Gesine Weber
@gesineweber.bsky.social
European security & defence, global order, EU in US-China competition.
Senior Researcher, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zürich. PhD Defence Studies, King’s College London. Into running, matcha, 中文. Views my own.
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com
Senior Researcher, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zürich. PhD Defence Studies, King’s College London. Into running, matcha, 中文. Views my own.
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com
Funding European defence is one of the key challenges - ambition is there, money is the problem. Italy:
www.ft.com/content/e15b...
www.ft.com/content/e15b...
Italy’s Nato defence spending pledge clashes with mounting debt
Rome’s public debt-to-GDP ratio will soar to near-record 148% if it meets promises to allies through extra borrowing
www.ft.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Funding European defence is one of the key challenges - ambition is there, money is the problem. Italy:
www.ft.com/content/e15b...
www.ft.com/content/e15b...
Also: @fbermingham.bsky.social highlights an important element in this article: "The stance is not unusual in Brussels, where Beijing is broadly seen as an enabler of Russia’s war. But some are wondering if Kallas’ all-consuming focus on Moscow is necessarily in the bloc’s long-term favour."
"Europe’s foreign policy disorder is increasingly evident in its approach to China. The EU has always had a series of competing approaches rather than a comprehensive strategy, but even those have given way in recent months to incoherence and anxiety over lost influence."
7 minutes on Asia: Europe’s struggle for relevance in the age of China and Trump’s ‘G2’
My long read on the EU's drift to the margins on China - and almost everything else
My long read on the EU's drift to the margins on China - and almost everything else
November 7, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Also: @fbermingham.bsky.social highlights an important element in this article: "The stance is not unusual in Brussels, where Beijing is broadly seen as an enabler of Russia’s war. But some are wondering if Kallas’ all-consuming focus on Moscow is necessarily in the bloc’s long-term favour."
"Europe’s foreign policy disorder is increasingly evident in its approach to China. The EU has always had a series of competing approaches rather than a comprehensive strategy, but even those have given way in recent months to incoherence and anxiety over lost influence."
7 minutes on Asia: Europe’s struggle for relevance in the age of China and Trump’s ‘G2’
My long read on the EU's drift to the margins on China - and almost everything else
My long read on the EU's drift to the margins on China - and almost everything else
7 minutes on Asia: Europe’s struggle for relevance in the age of Trump’s ‘G2’
A brief discussion on the Indo-Pacific suggests a union that is increasingly peripheral – on China and arguably almost everything else.
www.scmp.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:35 PM
"Europe’s foreign policy disorder is increasingly evident in its approach to China. The EU has always had a series of competing approaches rather than a comprehensive strategy, but even those have given way in recent months to incoherence and anxiety over lost influence."
Noteworthy - kind of a "minilateralism plus". Ukraine has been granted an "enhanced partnership" to JEF but is not a member yet.
⚡️Ukraine just became the first non-member to join the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Ukraine Becomes First Non-Member to Join UK-Led Joint Expeditionary Force
The JEF welcomes Ukraine as its first non-member with Enhanced Partnership status, enhancing cooperation in defense and countering hybrid threats.
united24media.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Noteworthy - kind of a "minilateralism plus". Ukraine has been granted an "enhanced partnership" to JEF but is not a member yet.
Still catching up with news and reading list, but this here is a particularly interesting piece by @florencegaub.bsky.social and @roderickp.bsky.social : warontherocks.com/2025/10/is-e...
Is Europe Too Soft to Fight?
Europe’s populations are readier to fight than they are often credited. The problem isn’t their lack of will, but elite pessimism about it. The belief
warontherocks.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Still catching up with news and reading list, but this here is a particularly interesting piece by @florencegaub.bsky.social and @roderickp.bsky.social : warontherocks.com/2025/10/is-e...
Reposted by Gesine Weber
We have just advertised a Full Prof position in the Political and Social Sciences department at the EUI (@eui-sps.bsky.social). Here are the details. Please spread the word, and get in touch if you have any questions.
www.eui.eu/Documents/Se...
www.eui.eu/Documents/Se...
www.eui.eu
October 23, 2025 at 2:03 PM
We have just advertised a Full Prof position in the Political and Social Sciences department at the EUI (@eui-sps.bsky.social). Here are the details. Please spread the word, and get in touch if you have any questions.
www.eui.eu/Documents/Se...
www.eui.eu/Documents/Se...
