Our Mission
The Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) is an interdisciplinary research center at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn in the field of strategic foresight, European and security policy research. Committed to the approach "Global Challenges Need European Responses", CASSIS contributes in interdisciplinary and inter-institutional work to develop, evaluate and publicly discuss European strategies to current challenges in the field of foreign and security policy.
Our Partners
Since 2019, CASSIS has developed into an important platform for the transfer of academic expertise and knowledge on pressing strategic topics both to the academic and non-academic audiences through a range of our research and high-profile teaching and event formats. While doing so, we were able to receive invaluable support from our great partners. CASSIS is very grateful to their support and we are proud to be well connected to many wonderful institutions. Together with our valued and trusted partners, we are able to foster discussions on matters of strategic importance near and abroad and jointly conduct and advance important research projects.
Current
Dossier Ukraine
The experts of CASSIS offer in various formats from their interdisciplinary perspectives classification and analysis on the Russian attack on Ukraine and its background.
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The International Security Forum Bonn 2023
From 19 October to 22 October 2023, ISFB will be held for the eighth time in person on the premises of the University of Excellence Bonn as the most important international security conference in North Rhine-Westphalia and all neighboring federal states.
Our Focus
Research at CASSIS revolves around a broad conception of security: On the one hand, the focus lies on the interdisciplinary examination of traditional foreign and security issues such as inter-state conflicts, competing international systems of order and a return of geopolitics. On the other hand, researchers examine non-traditional security challenges such as cyber and energy security, terrorism and human security, focusing in particular on health and food security.
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Integrated Security and Global Sustainability
Lead: Prof. Dr. Volker Kronenberg
Prof. Dr. Wolfram Hilz
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie
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Security and Strategy Research
Henry Kissinger Professorship for Security and Strategy Research
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie
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Global Infrastructures
Politics and Governance of Global Infrastructures
Lead:
Prof. Dr. Maximilian Mayer
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Challenge East - Handlungsstrategien der Europäer in der östlichen Nachbarschaft
Lead: Prof. Dr. Wolfram Hilz Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder
News
Two CASSIS experts as co-editors of a new space series at Tectum
The two CASSIS experts, PD Dr. Antje Nötzold and Dr. Enrico Fels, are co-editors of a new space series at Tectum.
Call for Applications for the Young Leaders Summer Academy
Interested young talents and young leaders from academia, diplomacy, journalism and practice can apply until 15 March 2025.
Review of the panel discussion "Infrastructure, AI & Europe's path to digital sovereignty"
On 14 January 2025, the Academy of International Affairs, in collaboration with CASSIS, hosted a panel discussion on "Infrastructure, AI & Europe's path to digital sovereignty." In an increasingly digitalised world, keeping up with and following technological developments is a growing challenge for national governments and institutions such as the EU, especially in light of the new U.S. administration that took office in January 2025. The discussion shed light on how the EU and its Member States can remain competitive while protecting their interests and values.
Review of the Winter School ‘Outer Space Cooperation in the Middle East’ in Bonn
The Winter School ‘Outer Space Cooperation in the Middle East’ from 6 - 8 December 2024 brought students from the Middle East together with students from Europe to talk about space cooperation in the Middle East.
CASSIS member Frederik Schmitz at the Dies academicus
Under the title "Die Partei spüren: Immersive Parteipropaganda in China," Frederik Schmitz presented the results of his field research on immersive memory infrastructures in China at the Dies academicus.
Book review by Prof Dr Kai-Uwe Schrogl
Special Advisor for Political Affairs, European Space Agency (ESA) Paris and Honorary Professor at the Institute of Political Science at the University of Tübingen, Prof Dr Kai-Uwe Schrogl on the new anthology 'Strategic competition in space. Politics, Law, Security and Economics in Space’.
ASC Annual Meeting 2024
The annual meeting of the Arbeitskreis Sozialwissenschaftliche Chinaforschung (ASC) was held on November 21-22, 2024, at the University of Bonn. This year’s conference brought together junior and senior scholars to present and discuss their latest research on contemporary China: including research on digital governance, policy processes, propaganda and public opinion. Set against the backdrop of China's evolving economic and political landscape and growing geopolitical tensions, the event provided a platform for critical engagement with pressing global issues.
