European Leadership Network (ELN)

Scientific advances have renewed a discussion around the possibility of potentially devastating biological attacks. Eva Siegmann writes that nuclear deterrence is inadequate to deter biological threats. Instead, the threat of biological weapons should be addressed via international efforts rooted in transparency and cooperation. Leveraging the mechanisms of the Biological Weapons Convention and implementing deterrence-by-denial strategies can effectively mitigate risks. https://lnkd.in/ec62MBnC

The Western Balkan region stands at a critical juncture as several states grapple with the threat of autocracy that imperils their democratic institutions and legal frameworks. In a new report out today from the ELN's Balkans Parliamentary Project, Leon Hartwell PhD provides an in-depth analysis of parliamentary oversight in seven Western Balkan states – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia – and offers actionable recommendations for Wester Balkan states, the EU, and NATO to address these challenges, from strengthening governance to countering autocratic threats. Read the report in full here: https://lnkd.in/eJDbrGrq

Last week, President Putin approved changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, formally lowering the threshold for Russia’s use of its nuclear weapons. ELN Senior Policy Fellow Dr Rishi Paul writes that these changes have been prompted by Putin’s use of nuclear weapons as tools of coercion, aiming to manipulate shared nuclear risks for intimidation and political leverage and to induce Western caution. However, Putin’s nuclear threats have not fundamentally reshaped Western policies and may underscore the limitations of nuclear coercion as a tool for shaping adversaries’ behaviour. Read the full commentary below ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eRtB44i4

In our latest Iran briefing, we assess Iranian reactions to the US election – from official reactions to responses from media outlets, observers, and analysts in Iran. Read it in full here: https://lnkd.in/ezVhxhdE

The 2024 US elections were anything but ordinary: a last-minute candidacy by Kamala Harris, an attempted assassination of Donald Trump, and a staggering $15 billion in campaign spending. The result? A decisive win for Trump and the Republican Party—but how did it all unfold? In this episode of the Women Leaders Podcast, Host and ELN Senior Associate Fellow Ilana Bet-El speaks with Elena Schneider, National Political Reporter at POLITICO US, to break down the key moments, the evolving media landscape, and the deep-seated perceptions of power that shaped voter behaviour. 🎧 Don’t miss this discussion on one of the most unpredictable elections in US history. #USElections #Politics #Podcast #Leadership https://lnkd.in/e8Aid3vq

We asked eight members of the ELN's network what Donald Trump's re-election could mean for European security. Read reflections from Valeriia Gergiieva, PhD, Bernard Norlain, Marc Finaud, Oliver Meier, Sahil V. Shah, Irina Busygina, Evie Aspinall, and Shane W.... https://lnkd.in/egi6Bw9m

In the wake of suspected interference in Georgia’s parliamentary elections, it was my honor to join European Leadership Network (ELN) Senior Associate Fellow Ilana Bet-El and Salome Samadashvili, opposition Member of Parliament in Georgia, for a hard-hitting discussion on #Saqartvelo, the South Caucasus region more broadly, autocracy and democracy. #elections #interview #podcast Eurasia Group Full interview here: https://lnkd.in/ev6chaUB

In the wake of suspected interference in Georgia's recent parliamentary elections, ELN Senior Associate Fellow Ilana Bet-El is joined by Salome Samadashvili, opposition Member of Parliament in Georgia, and Tinatin Japaridze, member of the Younger Generation Leaders Network on Euro-Atlantic Security (YGLN) and Eurasia Analyst at the Eurasia Group, for a hard-hitting discussion on Georgia, the region, autocracy and democracy. Listen using the link below ⤵ https://lnkd.in/gAcd4hcQ

It has been a great opportunity to write a piece for ELN about naval nuclear propulsion and non-proliferation! This commentary is based on research that I conducted at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP), and much of the credit goes to my colleagues Noah Mayhew and Laura Rockwood who helped me navigate this complex topic.

Thanks to you, Alexander Hoppenbrouwers for sharing this article on one of the key topics being discussed in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) these days.