. 
Can European defence take off?

Can European defence take off?

19 January 2024
The EU’s defence industrial policies will help determine whether Europeans can increase their ability to provide support to Ukraine, persuading Russia that its war is unwinnable.
A sea of troubles: Addressing the EU's incoherence on the Indo-Pacific

A sea of troubles: Addressing the EU's incoherence on the Indo-Pacific

08 January 2024
A security crisis in the Indo-Pacific would severely affect European interests.
Ukraine fatigue: Bad for Kyiv, bad for the West

Ukraine fatigue: Bad for Kyiv, bad for the West

21 November 2023
Some Western leaders are expressing ‘Ukraine fatigue’ – a luxury Ukrainians do not have. But the cost to Europe of Ukraine failing would be higher than that of helping it to win.
Europe and the Gaza conflict

Europe and the Gaza conflict

20 October 2023
Europe is divided on the Israel-Hamas conflict and has few good options to deal with it. But Europeans won’t be able to escape the conflict’s consequences. 

Europe and a new Middle East

05 October 2023
A new Middle East may be emerging as tensions thaw and US influence wanes. Europe needs different policies to deal with a changing region.  
NATO after Vilnius

NATO after Vilnius

03 July 2023
If NATO allies want to support Kyiv effectively and reinforce deterrence, they need to build up their industrial capacity and strengthen NATO’s European pillar.
Why Russia must pay for the damage it has done to Ukraine – and how to ensure it does

Why Russia must pay for the damage it has done to Ukraine – and how to ensure it does

Ian Bond, Timothy Ash
19 June 2023
Western taxpayers should not pay all the cost of reconstructing Ukraine, when there are Russian assets that could be used. 

EU-UK co-operation in defence capabilities after the war in Ukraine

09 June 2023
Despite warming EU-UK relations, defence co-operation remains thin and the EU’s deepening involvement in defence industrial policy means there is a growing gap in developing military capabilities.
Ukraine's progress towards NATO membership: Going from Bucharest to Vilnius without moving?

Ukraine's progress towards NATO membership: Going from Bucharest to Vilnius without moving?

08 June 2023
At its upcoming Vilnius summit, NATO is likely to offer Ukraine a closer relationship than before, but less than full membership.
Erdoğan's victory and the West

Erdoğan's victory and the West

31 May 2023
Erdoğan’s re-election as Turkish president means that Ankara’s relations with its Western allies will remain turbulent. The West should expect a bumpy ride. 

Protecting Europe's critical infrastructure from Russian hybrid threats

Helmi Pillai
25 April 2023
European policy-makers are concerned about the threat posed by Russia's hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure.
Note to the West: Help Georgia and Moldova as well as Ukraine

Note to the West: Help Georgia and Moldova as well as Ukraine

21 April 2023
Russian influence in Georgia and Moldova is a threat to Western interests. While Putin is tied up in Ukraine, the West should weaken his position in the other two states.

The best national security that (no) money can buy?

03 April 2023
The UK’s ‘Integrated Review refresh’ is more sober than its 2021 precursor. But the gap between the challenges the UK faces and the resources available to meet them has grown.

Pages