EPIS Magazine Issue VI

This short article explains the basics of the military-industrial complex (MIC) and its impact on defence spending. Dominic Perfetti outlines how MIC refers to the close relationship between governments and defence industries, where lobbying influences policy and creates a ratchet effect—once spending rises, it’s hard to reduce. He highlights the risks of escalating budgets, political influence, and environmental concerns, showing how the MIC remains relevant amid global tensions and technological advances.

Hybrid warfare is shaping the future of conflict by expanding battlefields beyond the military domain, leveraging political, economic, and societal pressures. Drawing from Clausewitz, Johann Schmid argues that defense remains stronger than offense, but hybrid strategies exploit grey areas and strategic ambiguity to circumvent strong defenses. As warfare blurs the lines between war and peace, military and civilian targets, nations must prepare holistically to counter hybrid threats.

Germany faces escalating cyber threats from state and non-state actors, targeting businesses and critical infrastructure. Ferdinand Gehringer argues that Germany’s cybersecurity framework is outdated and inefficient, requiring urgent reforms. He advocates for a stronger, independent BSI, enhanced public-private partnerships, streamlined cyber defense structures, and better legal frameworks for digital forensics. Strengthening education and training is crucial for building long-term cyber resilience.

Maria Linntam, Estonian Ambassador to Germany, discusses her career, Estonia’s digital leadership, and security policies. Estonia pioneered digitalization, offering nearly all government services online. Cyber security is crucial, especially after Russian cyber-attacks in 2007. Estonia strongly supports Ukraine and sees NATO as essential for security. Relations with Germany are strong, based on shared values and cooperation. Linntam encourages young people, especially women, to pursue diplomacy with passion.

Space exploration has always been driven by military interests. Markus Schiller examines how the arms race shaped spaceflight, from Cold War-era missile programs to modern satellite warfare. As China, Russia, and the U.S. expand military space capabilities, Europe lags behind. While commercial actors like SpaceX may reshape the landscape, Schiller argues that security concerns remain the primary force behind space innovation—just as they always have been.

The Pacific is a stage for an unfolding geopolitical contest, where global powers compete for influence through diplomacy and aid. Donát Oláh explores how the U.S. and Australia strive to maintain dominance while China aggressively expands its reach. Pacific nations leverage this competition to secure financial and developmental support. Although China’s presence is growing, Western alliances remain strong, ensuring that the region remains a focal point of strategic rivalry for years to come.

Democracy faces growing cybersecurity threats in the digital age. Zhala Mammadli explores how cyberattacks, misinformation, and AI-driven manipulation undermine electoral integrity and public trust. While digital platforms expand political participation, they also expose democracies to hacking, disinformation, and algorithmic bias. Strengthening cyber defenses, digital literacy, and regulatory frameworks is crucial to safeguarding democratic governance in an era of evolving cyber threats.

Germany’s shift from Russian gas to LNG aligns with EU energy security goals but reveals contradictions. Joschka Menge examines how Germany diversified suppliers, invested in LNG infrastructure, and strengthened European cooperation. However, indirect Russian LNG imports and environmentally questionable investments raise concerns. While Germany meets EU guidelines on diversification and cooperation, its long-term reliance on LNG and hidden Russian gas ties highlight policy inconsistencies.

The Sahel is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift. Nils A. Neubert examines how the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—has broken from Western security partners, turning instead to Russia and Turkey. While the AES’s joint military force improves operational flexibility, authoritarian counterterrorism and ethnic militias risk fueling jihadist recruitment. Without political inclusion and sustainable governance, Neubert argues, lasting stability remains elusive.

Many misunderstand military obsolescence, assuming battlefield survivability dictates a system's relevance. Dmytro Sochnyev attacks that myth, arguing that obsolescence stems from the emergence and availability of superior alternatives, not mere vulnerability. Through historical and modern examples, the author reveals why even "outdated" weapons persist—proving that survivability alone is not the key determinant of military evolution, but rather technological and logistical realities.

State-led sabotage remains a key tool of influence, mirroring Cold War doctrines despite shifting justifications. Malte Koppermann essay argues that while ideological motives have faded, the core objective—disrupting adversaries’ policies and capabilities—remains unchanged. Both the U.S. and Russia continue to use proxies, uphold plausible deniability, and adapt to new technologies, including cyber sabotage. The recent rise in Russian sabotage underscores its ongoing relevance in geopolitical competition.