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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© CASSIS
The International Security Forum Bonn
The International Security Forum Bonn (ISFB) serves as a platform to convene distinguished international experts and practitioners of security and foreign policy to debate the future of transatlantic relations and key challenges in international politics. Held almost annually since 2016, the ISFB is the most important international security conference in North Rhine-Westphalia and all neighboring German federal states.
Our Focus
The content focus of CASSIS is, on the one hand, on the interdisciplinary engagement with traditional foreign and security policy topics such as interstate conflicts, competing international order systems, and a return of geopolitics, and on the other hand, on non-traditional security challenges related to space, cyber, climate, and energy security, terrorism, and human security.
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© NASA
Integrated Security and Global Sustainability
Lead: Prof. Dr. Volker Kronenberg
Prof. Dr. Wolfram Hilz
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie
© Juliana Kozoski/Unsplash
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
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"Was wird?"-Podcast
At irregular intervals, CASSIS also hosts the "Was wird?"-podcast, together with Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder and Michael Krons.
News
International Security Forum Bonn features a highly distinguished line-up
From 29 October to 1 November, the city of Bonn will once again host the high-profile “International Security Forum Bonn” (ISFB), bringing together internationally renowned experts and practitioners from the fields of security, strategy, and foreign policy to discuss the future of transatlantic relations and key global challenges.This year’s main themes are the transformation of European security dynamics and space policy.
CASSIS Bonn and GSP e.V. sign cooperation agreement
The Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) at the University of Bonn and the German Society for Security Policy (GSP) have signed a cooperation agreement to deepen their collaboration in the field of security policy education, information, and communication.
Policy brief on the EU's hydrogen pathway
Based on the report “H2 Reality Check – Reappraising the EU's H2 Strategy in a New Era of Geopolitical Disruptions,” CASSIS has published an EU Policy Brief that summarizes the weaknesses and risks of the current EU hydrogen strategy in an evidence-based and practical manner while also providing concrete proposals for a more resilient energy policy.
Tech Middle Power Cooperation and Workarounding
The dataset provides a comprehensive overview of cooperation initiatives involving 24 tech middle powers and 32 additional partner countries between 1990 and July 2025. It covers projects across eight world regions, with collaborations involving the United States or China deliberately excluded. The findings clearly show that the strategy of workarounding is gaining momentum worldwide. A more in-depth analysis will be presented in the edited volume Workarounding: Tech Middle Power Cooperation in a Turbulent World, edited by Maximilian Mayer, Gedaliah Afterman, Narayanappa Janardhan, and Laura Mahrenbach, to be published later this year by Palgrave Macmillan.
Fourth edition of the textbook: "Theorien der Internationalen Beziehungen"
The fourth edition of the textbook "Theorien der Internationalen Beziehungen", edited by Prof. Dr. Xuewu Gu and PD Dr. Hendrik W. Ohnesorge, provides an introduction to the political science discipline of international relations. It systematically presents the most important theoretical approaches in the discipline and discusses the latest developments. The Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies warmly congratulates both authors on this outstanding academic achievement.
CASSIS congratulates the founding of TILLER ALPHA GmbH
The Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) warmly congratulates the founding of TILLER ALPHA GmbH, a pioneering initiative aimed at unlocking the potential of international research infrastructures through artificial intelligence.
Dr. Enrico Fels as a guest at Future Lounge #42: New security order in and for Europe
On 7 May 2025, Dr. Enrico Fels, Managing Director of the Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) at the University of Bonn, took part in the 42nd edition of the Futures Lounge of D2030. Under the title “New Security Order in and for Europe - Perspectives and Potentials”, he discussed the future of European security policy together with Dr. Sarah Pagung (Körber Foundation) and Dr. Olaf Theiler (Bundeswehr Planning Office).
Current Media Contributions
Verpasste Chance für die Diplomatie: Warum der deutsche Außenminister hätte reisen müssen
In his latest commentary, Maximilian Mayer argues that the last-minute cancellation of Johann Wadephul's planned trip to China is a symptom of a deeper strategic disorientation in Germany's China policy. At a time of global uncertainty, such a visit would have provided an opportunity to rebuild lost trust and to advance Germany's strategic interests. Instead, Berlin's reactive and distrust-driven approach has narrowed both its diplomatic and economic room for maneuver. The article emphasizes that a forward-looking China policy requires sustained dialogue, diplomatic presence and "strategic empathy".
