The Al-Qaeda-Islamic State rivalry in the Sahel
This factsheet looks at the intense rivalry between the Islamic State in the Sahel (ISIS) and the Groupe de soutien à l'islam et aux musulmans (GSIM) in the Sahel region. It summarises the origins of these two jihadist organisations and the nature of their violent competition, analyses some of the likely causes of the latter, and then concludes by looking at the prospects for the expansion of jihadist activity in the Sahel over the next few years.
The repercussions of Russian military involvement in the Sahel
This fact sheet looks at Russia's growing involvement in the Sahel, particularly in the context of the wave of coups d'état affecting the region since the early 2020s. It presents the method used by the Russian state to gradually interfere in local dynamics, analyses the reasons for this involvement, which is the antithesis of that of Western states, and then concludes with the prospects for the sustainability of Russian interventions in the Sahel.
The influence of coups d'état in the Sahel on regional stability
This fact sheet looks at the wave of military coups in the Sahel since the early 2020s. It outlines the scale of the unconstitutional regime changes in recent years, analyses the political unrest that has followed, and concludes with a look at the prospects for future political developments in the Sahel.
The United States, Russia and Ukraine
This fact sheet looks at relations between the United States and Russia since the end of the Cold War. It traces the various stages of rapprochement and estrangement between the two countries, from the 1990s to the early 2000s. It then shows how the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have contributed to renewed tensions between the two countries.
American foreign policy doctrines
This fact sheet looks at the different doctrines of American foreign policy. It presents the history and evolutionary contexts of American isolationism and interventionism, associating them with other concepts such as "world policeman" and "pax americana". Finally, it analyses Joe Biden's foreign policy mandate, and more specifically his desire to spread democratic values to counter autocracies.
NATO enlargement, past and present
This fact sheet highlights the process of including new Member States in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. At the Washington Summit on 10 and 11 July 2024, Sweden was welcomed as the 32nd ally. However, the question of NATO enlargement continues to arise for three countries aspiring to join the Alliance: Georgia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and, above all, Ukraine.
Hezbollah's role in the Israel-Hamas conflict
This fact sheet, written last May, looks at the role played by the Lebanese Hezbollah, a local and regional player, in the current conflict in the Middle East. It briefly outlines the history of the organisation and its relatively cautious initial involvement in the Israel-Hamas war. However, the events of the last few days have raised fears of a major military escalation on the Israeli-Lebanese border.
The strategic importance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
This fact sheet highlights the strategic importance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. It describes the importance of this area, which is critical for world trade, analyses the way in which the Strait is currently being used at low cost by the Houthis in Yemen, and concludes with the prospects for developments in the situation, particularly in terms of intervention.
Foreign interference and disinformation in Europe
This fact sheet looks at foreign interference and disinformation in Europe. It presents the actions taken by the various European institutions, particularly during the last term of office of the Commission and Parliament, including the legislative framework and collaboration with the media and civil society, certain limits, and future development prospects.
The European Parliament and defence
This fact sheet looks at the role played by the European Union (EU) and in particular the European Parliament in defence matters. It briefly reviews the history of "Defence Europe" and recent developments, particularly in terms of financial and budgetary instruments, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Finally, it analyses the possible impact of the European elections on the future of European defence cooperation.
