Seven Focus Themes for 2020
In the coming years, the CSS will focus its activities on seven core themes. These include Cyber Security Politics, Artificial Intelligence, the “Belt and Road Initiative”, Euro-Atlantic Security, Mediation and Peace Promotion, Military Doctrine and Arms Procurement, and Socio-technical Resilience and Disaster Preparedness.
In the coming years, both the activities and communication of the CSS will focus on seven core themes. Each theme has its own page on the CSS website, which collects together the most recent and relevant publications, events, consulting activities, training and education formats as well as media contributions from the CSS. In addition, the seven themes will also be visible on the CSS’ social media channels, newsletters and direct mailings. This gives our partners, target groups and the interested public better access to the CSS’ diverse activities and content. In addition, it highlights thematic synergies between basic and applied research.
Cyber Security Politics
In the last decade, cyber incidents have become more expensive, more disruptive, and in many cases more political. Within this theme, we focus on two closely interlinked issues: First, the use and misuse of digital technologies by human actors in economic, social, and political contexts. Second, the enduring and conflictual negotiation processes between the state and its bureaucracies, society, and the private sector, geared towards defining roles, responsibilities, and acceptable rules of behavior.
Artificial Intelligence and Security Politics
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key driver of changes in the economy, society, and the state. As a result, it also has become a crucial issue in national and international political debates. In this theme, we focus on the effects of AI on defense and foreign policy as well as on internal security and democracy. In particular, we look at the anticipated changes in war and conflict caused by AI-based applications, the competition over AI-technology and resulting shifts in power, the regulation and governance of AI, and changes in the activities of intelligence services.
“Belt and Road Initiative”: Trade and Security in Eurasia
The geostrategic importance of Eurasia, the landmass comprising the continents of Asia and Europe, is increasing as a consequence of the ongoing global power shift. Within this theme, we analyze how a rising China has increased its economic and political influence through policies such as the Belt and Road Initiative. Our research also includes major power competition as a central factor shaping the new landscape in Eurasia, especially the China-Russia-United States relationship. All of this has implications for medium and small states, which is another focus area for the CSS.
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 and NATO, security and military cooperation within the EU, as well as arms control. Russian and European security, as well as challenges from Europe’s southern neighborhood, are also featured.
Mediation and Peace Promotion
The CSS seeks to understand, develop, and promote the appropriate use of mediation in violent political conflict. Within this theme, we focus on mediation methodology, ceasefires and security arrangements in peace processes, and the use of mediation in conflicts with religious or worldview dimensions. Our reflective practice is enriched by exploring the role of local mediators and adopting a gender perspective on conflict and peacebuilding.
Military Doctrine and Arms Procurement
As great power rivalries intensify and revisionist actors engage in a range of probing behaviors, military security and defense are firmly back on the agenda. Within this theme, we identify emerging trends in military doctrines, force structures, and armaments, and observe ongoing conflicts and their implications for defense debates, both in Switzerland and beyond. In addition, we investigate the impact of new technologies in the military sphere and explore defense alternatives and future dissuasion strategies for small states.
Socio-technical Resilience and Disaster Preparedness
Due to rising complexity, ensuring the security of society, populations and critical infrastructures is becoming ever more difficult. In this theme, the CSS explores the relationship between people and the environments in which they live, particularly regarding natural, social and technical risks. We also examine resilience as a systemic phenomenon to understand complex socio-technical systems, seeking to inform future-oriented civil protection.