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Matthias Herdegen in an interview with Der Spiegel on October 8, 2025
In an interview with Der Spiegel on October 8, 2025, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Matthias Herdegen commented on the defense powers of the German Armed Forces and the debate surrounding amendments to the German constitution.
Dr. Joachim Weber comments on drone defense in Germany on n-tv
On October 6th, Dr. Joachim Weber criticized the German government's long-delayed procurement of drone defense systems on n-tv. Sparking the discussion was the increase in drone sightings over several European airports in recent months.
Prof. Dr. Anna Katharina Hornidge in Taz article on October 3, 2025, on Katja Dörner's election defeat
In an interview with Taz on October 3, Prof. Dr. Anna-Katharina Hornidge analyzes the Green Party's election defeat in Bonn against the backdrop of transport policy.
Dr. Joachim Weber on Phoenix and n-tv regarding drone sightings over Denmark
On September 25th and 26th, Dr. Joachim Weber spoke on Phoenix vor Ort and n-tv about the recent drone sightings over Denmark. Since the beginning of the week, several unknown drones had caused air traffic over Danish airports to come to a standstill.
Dr. Frank Umbach assesses the current state of US-Ukrainian relations on FOCUS Online
On September 24th, Dr. Frank Umbach was mentioned in the article ““Has important information”: What could be behind Zelensky's mysterious Trump statement” by FOCUS Online. In it, the security expert assessed the current state of US-Ukrainian relations with regard to a possible strengthening of US support for Ukraine.
Prof. Dr. Caja Thimm in panel and interview on digital sovereignty at the “Conference Education Digitalization”
Prof. Dr. Caja Thimm, Professor of Media Studies and Intermediality at the University of Bonn, took part in a panel discussion on digital sovereignty in German schools on September 24th, 2025, and subsequently gave an interview to heise online. The discussion took place during the Conference on Education and Digitalization (Konferenz Bildung Digitalisierung, KonfBD) in Berlin.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder on ARD's Tagesgespräch program analyzing Russia's military provocations
On September 24th, Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder appeared on ARD alpha's Tagesgespräch program to explain Russia's violations of NATO airspace from a security policy perspective and to classify them in relation to previous examples of Russian military provocations.
Events
CASSIS offers a wide range of events on current foreign and security policy issues.
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Upcoming events
Two years after October 7 - Israel's strategic situation
Moltke Hall, Federal ...
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Recent developments have given rise to cautious optimism that the war against Israel unleashed by Hamas two years ago, with its devastating consequences for ...
Russian Occupation Policy: Forced Conversion and Terror
Festsaal der Universität ...
05:00 PM - 06:30 PM
What form does Russian rule over the occupied Ukrainian territories take—and what means are used to secure it? What goals is Moscow pursuing with its ...
Past events
How Resilient is Our Energy Supply?
Online Event
06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
The power outage in Spain in April 2025 highlighted how vulnerable European energy networks are – and how central they have become to our societies. Energy ...
Star Wars? Astronaut Thomas Reiter on the new era of space travel
Bonner Universitätsforum,...
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Thomas Reiter spent a total of 350 days in space – far away from Earth, surrounded by technology and darkness, but also with a breathtaking view of our planet. ...
Frontline City of Kherson – What Does Security Mean Today?
Bonner Universitätsforum,...
01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally shaken Europe's thinking on security policy. Certainties about peace, diplomacy, and cooperation ...
Safely through the city - strategies for safe NRW inner cities
Main building of the ...
06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Whether in Bochum, Bonn or Bergisch Gladbach: city centers are central places of social life. But how safe are they - and how safe do they feel? The subjective ...
Current Scientific Publications
Essay: "The failure of 'Never again'?"
In his essay, James D. Bindenagel examines the development and current threat to the “never again” promise. The essay was published in the volume “Wenn das Gestern anklopft. Weimar und die Wiederkehr der Geschichte,” edited by Philipp Ruch and Thomas Weber, himself a fellow at CASSIS.