Former Congress Members in Bonn
On Wednesday, 20 November 2024 an informative and well-attended event took place in the Great Hall of the Bonn University Forum on the topic: ‘The Future of Transatlantic Relations: Implications of the 2024 US Elections’.
Current Media Contributions
Joachim Weber in the RTL Nachtjournal: Putin's war of attrition is working – Ukraine will lose territories.
In an interview with the RTL Nachtjournal, Russia expert Joachim Weber discusses the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict and the geopolitical influence of President Vladimir Putin. Weber analyzes Putin's strategy, which aims at exhausting Ukraine, and provides an outlook on the future dynamics of the crisis, especially concerning the European and American stance.
Dr. Frank Umbach – Europe is on the Sidelines in Ukraine Talks – Is a Dictated Peace Imminent?
The Ukraine conflict has increasingly attracted international attention in recent months, with diplomacy and military support from the West playing a crucial role. Particularly in regard to potential ceasefire negotiations and the influence of great powers such as the US and Russia, pressing questions are emerging. In an interview, political scientist Dr. Frank Umbach from the Cassis University of Bonn discusses the current developments and offers a critical perspective on Europe's role in the negotiations.
Article by Dr. Moritz Brake in the FAZ - The seas are becoming a battleground.
In a world where global sea routes are indispensable for trade, energy supply, and communication, the ocean is increasingly becoming a strategic battleground. In light of growing threats from hybrid attacks and geopolitical tensions, particularly in relation to Russia, China, and other authoritarian actors, Europe is facing an urgent challenge. Dr. Moritz Brake, an expert in security and defense policy, highlights the need to strengthen Europe's maritime resilience in his guest article to secure maritime infrastructure and geopolitical stability.
WDR interview with Prof. Dr. Volker Kronenberger: The Chancellor candidates in the mirror of personality
In the WDR 5 Tagesgespräch on February 10, 2025, political scientist Prof. Dr. Volker Kronenberger discusses the significant impact of personality traits such as sympathy and authenticity on the perception of the Chancellor candidates. In addition to a detailed analysis of the five nominated candidates, Kronenberger emphasizes that the responsibility of the incumbent Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, plays a central role in the current political situation.
Volker Kronenberg on Friedrich Merz's election campaign strategy
In the interview, Volker Kronenberg discusses Friedrich Merz's election campaign strategy and its potential impact on the CDU. Kronenberg addresses the current political situation of the CDU, which finds itself in a challenging environment. The party is under pressure to strengthen its position in the political center, while also facing challenges from increasing political polarization and the rise of populist movements. The CDU must find a way to gain the support of a broad range of voters without losing its traditional base. In this context, Merz's election campaign strategy plays a crucial role in positioning the CDU in a changing political climate and ensuring long-term success.
Despite the asylum dispute: Political expert dismisses major concerns about the Chancellor
Volker Kronenberg, a political scientist, assesses the recent vote in the Bundestag on asylum policy as problematic. The CDU/CSU passed their proposal to tighten asylum laws by securing the support of the AfD for the first time. Kronenberg sees this move as risky, as it exposes the political dilemma of the Union: While they are responding to growing public dissatisfaction, there is a lack of sustainable majorities in the political center. The impact on upcoming elections remains unclear, but the political divide is likely to persist.
Merz Initiative: Interview with Volker Kronenberg
Friedrich Merz is sending a political signal with a new initiative and is aiming for a clear direction for the CDU. In an interview, Volker Kronenberg explains how this step could help Merz position the CDU as a strong opposition force.
Joachim Weber on Trump’s Proposal for Lower Oil Prices in Relation to the Ukraine War
In an interview with ntv, Dr. Joachim Weber explains that Donald Trump's demand for lower oil prices to end the Ukraine war is unlikely to be effective. He describes this strategy as typical of Trump, who often proposes simple, populist solutions. According to Weber, a reduction in oil prices would not significantly harm the Kremlin, as Russia has become better at coping with price fluctuations.
