In early 2024, Russia introduced a new class of drones in Ukraine that are still proving difficult to counter: fiber-optic-controlled first-person-view drones. Unlike traditional drones that rely on radio signals and can be jammed, these drones are tethered to operators via fiber-optic cables, making them immune to electronic warfare and capable of delivering precise strikes
Countering Russia’s Unjammable Drones Read More »
An analysis by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) reveals that Russia has dramatically outpaced Europe in the race to produce arms during the war in Ukraine, raising alarm about NATO’s readiness. The report, “Winning the Industrial War: Comparing Russia, Europe and Ukraine, 2022–24,” finds that Moscow’s defence industry surged ahead with a clear plan,
War of Factories: Russia Ramps Up Weapons Production, Europe Falls Behind, RUSI Finds Read More »
The United States has dominated the global arms trade for decades. In the past five years, its exports have surged, reinforcing its position at the top. But the ground is shifting. What are the trends, who are the key players, and where does this leave the industry? Tariff disputes and uneasy allies – including Portugal
U.S. Tops Arms Trade – While Allies Plot a Plan B Read More »
Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo declared that the nation intends to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, the international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines. Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have recently announced similar intentions, citing escalating security threats from Russia. “Withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention will allow us to prepare for changes in the security environment in
Defence Over Diplomacy: Finland Reassesses Landmine Ban Read More »
In mid-March 2025, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled a bold initiative: the formation of a new “Coalition of the Willing.” This coalition aims to unify European nations and global allies in a concerted effort to support Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, dismissed Starmer’s plan as “a
Keir Starmer’s Call to Action: The Formation of a New ‘Coalition of the Willing’ Read More »
The support provided by US President Donald Trump’s administration to the same far-right forces that Moscow’s genocidal regime has overtly and covertly backed for years has caused growing alarm across Europe. In the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, right-wing populist parties — like elsewhere in Europe — have steadily increased their support in
What really drove the Kremlin during the Cold War—wild-eyed dreams of global communism, or cold-blooded fear for its own survival? The answer matters because the same instincts may still shape Moscow’s next moves. According to Melvyn P. Leffler, the binary view of ideology versus security is overly simplistic. Understanding the Kremlin’s motivations is crucial to
The Kremlin’s Gambit: Understanding Soviet Motivations in the Cold War Read More »
Enemy Images, by Kristian Steiner and Andreas Önnerfors Routledge (2025), delves into the concept of “enemy images” in this timely and critical work. Both Steiner and Önnerfors are respected scholars in political psychology and social conflict studies. The book explores how societies construct adversarial perceptions of groups, individuals, or nations, analyzing their origins, their sociopolitical
Bunker Books: Enemy Images – Emergence, Consequences, and Counteraction Read More »
Germany has taken a firm stance on backing Ukraine. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defences. He also laid out plans to boost European technological cooperation, particularly in space, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. The Christian Democrats, expected to win the election, back strong support
Germany’s Augmented Support for Ukraine Read More »
John J. Mearsheimer and Sebastian Rosato’s How States Think: The Rationality of Foreign Policy (2023) presents a rigorous defense of realism in international relations, arguing that states, regardless of their internal politics or ideological preferences, behave rationally to maximize their security and power. How States Think: The Rationality of Foreign Policy seeks to counter the
Bunker Books: How States Think by John J. Mearsheimer and Sebastian Rosato (2023) Read More »
