Defence – Dr Oliver Hartwich

Voters will decide whether to punch holes in Europe’s nuclear umbrella

10/03/2026

Prompted by unilateral American strikes, France and Germany just forged a historic European nuclear defence pact. Surging nationalist political movements, however, threaten to destroy this fragile strategy before it even begins.

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How NATO failed Putin’s drone test

16/09/2025

NATO’s response to Russian drones in Polish airspace was costly and ineffective, highlighting operational and political shortcomings, while Ukraine’s low-cost methods proved more efficient.

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Time for ANZAC 2.0

21/03/2025

Michael Pezzullo made the case for an integrated ANZAC military force, citing serious security threats from China and New Zealand’s precarious defence position.

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Europe will not be able to fight the return of conscription

30/04/2024

Europe faces a dilemma post-Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: should conscription be reinstated? Various countries are reassessing military recruitment amidst challenges.

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The right step: New Zealand’s engagement in the Middle East

26/01/2024

New Zealand’s decision to deploy defense force personnel to the Middle East reaffirms its commitment to global security, democratic values, and international trade, despite lacking opposition support.

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unrecognizable soldiers with infantry weapons accomplishing military mission near helicopter

The meaning of independence

01/07/2022

New Zealanders must realise that, in a less benign world, an independent foreign policy cannot mean neutrality. And the Prime Minister delivered that message loud and clear.

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Why Europe’s next war could be between Greece and Turkey

28/06/2022

At the moment, a war between Greece and Turkey seems unlikely because it would be an all-around catastrophe. Then again, that is precisely why many believed Putin would never invade Ukraine.

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Putin’s war has changed the pacifist reflexes of Europe’s left

17/05/2022

Of all the developments triggered by Putin’s war, the left’s departure from pacifism may be the most surprising one. It will be interesting to see whether only the left in Europe will focus on security in this way.

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