Commentary 14 January 2025

NATO’s Baltic Sea Summit: Taking a Stand Against Critical Infrastructure Sabotage

Europe’s enemies are waging a shadow war of sabotage against critical data and energy infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. NATO allies should invest in attribution, deterrence and resilience.

Event Series: Ideas of Energy

In a series of informal talks, we want to explore the ideas we hold about energy and its role in current domestic and foreign policy: What is at stake? Who wins and who loses? Where can history serve as a point of reference — and where do we find ourselves in uncharted territory?


The next episodes, on Energy and War and Peace” (with Helen Thompson), will take place on January 162025.

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Article

Gegen den Strich: Zukunftsforschung und Sicherheitspolitik

Kassandra hat es, so der Mythos, mit präzisen Prognosen versucht und wurde ebenso ignoriert wie Deutschlands osteuropäische Nachbarn vor Russlands Vollinvasion der Ukraine. Was kann die Zukunftsforschung zu einer besseren Sicherheitspolitik beitragen?

Case study

“As Large of a Lead as Possible”?

With Donald Trump’s inauguration around the corner, we took stock of the Biden administration’s track record on Critical and Emerging Technologies. How effective were the US measures to promote and protect American tech, specifically vis-à-vis China? And did they further US national interests? 

Project

Evaluating the International Response to the Humanitarian Crisis in Somalia

Over the past decade, Somalia has faced continuous droughts, with the incredibly severe 2021 – 2023 droughts compounding the effects of previous crises. In this project, we analyze the international response launched in response to this ever-worsening humanitarian crisis.

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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Podcast

Wie die NATO die Ostsee schützen will

Thorsten Benner spricht im ZEIT ONLINE-Podcast Was Jetzt? über die Herausforderungen für die NATO im Vorfeld des NATO-Ostsee-Gipfels 2025.

Commentary

Europe's Moment to Get on the Front Foot on De-Risking from China

With Donald Trump set to return to office, Europe faces critical decisions on trade and security. Jakob Hensing, Thorsten Benner and Florian Klumpp argue European leaders must swiftly negotiate with Trump to protect their interests and address the growing challenge of China.

Article

The Underwater Battlefield: Protecting Submarine Critical Infrastructure

Submarine critical infrastructure is vital for Europe’s data and energy needs and is vulnerable to attacks. European policymakers are faced with the triple challenge of attribution, deterrence, and resilience.

Commentary

Europe Is Ready to Team Up on China—if Trump Is

A US-EU trade war could derail a combined effort to face down China. Here’s why Donald Trump should choose a different path.

Interview

"I Recommend a Defiant Composure": On Elon Musk’s Endorsement of the AfD

It is worrying that Elon Musk supports right-wing politicians, says Thorsten Benner. But Europeans are not winning over voters with outrage and petitions.

Commentary

If You Choose One New Year’s Resolution, Make It This One

Wars, conflicts, worries: 2025 begins with immense challenges. Julia Steets gives three reasons why we should not give up on humanity despite everything.