Author: Burak Baran
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Rethinking the EU’s Expansion Dilemmas
Main question: How can the EU pursue geopolitically necessary enlargement without weakening its internal cohesion and governance capacity? Argument: The EU must implement a phased “European Political Sphere” framework alongside extending Qualified Majority Voting to prevent single-state vetoes. Conclusion: Aligning institutional deepening with widening transforms enlargement into a controlled, reversible process.
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Interview with BGen Lobel: Rethinking Warfare
War has shifted to inside of Europe, taking place within civilian populations, infrastructure, and networks threatening the whole continent. Military success depends on civilian systems like energy, transport, and private sector logistics NATO integrates civilian and military planning to anticipate risks and ensure operational readiness
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Was WEF26 Truly Equipped to Address Peace?
Was WEF26 equipped to address peace given the complex geopolitical structures and tension around Greenland? WEF26 was effective in terms of dialogue and de-escalation, but structurally not capable of enforcing and ensuring peace Davos can be a tool to talk about peace, but it can’t guarantee it.
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Use of Aid After the 2023 Turkey–Syria Quake
– Was international aid provided after the Turkish–Syrian earthquake used appropriately? – Despite substantial funding, centralised administration in Turkey and authoritarian control in Syria led to political interference, weak oversight, and selective allocation, limiting effective distribution of aid. – Strengthened monitoring, local participation, and conditional donor coordination are crucial to preventing politicisation of aid and…
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China’s Security Footprint in the Middle East
1. Is China changing the balance of power in the Middle East to a multipolar order? 2. China isn’t just about trade anymore — it’s stepping into security. From brokering deals to selling arms and joining military drills, China is quietly building real influence. 3. The Middle East is no longer just America’s backyard. With…
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2025 Annual Civil-Military Cooperation Foresight Conference Report
– How can CIMIC adapt to modern unconventional methods like humanitarian crises, political instability and evolving security threats. – CIMIC should evolve by taking in account both civilian and military opinions and integrating new doctrines. – Adaptation is urgent. CIMIC must act as a bridge between military logistics and humanitarian needs to navigate unconventional political…