Regional Program Research
Why the French Far-Right Embraces Secularism (Laïcité)
One of the many things far-right parties across the West have in common is espousing xenophobic rhetoric. However, each far-right party differs based on the local context, such as the differences in religion between France’s and America’s far-right. The American far-right seeks to promote Christianity to protect American culture from immigrants, whereas the French far-right seeks to uphold secularism to preserve French culture.
Ukraine’s Gas Pipelines: an Opportunity to Reflect on Europe’s Energy Politics
The expiration of the Russia-Ukraine gas transit deal—which will cut Russian gas flow to Europe by 30%, from an already reduced 35% of 2021 levels—underscores Europe's structural and political challenges in fully eliminating reliance on Russian energy.
Brexit and EU Climate Policy, From Crisis to Opportunity
Brexit catalyzed the EU's climate policy evolution, fostering stronger internal cohesion and ambitious initiatives like the European Green Deal. Despite challenges like fragmented carbon markets, Brexit ultimately strengthened the EU's global climate leadership and innovation.
The Frozen Fight for The Pindus: The Effect of Physical and Cultural Geography on the Italian Invasion of Greece 1940-1941
Greece’s victory over Italy in the Greco-Italian War (1940-1941) was driven by strategic use of geography, harsh weather, and national unity. Greek forces leveraged rugged terrain, adaptable tactics, and morale to counter Italy’s technological and numerical advantages, demonstrating the critical role of spatiality and logistical disruption in military success.
Countering Putinism: Implications for NATO’s Strategy in Addressing Russia’s Anti-Western Rhetoric
Putinism’s flexible, anti-Western system sustains Russian authoritarianism through contradictory narratives—religious conservatism and Eurasianism—while NATO’s failure to counter these narratives has emboldened Russian aggression. NATO must reject appeasement, delegitimize Putinism, and prioritize Ukraine’s defense to preserve Western security.
Reviving an Old Vision, Toward a European Defense Force for EU Autonomy
A European Defense Force is needed to enhance EU autonomy amid geopolitical threats like Russian aggression and terrorism. Coordination challenges, reliance on non-EU suppliers, and diverging national priorities abound. Frameworks like PESCO and EDF can strengthen EU defense, complement NATO, and achieve strategic independence and global influence.
French Imperialism weakened in New Caledonia
Long marked by political and economic tensions, New Caledonia has been the scene of violent conflict since May 2024. A conflict that may well open the archipelago to self-determination, while significantly threatening French sovereignty over this territory.
Deployment of North Korean troops in Ukraine: what does it tell us about the new developments of the war?
In October 2024, North Korea sent troops to be trained in Russia with some already deployed in the new theaters of operations in Ukraine. The arrival of North Korean troops in Europe illustrates the continual internationalization of the conflict as well as its new dynamics, announcing a potential large Russian offensive, but also raises questions on what incentivizes Pyongyang to take action in Ukraine.
Shifting Sands: Land Legislation and Imperial Strategy in the Macedonian Dynasty
Shifting Sands: Land Legislation and Imperial Strategy in the Macedonian Dynasty examines how Byzantine emperors like Romanos I and Basil II used land laws as tools for social reform, military stability, and control over elite power, reflecting evolving governance priorities.
Left-Wing Populism in Germany and The Struggle For A Consensus on Russia
A challenge to cohesion for a geopolitical vision across Europe and the west is populism. Left-wing populism is unfamiliar in its origins and topicality for those who seek to understand this issue. In Germany, leftist populism has found sureness and lucidity against the liberal world order to the benefit of Russia.
Ten Years Since the Referendum: When Will Scotland Get Another Chance at Independence?
Ten years since the referendum, Scotland still awaits a second chance at independence. The 2016 Brexit decision and subsquent attacks on devolution have increased support for a split from England, but a Labour victory in the recent UK election has signaled that the SNP and independence might have lost some backing - for now.
Cultural Diplomacy and its Impacts for Arms Negotiations Between Russia and the United States
Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine have had a detrimental impact on the respect of arms control treaties between Russia and the United States. There is a need for the U.S. to formulate a plan to reinstate these agreements in the aftermath of the Ruso-Ukrainian war and eventual leadership change in Russia. To do so, the United States must evaluate Cold-War era efforts to foster communication.
Does France Have an Effective Global South Policy?
As the Global South receives greater attention for its rising geopolitical stature, many countries are seeking to gain ground toward that bloc. One of these countries is France; however, its appeal in the Global South varies depending on the region. As a result, some view France as a partner against American hegemony, while others see it as a neo-colonial and imperialistic power. Ever since the Russians invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the word “Global South” seems to have made a resurgence within public discourse, with France being one of them. Aside from these rhetorical statements, does France have an effective policy that appeals to the Global South? The answer is it’s complicated, depending on the issue.
Navigating the European Union’s Relationship With Erdoğan’s Turkey
A strained relationship between the European Union and Turkey arrives as a result of political and ideological disagreements between the EU’s governing body and Turkey’s President Erdoğan. Uncertainty between the two must be circumvented to secure peace and prosperity in both Europe and the Middle East.
Geographic and Climatic Influences on the Battle of Waterloo
Thought tactical and situational causes contribute to an explanation of why Marshal Wellington prevailed at Waterloo, geographic and climatic causes must not be overlooked.
Europe’s Incomplete Decoupling from Russian Gas: Sanctions, Shadow Fleets, and Third-Party Deals
Despite sanctions and efforts to diversify energy sources, Europe has not fully decoupled from Russian gas. Indirect purchases through third-party countries, long-term contracts, and Russia's shadow fleet enable Russian energy to continue flowing into Europe via complex, covert channels.
France’s Abaya Ban in Public Schools: The Argument for Cosmopolitan Conduct as an Alternative Outlook on French Civic Solidarity to Laicite
Instead of reinforcing civic solidarity, the ban on wearing abayas in French public schools based on the principle of lacite undermines civic solidarity as it ends up isolating French Muslims from French society. Instead of cultivating civic solidarity, laicite has created alienation, which has resulted in mass polarization in French culture towards violent unrest. By aspiring to embody cosmopolitan conduct in French social policy, France can develop a genuine foundation for civic solidarity.
Assessing Denmark’s Electricity Market
Denmark's electricity market is dominated by renewable energy, especially wind power, and a commitment to climate goals. Despite its progress, wind energy's variability challenges grid reliability. To address this, Denmark should expand wind capacity, modernize its grid, invest in energy storage, and collaborate regionally to balance supply and demand, ensuring a sustainable and stable energy future.
The Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on Russia-North Korea Relations
The Russia-Ukraine War has strengthened Russia-North Korea ties, leading to military and economic cooperation, mutual sanctions evasion, and heightened concerns about regional security and destabilization of international peace efforts
From the Fringe to the Forefront
A far-right wave washing over Europe: Fears of immigration, economic instability, and the erosion of national identity.