"For Brussels to retain its relevance to Tokyo, it must move from declarations—on security, economic resilience and technological standards—to delivery on tangible co-development projects and joint-procurement initiatives."
ecfr.eu/article/paci...
ecfr.eu/article/paci...
Pacific drift: Why Europe needs a Japan strategy for the Takaichi-Trump era
Donald Trump has already met Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, in Tokyo. As the two move closer on defence and economic security, the EU must reflect on the credibility of its own alliance…
ecfr.eu
November 7, 2025 at 2:23 PM
"For Brussels to retain its relevance to Tokyo, it must move from declarations—on security, economic resilience and technological standards—to delivery on tangible co-development projects and joint-procurement initiatives."
ecfr.eu/article/paci...
ecfr.eu/article/paci...
Long overdue.
Starting a war and expecting to move freely in Europe is hard to justify.
The EU is tightening visa rules for Russian nationals amid continued drone disruptions and sabotage on European soil.
Travelling to the EU is a privilege, not a given.
The EU is tightening visa rules for Russian nationals amid continued drone disruptions and sabotage on European soil.
Travelling to the EU is a privilege, not a given.
November 7, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Long overdue.
I’m less convinced - two strategic considerations might prevent Beijing from doing so:
1) really doesn’t love the risk of nuclear escalation in neighbourhood/ Korean Peninsula, might see restraint as helpful
2) good opportunity to strengthen profile as „responsible global power“
1) really doesn’t love the risk of nuclear escalation in neighbourhood/ Korean Peninsula, might see restraint as helpful
2) good opportunity to strengthen profile as „responsible global power“
I'm expecting China to follow suit. Orhers (DPRK, India, Pakistan ) may be tempted as well.
France doesn't have reason to; it has also dismantled its test site in Polynesia
France doesn't have reason to; it has also dismantled its test site in Polynesia
Russian President Vladimir Putin orders top officials to prepare for resumed nuclear testing, a direct response to President Trump's surprise instruction for the U.S. to begin testing for the first time in more than 30 years.
November 5, 2025 at 4:31 PM
I’m less convinced - two strategic considerations might prevent Beijing from doing so:
1) really doesn’t love the risk of nuclear escalation in neighbourhood/ Korean Peninsula, might see restraint as helpful
2) good opportunity to strengthen profile as „responsible global power“
1) really doesn’t love the risk of nuclear escalation in neighbourhood/ Korean Peninsula, might see restraint as helpful
2) good opportunity to strengthen profile as „responsible global power“
Some professional news: I have joined the Center for Security Studies at the ETH Zürich on Monday as Senior Researcher, Global Security.
I'll be working on all things global order & Europe - and you'll get morning run shots from lake Zürich.
I'll be working on all things global order & Europe - and you'll get morning run shots from lake Zürich.
November 5, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Some professional news: I have joined the Center for Security Studies at the ETH Zürich on Monday as Senior Researcher, Global Security.
I'll be working on all things global order & Europe - and you'll get morning run shots from lake Zürich.
I'll be working on all things global order & Europe - and you'll get morning run shots from lake Zürich.
If true: this is not how you should treat your allies. www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
US accused of threatening EU diplomats during bid to kill green shipping rules
Negotiators at shipping talks in London were told both they and their countries could be punished unless they voted with the U.S.
www.politico.eu
November 4, 2025 at 1:09 PM
If true: this is not how you should treat your allies. www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
Good read by @tbenner.bsky.social. I don't agree with every line (I'm more on the "German foreign minister should have travelled" side).
He points out a critical and too often ignored fact: short-term costs are high but long-term costs are higher. (1/2)
www.thepioneer.de/originals/ot...
He points out a critical and too often ignored fact: short-term costs are high but long-term costs are higher. (1/2)
www.thepioneer.de/originals/ot...
China-Schock: Deutschland muss sich selbst behaupten
Deutschlands Industrie zahlt den Preis für strategische Fehleinschätzungen in der China-Politik.
www.thepioneer.de
November 4, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Good read by @tbenner.bsky.social. I don't agree with every line (I'm more on the "German foreign minister should have travelled" side).
He points out a critical and too often ignored fact: short-term costs are high but long-term costs are higher. (1/2)
www.thepioneer.de/originals/ot...
He points out a critical and too often ignored fact: short-term costs are high but long-term costs are higher. (1/2)
www.thepioneer.de/originals/ot...
Reposted by Gesine Weber
🚨 Applications Now Open for the EUI PhD Programmes 2026-2027!
📊 Economics |⚖️ Law |📘 History | 🏛 Political and Social Sciences
Join the EUI's 50th PhD cohort!
