Perspectives on Euro-Atlantic Security
Within this theme, developments within the Euro-Atlantic security environment and architecture that are relevant to Swiss foreign, security, and defense policy are in focus. A particular emphasis is given to security organizations such as the OSCE, the UN, and NATO, security and military cooperation within the EU, and arms control. Russian and European security, as well as challenges from Europe’s southern neighborhood, are also featured.
News
Report | CSS Studies
DownloadUS-China Interdependence: Implications for Switzerland (PDF, 1.6 MB)
At a time of intense rivalry between the United States and China, the high level of interdependence between the two countries creates a range of economic and strategic challenges for both. The challenges arising from US-China interdependence also have profound implications for Europe, including Switzerland. This study therefore aims to shed light on the overall implications of US-China interdependence, especially for Switzerland. It proceeds from the macro level, focusing on the overall economic and strategic implications of US-China interdependence and rivalry, to the micro level, analyzing the effects of interdependence in high-tech sectors, including semiconductors and rare earth elements.
Journal Article | per Concordiam
external pageAn Aggressive Missile Buildup Signals a Significant Policy Shift
China’s growing nuclear capacity is a subject of concern for the United States and its allies and partners around the world. Although China’s government denies it, evidence of a large-scale nuclear buildup is accumulating. Thereby, China’s declaratory policies appear to reflect a lack of transparency regarding its actual intentions. In fact, China’s nuclear buildup raises crucial questions about its ultimate purpose. Hence, CSS' Brian G. Carlson addresses China's growing nuclear capacity in this article published in per Concordiam.
Recent Publications
Schepers, Névine (2023), 'Alliances and Extended Nuclear Deterrence in Europe and Asia', in: Strategic Trends 2023: Key Developments in Global Affairs, Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zürich, pp. 63-82.
Merz, Fabien (2023), 'No. 322: The United Nations and Counterterrorism, CSS Analysen zur Sicherheitspolitik', CSS Analyses in Security Policy, Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zürich.
Other Activities
Media Article | Nukleare Abschreckung muss neu gedacht werden
Today, nuclear arms control is dead as a doornail. Yet it is at least as important as the fight against climate change. In this guest commentary, CSS Head of Think Tank Oliver Thränert discusses current nuclear arms control and how it needs to be rethought in light of China's ever-increasing influence, on the one hand, and ever-increasing technological complexity, on the other.
external pageRead more (in German)
Media Interview | The atomic bomb as a guarantor of peace - what has become of it?
The destructiveness of the atomic bomb will lead to refrain from its usage and become a guarantor of peace. That was the thesis of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer - but what has become of it? In this audio report from SRF 4 News, CSS' head of think tank Oliver Thränert provides his expertise. In the interview, he answers questions about the current situation with regard to the potential use of nuclear weapons by nuclear powers and its potential use in the Ukraine war. He also explains what has contributed to the fact that no nuclear bomb has been detonated since 1945 and gives assessments on future nuclear arms agreements.
external pageListen to the interview starting at minute 13:10 (in German)
Media Article | Telecom Troubles: Adapting Networks to Defend Europe
Russia's aggression in Ukraine serves as an example of the significance and vulnerability of modern telecommunications in warfare. Despite Russian attacks on its networks, Ukraine managed to stay connected due to its reliance on Western vendors. However, securing civilian telecom networks for military usage remains a challenge for transatlantic cohesion. In his article published by the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), CSS' Henrik Larsen highlights the importance of adapting telecom networks for defense purposes in Europe, particularly during security crises. The article emphasizes the need to remove Chinese suppliers from European armies and intelligence services' interaction with civilian 5G-telecom systems to ensure safe and secure communications.