Nation and Security – Security Policy Review

The New Predator of the South Pacific Waters: the SSN AUKUS

Ceylan-Szakács Mirjam — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia signed the trilateral cooperation agreement on the procurement of nuclear-powered submarines, known as AUKUS, in September 2021. Over the past three years, this initiative has significantly reshaped Australia’s security and defense policy thinking. As a result of a comprehensive strategic review, Australia is improving its defence capabilities and contributing to the discourse on rethinking the strategic dynamics of the Indo-Pacific and the growing role of the region. In this context, it is time to examine the two pillars of the AUKUS agreement, as well as the new factors of Australian strategic thinking through the lens of governmental narratives and critiques.

Historical Memory and National Identity

Faragó Bence — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war has fundamentally reshaped the European security landscape, especially for the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This study analyses the defence policies of the Baltic states, emphasising the role of historical memory and national identity. Collective memory, particularly the traumatic experiences of Soviet occupation, significantly influences the security policy decisions and deterrence strategies of these nations. The analysis examines deterrence by denial practices, the close cooperation with NATO, and their responses to hybrid warfare and cyber threats. The study highlights how the Baltic states’ historical experiences and geographic location shape their security policies in today’s geopolitical environment.

France’s African Positions in the Macron Era

Soós Eszter Petronella — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0200

France has spectacularly lost ground in Africa in recent years. Not only has it regressed in the field of hard power, i.e. primarily in the military field, but its attractiveness and soft power have also suffered, while at the same time other powers are trying to increase their influence on the continent, more than once to the detriment of Paris. The purpose of the study is to reveal–by calling on the concepts of hard and soft power–what are the lost and remaining French positions, and what room for maneuver remains for Paris in Africa. The study’s ambition is also to show how French elites think about France’s role on the continent. For this purpose, the study calls on not only literary sources, but also comprehensive materials of political actors and the works of professional journalists. The examined time span is basically the Macron era between 2017–2024.

The Security Politics of the Western Balkans

Egeresi Zoltán, Csáki Lilla — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The study aims to provide a general overview of the security situation in the Western Balkans. After describing the general characteristics of the region, it also addresses the security challenges and the answers to them. It argues that although the possibility of a war in the region has decreased compared to the 1990s or 2000s, there are still many tensions in the Western Balkans, and it has become an area of competition of major powers.

The History of the Hungarian Military Presence in Africa

Remek Éva — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0200

According to some analysts, Africa is important to Europe for three reasons: historical ties, trade interests, and humanitarian activity. This is still the case, although these three factors can now be expanded with further significant factors, research and analytical viewpoints. Our globalized world’s new challenges, risks, and threats do not spare Africa. The changed Africa itself is a new challenge for the changed world, specifically for Europe, including Hungary, as the topic of my writing suggests. This study–without claiming completeness–primarily examines the history of mission participation in Africa from the post-World War II period to the present. Hungary, as part of its commitment to international organizations, has assumed/assumed responsibilities aimed at promoting global peace and security, while also expressing its interests. This involvement often includes military missions, particularly in regions such as Africa, where Hungary has historical ties. These tasks are carried out to maintain stability and foster positive international relations.

Indonézia a BRICS+ tagja – zavarjon ez minket?

Béla Dr. Háda — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0200