Apply by 15 January 2026 (14:00 CET) for the academic journey of a lifetime! 👉: eui.eu/phd
#EUIPhD #PhDOpportunity
📊 Economics |⚖️ Law |📘 History | 🏛 Political and Social Sciences
Join the EUI's 50th PhD cohort!
Apply by 15 January 2026 (14:00 CET) for the academic journey of a lifetime! 👉: eui.eu/phd
#EUIPhD #PhDOpportunity
November 1, 2025 at 8:15 AM
🚨 Applications Now Open for the EUI PhD Programmes 2026-2027!
📊 Economics |⚖️ Law |📘 History | 🏛 Political and Social Sciences
Join the EUI's 50th PhD cohort!
Apply by 15 January 2026 (14:00 CET) for the academic journey of a lifetime! 👉: eui.eu/phd
#EUIPhD #PhDOpportunity
📊 Economics |⚖️ Law |📘 History | 🏛 Political and Social Sciences
Join the EUI's 50th PhD cohort!
Apply by 15 January 2026 (14:00 CET) for the academic journey of a lifetime! 👉: eui.eu/phd
#EUIPhD #PhDOpportunity
Looks like something to add to the reading/ listening list. Maybe something to learn from for Europe?
"Most countries in Asia do not see China as the threat.... We see China as a big power in the region, present — a geographic reality."
Former Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong on how countries in Southeast Asia view China.
Watch the event ➡️ bit.ly/4oet3Pr
Former Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong on how countries in Southeast Asia view China.
Watch the event ➡️ bit.ly/4oet3Pr
November 4, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Looks like something to add to the reading/ listening list. Maybe something to learn from for Europe?
Really enjoyed this read on @engelsbergideas.bsky.social: "what does China want from Europe? The reason why this is a difficult question to answer is that Beijing doesn’t necessarily have a clear answer itself."
engelsbergideas.com/notebook/wha...
engelsbergideas.com/notebook/wha...
What China wants from Europe
China's activities in Europe are driven more by opportunism than any grand plot to divide the continent. In geopolitical terms, Beijing treats European countries as extensions of American power.
engelsbergideas.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Really enjoyed this read on @engelsbergideas.bsky.social: "what does China want from Europe? The reason why this is a difficult question to answer is that Beijing doesn’t necessarily have a clear answer itself."
engelsbergideas.com/notebook/wha...
engelsbergideas.com/notebook/wha...
I’m (almost) back from vacation - and just as my Airbnb cat in Istanbul was looking for snacks, I’m looking for the publications and papers I’ve missed in the last three weeks! Pm me or share in comments. Thanks!
October 30, 2025 at 8:22 AM
I’m (almost) back from vacation - and just as my Airbnb cat in Istanbul was looking for snacks, I’m looking for the publications and papers I’ve missed in the last three weeks! Pm me or share in comments. Thanks!
Very much second what @rudyakmarina.bsky.social writes here (and in the thread). I don't think it's a smart idea to cancel visits because of disagreements - for me, that's not a sign of strength but rather closes the doors for better understanding and smart engagement.
To sum it up: in my view, the mistake is not in the SPD side. It is a problem that - as legitimate as the reasons may be - there was still not official visit to China. Here I absolutely agree with what @maximilianiras.bsky.social wrote in China.Table:
table.media/en/china/opi...
table.media/en/china/opi...
Missed opportunity for diplomacy: Why the German foreign minister should have traveled
Johann Wadephul’s canceled trip to China is emblematic of the lack of direction in Germany’s China policy. In a time of global power shifts, Berlin is squandering valuable opportunities to build trust...
table.media
October 30, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Very much second what @rudyakmarina.bsky.social writes here (and in the thread). I don't think it's a smart idea to cancel visits because of disagreements - for me, that's not a sign of strength but rather closes the doors for better understanding and smart engagement.
If I was looking for an internship in Paris, this is the one I'd absolutely apply for:
(Disclaimer: I am not hiring for this role, just sharing. Please don't reach out with questions, I won't be helpful.)
(Disclaimer: I am not hiring for this role, just sharing. Please don't reach out with questions, I won't be helpful.)
📣 Offre de stage !
Nous sommes à la recherche de notre futur•e stagiaire, à partir de février 2026.
Un stage de 4 à 6 mois pour découvrir et participer activement au travail de la fondation ! 🌱
📧 N’hésitez pas à nous envoyer vos candidatures à : info@fr.boell.org
fr.boell.org/fr/2025/10/2...
Nous sommes à la recherche de notre futur•e stagiaire, à partir de février 2026.
Un stage de 4 à 6 mois pour découvrir et participer activement au travail de la fondation ! 🌱
📧 N’hésitez pas à nous envoyer vos candidatures à : info@fr.boell.org
fr.boell.org/fr/2025/10/2...
Offre de stage - à partir de février 2026 | Heinrich Böll Stiftung | Bureau Paris - France
Nous sommes à la recherche de notre prochain·e stagiaire : d'une durée de 4 à 6 mois à partir de février 2026 au sein du bureau de Paris de la fondation Heinrich Böll. Candidatures ouvertes jusqu'au 2...
fr.boell.org
October 30, 2025 at 7:03 AM
If I was looking for an internship in Paris, this is the one I'd absolutely apply for:
(Disclaimer: I am not hiring for this role, just sharing. Please don't reach out with questions, I won't be helpful.)
(Disclaimer: I am not hiring for this role, just sharing. Please don't reach out with questions, I won't be helpful.)
Europe needs five mindset shifts for better China strategy - all of them in my new piece below:
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com/p/5-mindset-...
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com/p/5-mindset-...
5 mindset shifts for better European strategy on China
30 October 2025
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Europe needs five mindset shifts for better China strategy - all of them in my new piece below:
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com/p/5-mindset-...
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com/p/5-mindset-...
Maybe something to add to our vocabulary: playing it Lecornu = pulling back, making everyone panic, causing a mess, and then coming back as if nothing had happened
(Would nicely complement « to Merkel » = not doing anything meaningful and acting slowly, as used during her time in German)
(Would nicely complement « to Merkel » = not doing anything meaningful and acting slowly, as used during her time in German)
Annnnnd… He’s back 🤣. President names Sébastien Lecornu PM (again).
October 10, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Maybe something to add to our vocabulary: playing it Lecornu = pulling back, making everyone panic, causing a mess, and then coming back as if nothing had happened
(Would nicely complement « to Merkel » = not doing anything meaningful and acting slowly, as used during her time in German)
(Would nicely complement « to Merkel » = not doing anything meaningful and acting slowly, as used during her time in German)
Reposted by Gesine Weber
My friend @gesineweber.bsky.social identifies a critical European skills shortage.
open.substack.com/pub/geopolit...
open.substack.com/pub/geopolit...
Europe's lack of China expertise: a problem for future strategy
10 October 2025
open.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 6:10 AM
My friend @gesineweber.bsky.social identifies a critical European skills shortage.
open.substack.com/pub/geopolit...
open.substack.com/pub/geopolit...
AU REVOIR, PARIS!
Yes, you read this correctly: today was my last day at @gmfus.bsky.social in Paris! After three weeks of vacation, I’ll be moving on to my next professional adventure… stay tuned!
Yes, you read this correctly: today was my last day at @gmfus.bsky.social in Paris! After three weeks of vacation, I’ll be moving on to my next professional adventure… stay tuned!
October 10, 2025 at 2:54 PM
AU REVOIR, PARIS!
Yes, you read this correctly: today was my last day at @gmfus.bsky.social in Paris! After three weeks of vacation, I’ll be moving on to my next professional adventure… stay tuned!
Yes, you read this correctly: today was my last day at @gmfus.bsky.social in Paris! After three weeks of vacation, I’ll be moving on to my next professional adventure… stay tuned!
I’ve wanted to write this piece for quite a while - and that’s why it’s a bit more op-ed style than other analyses.
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com/p/europes-la...
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com/p/europes-la...
Europe's lack of China expertise: a problem for future strategy
10 October 2025
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 7:44 AM
I’ve wanted to write this piece for quite a while - and that’s why it’s a bit more op-ed style than other analyses.
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com/p/europes-la...
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com/p/europes-la...
Very cool piece on the importance of strategic foresight and forward-looking strategy by @bressansar.bsky.social for @gppi.bsky.social :
gppi.net/2025/10/08/g...
gppi.net/2025/10/08/g...
Germany’s National Security Council Must Be Futures-Literate
Germany has finally established a national security council. To truly make German security policy strategic, the council must seriously consider foresight, and imagine possible future developments and...
gppi.net
October 8, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Very cool piece on the importance of strategic foresight and forward-looking strategy by @bressansar.bsky.social for @gppi.bsky.social :
gppi.net/2025/10/08/g...
gppi.net/2025/10/08/g...