Congratulations to our winners:
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- Thesis prize (€3,500) :
Dr Sophia MAHROUG, The Sacred Defence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards according to digital sources: from the Iran-Iraq war to the «soft war» (1981-2024), Sorbonne-Université and Université du Luxembourg.
Sophia Mahroug analyses how memories of the Iran-Iraq War shape the political and military legitimacy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. She shows how this «sacred defence» permeates historiography, memory culture and security doctrine, while influencing Iran's current regional strategy.
- Memory prize (€1,500 each, tied) :
- Nathan Hourcade, Diplomatic relations between France and Ukraine as a new international player at the end of the USSR (1985-2005), Paris Cité University.
Nathan Hourcade traces the evolution of Franco-Ukrainian relations, from the Soviet context to the Orange Revolution. He highlights France's strategic caution, structural cooperation and Ukraine's geopolitical role between Russia, the EU and NATO.
- Pierre-Nicolas NABET, The impact of strategic cyber warfare: a reassessment of US cyber doctrine in the light of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Sciences Po Paris and King's College London.
Pierre-Nicolas Nabet examines American cyber doctrine in light of the conflict in Ukraine. He highlights the limitations of cyber coercion, the importance of public-private partnerships, and the need to further integrate cyber at the tactical and operational levels.
- Special prize (€1,000) :
Dr Camille Escudé, A geopolitics of the Arctic Council: when politics (un)shapes geographical space, chapter published in The Arctic in the international system (Quebec University Press, 2024).
Camille Escudé explores Arctic governance and shows how geopolitical rivalries, local actors and cartographic discourse are transforming this space.
After the ceremony, our four winners agreed to answer our questions about their motivations, methods, perspectives, and more. Read their testimonials.
WHY DID YOU PARTICIPATE?
- Because IHEDN is a recognised institute that counts in terms of reflection and strategic studies, including non-academic ones. .
Sophia Mahroug - Because I have always been attracted to the military world, and participating in the prize is a way for me, as a civilian, to serve my country.
Nathan Hourcade
- Because it is essential to disseminate one's work within academic circles in order to contribute to strategic thinking and public debate in France.
Pierre-Nicolas Nabet
- Because recognition is rare in a researcher's career, this award provides just that, encouraging research and building bridges between decision-makers and the academic world.
Camille Escudé
WHY THIS TOPIC?
- It all started with a personal experience and a passion for the Middle East, and Iran, where I have travelled several times.
I realised that many cultural aspects were linked to the Revolutionary Guards.
As a researcher, this allows me to explore other avenues.
Sophia Mahroug - I entered Ukrainian history through Cossack songs. Ukraine, with its turbulent political history and thirst for freedom similar to that found in France, is also directly linked to the issues I am studying.
Nathan Hourcade - Because it is initially a technical subject, but nevertheless strategic for a country like France, whose cyber capabilities are world-class.
And because it is particularly interesting to transpose American ideas that are still relatively unknown in French strategic circles.
Pierre-Nicolas Nabet - For personal reasons, first and foremost: having lived in Russia, I have always been drawn to cold regions.
While studying, I discovered that the Arctic was a blind spot in French geopolitics, which prompted me to take an interest in it.
Camille Escudé
WHAT KEY POINTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT?
- The necessity of considering war through the lens of culture, and the importance of digital sources in research.
Sophia Mahroug - We must move beyond the traditional chronological framework in order to highlight atypical and often overlooked inter-state links.
Nathan Hourcade - The increased importance of protecting oneself and having the capacity to act in the cyber and digital fields.
But you also have to dare to apply. Research is a long-term endeavour, but every idea is worth expressing.
Pierre-Nicolas Nabet - Nothing can be taken for granted. Geopolitics requires humility: when I began my work, I thought the Arctic was at peace. Since 2022 and the invasion of Ukraine, I have had to revise my conclusions and try to understand the new geopolitical issues in this region.
Camille Escudé
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Continue your reflection by reading our article on IHEDN Mondays on Sophia Mahroug's thesis