The Digitalisation of Memory Practices in China
On September 25, 2025, Maximilian Mayer and Frederik Schmitz published "The Digitalisation of Memory Practices in China: Contesting the Curating State." at Bristol University Press. The volume was supported by TRA 5 Present Pasts and provides the first comprehensive analysis of how memory and heritage in China is being reshaped in the digital age.
Read more here.
Tech Middle Power Cooperation and Workarounding
The dataset provides a comprehensive overview of cooperation initiatives involving 24 tech middle powers and 32 additional partner countries between 1990 and July 2025. It covers projects across eight world regions, with collaborations involving the United States or China deliberately excluded. The findings clearly show that the strategy of workarounding is gaining momentum worldwide. A more in-depth analysis will be presented in the edited volume Workarounding: Tech Middle Power Cooperation in a Turbulent World, edited by Maximilian Mayer, Gedaliah Afterman, Narayanappa Janardhan, and Laura Mahrenbach, to be published later this year by Palgrave Macmillan.
Chinas Anspruch auf eine neue Weltordnung
Nadine Godehardt and Maximilian Mayer analyze China’s foreign policy, using the 2025 SCO summit in Tianjin as an example, where Xi Jinping presented his Global Governance Initiative (GGI) and organized numerous bilateral meetings. At the core lies China’s attempt to establish an alternative world order through multilateral structures and bilateral networks, distinct from Western-liberal principles. While Beijing emphasizes equality, sovereignty, and win-win cooperation, it employs these narratives to consolidate its own power and expand zones of influence with imperial characteristics. For Germany and Europe, this underscores the need to address not only trade-related issues but also China’s global ambitions in a more strategic way.
Fourth edition of the textbook: "Theorien der Internationalen Beziehungen"
The fourth edition of the textbook "Theorien der Internationalen Beziehungen", edited by Prof. Dr. Xuewu Gu and PD Dr. Hendrik W. Ohnesorge, provides an introduction to the political science discipline of international relations. It systematically presents the most important theoretical approaches in the discipline and discusses the latest developments. The Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies warmly congratulates both authors on this outstanding academic achievement.
The EU and the US after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: a new convergence on strategic autonomy?
The book develops a theoretical framework on policy paradigms, worldviews, grand strategy, strategic narratives and the drivers of institutional change followed by chapters on the anti-liberal challenge, the evolution of the EU framework of ideas, the search for grand strategy and strategic autonomy, the response to Russian aggression and imperial thinking, and continuity and change in EU unity, working groups, green leadership and strategic communication.
Explaining the launch and design of the EU’s military assistance mission to Ukraine
In October 2022, the EU established a military assistance mission in support to Ukrainian armed forces (EUMAM Ukraine). The decision to launch the mission runs contrary to what one would intuitively expect from the EU, considering member states’ traditional divisions on Russia, alternative training initiatives, Ukraine’s lacklustre position and the mission’s unconventional design. Despite the growing literature on the EU’s response to Russian aggression, this puzzle has so far been overlooked. While a reformulation of EU member states’ security preferences driven by the heightened threat of an aggressive Russia is certainly necessary to explain the creation of EUMAM Ukraine, we argue that the launch and design of the mission can only be fully understood through a neofunctionalist approach, taking into account the effect of functional pressure and the activism of EU actors. The article shows how the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and the European External Action Service seized an initiative from member states and set the foundation for the mission of unprecedented scope and complexity. This finding illustrates the importance of Brussels-based actors in driving EU security and defence policy forward in times of existential security crisis in Europe.
Global structures of digital dependence and the rise of technopoles
In their article published in New Political Economy, Maximilian Mayer and Yen-Chi Lu examine global patterns of digital dependency, highlighting how the United States and China, as key “technopoles,” possess significant technological sovereignty and strategically use digital infrastructures as instruments of power. Using the Digital Dependence Index (DDI), they develop a conceptual and data-driven model that reveals dependency structures across the areas of hardware, platforms, and patents. Theoretically, the study draws on approaches from international relations, international political economy, and concepts of structural dependency to analyze the geopolitical implications of digital asymmetries.
CASSIS - Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn