International Centre for Defence and Security

This study examines how Chinese online narratives frame Russia and its war in Ukraine, showing how these sustain, complicate, or undermine the partnership of the two countries.

President Macron's speech this week set out how French nuclear forces might play a central role in a more autonomous European defence. By increasing the number of nuclear warheads and showing willingness to implement a 'forward deterrence' posture to European partners, Macron delivered a strong vision of a Europe ready to defend itself in face of uncertainty from the east and the west.

Infrastructure, institutions, and norms are becoming weaponised in a dynamic geopolitical competition, linking development, security, and great-power rivalry.

The 2026 edition of the EU Enlargement Conference in Tallinn will take place on 13 February 2026.

The EU enlargement process received a jolt of energy in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and saw major developments in 2025.

Hydrocarbon revenues remain central to Russia’s economic resilience and its ability to finance the war against Ukraine.