Events
CASSIS offers a wide range of events on current foreign and security policy issues.
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Upcoming events
German-French Strategic Dialogue: Disinformation (GER/FRA)
Online / Zoom
06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
The deliberate spread of disinformation has dramatically gained importance in recent years and represents a central challenge for democracies around the world. ...
Hotspot Latin America: Authoritarianism, Democracy & Geopolitics
Lennéstr. 27, 53113 Bonn
06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Latin America plays an increasingly important role in the international politics and economy of the 21st century. At the same time, its countries face immense ...
Past events
German Ukraine Policy: New Challenges and Strategies
Festsaal, Universität ...
06:00 PM
The Union of Ukrainian Students (UniBonn.UA), the Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) at the University of Bonn, and the ...
Simulation Game ‘Entanglement’
Universitätsforum Bonn, ...
10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
New perspectives for Germany's security policy. The ‘Entanglement’ simulation game, organised in cooperation with JDGAP, offers the opportunity to develop ...
Infrastructure, AI and Europe's Road to Digital Sovereignty
Rheinallee 24, 53173 ...
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
The intensifying techno-geopolitical competition between China and the US has exposed Europe’s vulnerability to digital dependencies.
In this public event, ...
Energiewende ohne China?
Zoom
06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
China plays a key role in global climate protection, as its climate policy significantly influences the implementation of international climate targets. While ...
Current Scientific Publications
Election campaign in focus: Disinformation and the Bundestag election 2025
The upcoming Bundestag election is threatened by foreign disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining trust in the democratic process. Russia, in particular, is relying on manipulated content and targeted influence on public opinion. Security authorities are responding with various measures to counter this threat.
Follow-Up: Global Health in Crisis
Maximilian Schranner highlights the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) under Donald Trump, which represents less an unexpected break and more a continuation of the ongoing weakening of international health structures. In light of this development, the new federal government must acknowledge these new realities and work with international partners to establish a minimal global health protection framework.
U.S.-China Digital Fragmentation Is Putting the World in a Bind
Laura Mahrenbach and Maximilian Mayer write about the increasing digital fragmentation driven by regulation and national interests in major tech powers such as the U.S., China and the EU. To address the challenges and risks, they argue that countries should adopt a strategy of pragmatic resilience combined with cooperative approaches.
Transatlantic Cooperation in the Chip War
Philip Nock critically examines the U.S. and EU Chips Acts, which aim for a strategic realignment of semiconductor production, highlighting differences in funding, regulation and implementation approaches. The article concludes by emphasizing the urgency of strengthened transatlantic cooperation to reduce economic dependencies and ensure supply chain security in a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical challenges.
Digital platforms in the agricultural sector: Dynamics of oligopolistic platformisation
In their article, Monja Sauvagerd, Maximilian Mayer and Monika Hartmann introduce the concept of "oligopolistic platformisation" to explore the dynamics of collaboration and competition between multinational agribusinesses and Big Tech in the agricultural sector. They analyze this phenomenon through platform mechanisms such as datafication, selection, and commodification.
The Baltic Sea in Focus: A Geopolitical Hotspot of the Futur
Joachim Weber and Wolfram Hiltz take a closer look at the growing geopolitical significance of the Baltic Sea. They analyze how the region is increasingly becoming the focus of global attention due to rising international tensions.
Tianxia Under the Sea: China's Quest for Maritime History
Frederik Schmitz examines how China's political and academic discourses shape the image of a peaceful maritime state, with underwater archaeology playing a crucial role. At the heart of this narrative is the ancient concept of tianxia ("everything under the sky"), which supports the rise of China as a peaceful maritime power through historical documents and archaeological discoveries.
Digital fragmentations, technological sovereignty and new perspectives on the global digital political economy
In their article, Maximilian Mayer & Philip Nock discuss the interactions between digital sovereignty and the fragmentation of digital ecosystems and internet governance. They address "cyber-balkanisation" and related challenges to the global digital political economy, including implications for governance, economic autonomy and technological dependencies.
CASSIS - Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn