Strategic Threat Analysis and Nuclear (Dis-)Order (STAND)

Geostrategic changes and the deterioration of the German and European security environment over the last decade pose new challenges for Germany's security and defence policy. In the context of Sino-American rivalry and the question of Europe's capacity to act, expectations are growing, including among many partners, for Germany to become more involved and take on more concrete responsibility in the field of security and defence policy.

The research project »Strategic Threat Analysis and Nuclear (Dis-)Order« (STAND) studies the effects of this strategic change on Germany and Europe as well as on German and European security and defence policy. In particular, the project analyses:

Current threats and security risks for Germany and Europe;
As well as changes in the nuclear order in the context of growing great power rivalry.

Examining these questions is particularly relevant now as both NATO and the EU revise their respective strategic documents in 2021/2022. Threat analysis is a key element of both processes; issues of nuclear deterrence will be discussed in the NATO context. Both documents will significantly shape Germany's security policy and thus require active participation.

Against this background, the project aims to provide research-based and policy-relevant expertise to:

Enhance understanding of Germany’s existing threat environment, taking into account new challenges such as China early on,
Enable an enhanced debate about nuclear order that embeds arms control strategically,
As well as to define Germany's priorities in the context of NATO’s strategic reorientation and help shape this process.

This project is supported with a grant from the German Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg).