Policy brief 16 April 2025

Presence without Power

Discussions around a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine have recently gained traction. How can we ensure that such a ceasefire will be respected and enforced? In this policy brief, Julia Friedrich and Lukasz Mackiewicz draw lessons from the first monitoring mission to Ukraine (20142022).

#DFS2025: Economic Security and Critical Tech in Trump 2.0

From imposing tariffs to dealing with the power of technology giants, President Trump’s economic and tech policy agenda is deeply at odds with European priorities. Is there still any room for transatlantic cooperation within these fields? Join us in an online conversation with leading experts as part of the German Forum on Security Policy (DFS) on Wednesday, May 72025

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Evaluation report

IAHE: Lessons from the Scaled-Up Humanitarian Response in Somalia

In this evaluation, GPPi analyzed the scaled-up humanitarian response in Somalia (launched to mitigate the effects of a severe drought in 2021 – 2023) and distilled lessons for future scale-ups.

Policy brief

Outcome Neutral?

How and why have third-party actors engaged in mediation efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war? And, despite the limitations of these efforts, can they make a difference in the future?

Commentary

Europe in the Turtle Trap: Defense Spending Alone Will Not Protect Us

Broadening the EU’s debt break to include external security” alongside defense spending could go a long way in ensuring that these reforms actually improve Europe’s long-term security.

Neurotechnology: Considerations for Foreign and Security Policy

This project analyzes the rapidly developing field of neurotechnology from the perspectives of foreign and security policy. How might Germany take on a strategic position in the global neurotechnology ecosystem?

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Commentary

Für Deutschland und Europa ist Indien der Partner der Stunde

Die EU braucht dringend Partner, die zuverlässiger sind als die USA oder China. Gerade das wachstumsstarke Indien bietet hier große Chancen, meint Thorsten Benner.

Journal article

Germany Needs to Rethink Competitiveness for a Hostile World

Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to strengthen German industry, but his thinking is stuck in the past. The key question is how to make Germany and the EU thrive in the age of systemic competition.

Podcast

Thorsten Benner zu Gast bei "Politikum"

Für Thorsten Benner ist klar: Deutschland muss sich auf den schlimmsten Fall vorbereiten – und eine Beteiligung an europäischen Atomwaffen anstreben.

Podcast

Sicherheit neu gedacht: Frauen, LGBTQ+ und marginalisierte Gruppen im Krieg

Live aus dem Cafe Kyiv in Berlin: Julia Friedrich und Niklas Balbon diskutieren über feministische Außenpolitik im Krieg in der Ukraine.

Article

The Self-Destruction of the Liberal West

The US, long-time protector of Europe, has become hostile toward the EU – hollowing out the liberal claim of the West as a community of shared values and collective security. Where does that leave the EU and Germany?

Article

Die Selbstzerstörung des liberalen Westens

Wir treten wohl in eine Zeit ein, in der wieder das Recht des Stärkeren gilt. Thorsten Benner über die Frage, was das für Deutschland und Europa bedeutet.