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
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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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
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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
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).
Review of the Event ‘Neustart: The Next Federal Government Facing Major Challenges’
To kick off the new legislative period, an interdisciplinary panel discussion on 24 April highlighted key political challenges and future issues for Germany. The focus was on setting the course for domestic and foreign policy, dealing with populist forces and Germany's role in Europe and the world. The event was organised by the Henry Kissinger Professorship at CASSIS at the University of Bonn.
The Sino-Russian alliance and the return of the power blocs: Mao and Stalin’s long shadows?
On March 27, 2025, the Academy of International Affairs, in collaboration with the University of Cologne (Chair of Modern China Studies), the University of Bonn (CASSIS), and the Jahrbuch für Historische Kommunismusforschung, hosted a panel discussion titled "The Sino-Russian Alliance and the Return of Power Blocs: Mao and Stalin’s Long Shadows?"
Publication of the Report by CASSIS of the University of Bonn and the EWI of the University of Cologne
Hydrogen is considered an important part of the EU's and Germany's climate neutrality strategy. Significant progress is required for the ramp-up, otherwise the targets might not be met. A report by CASSIS and EWI analyses the status of the ramp-up.
Final Conference Forschungsprojekt „H2 Reality Check“
Review of the Final Conference of the Research Project H2 Reality Check
CASSIS and Democratic Resilience Center (DRC) agree on interdisciplinary research partnership
The Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn and the Democratic Resilience Center (DRC) at the Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg signed a letter of intent on 10 March 2025. With the signing by the chancellors of the two universities, Holger Gottschalk (Bonn) and Axel Puckhaber (Hamburg), and the spokespersons of the two research centers, Prof. Dr. Volker Kronenberg (CASSIS) and Prof. Dr. Gary S. Schaal (DRC), a research partnership was agreed, initially for a period of three years. The collaboration is guided by the CASSIS vision of meeting global challenges with European solutions and the DRC's mission of promoting resilient and robust democratic societies.
'What Will Happen?' podcast with Professor Dr. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder and journalist Michael Krons
How could the war against Ukraine end? What are the effects of Trump's rapprochement with Putin, and how realistic are security guarantees? These are the topics discussed in 'What Will Happen? Controversies and Foresight.'
Current Media Contributions
Dr. Enrico Fels on WDR 5: Spaceflight as a Strategic Opportunity for North Rhine-Westphalia
In the WDR 5 programme “Neugier genügt – Freifläche,” space policy expert Enrico Fels highlights the strategic, economic, and security-related potential of spaceflight for North Rhine-Westphalia. He outlines how the region can emerge as a key player in Europe’s space sector.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder on hr-iNFO: Putin’s Waiting Game – Peace for Ukraine?
In the hr-iNFO radio programme “Der Tag,” political scientist and conflict researcher Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder (CASSIS) comments on recent diplomatic signals from the Kremlin. He interprets Putin’s offer for negotiations as a calculated maneuver driven by geopolitical strategy and domestic considerations.
Hans-Dieter Heumann on phoenix: “Zero Progress Toward a Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine”
In an interview with German broadcaster phoenix, Hans-Dieter Heumann, former President of the Federal Academy for Security Policy, assesses the outcome of the recent Russia–Ukraine talks in Istanbul. His verdict: no progress was made toward a ceasefire.
Ukraine Talks in Istanbul: Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder Analyzes Diplomatic Dynamics
Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder (CASSIS) views the Ukraine talks in Istanbul as a tactical maneuver by Russia. He sees no genuine willingness to negotiate but rather an attempt to buy time and divide the West.
Using Wind Power Against Sabotage: Dr. Moritz Brake on Baltic Sea Security Measures
The Baltic Sea is increasingly exposed to geopolitical tensions. Dr. Moritz Brake (CASSIS) comments on the integration of military surveillance into offshore wind farms as a key step in protecting critical infrastructure.
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie at the Nordbayerische Nachrichten: What a more evil world demands of us
In the Nordbayerische Nachrichten, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie assesses Europe's security policy challenges and calls for a strategic reorientation in the face of a changing transatlantic order.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder on n-tv: Impressed by Ukraine's resistance
n an interview with the news channel n-tv, Prof. Dr. Andreas Heinemann-Grüder, political scientist and conflict researcher, reports on his latest impressions from Ukraine. As part of a research project, he traveled close to the front line and vividly describes the reality of life for the people on the ground.
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie at Anadolu Agency: Power Plays in Germany’s New Government
n his opinion piece “Power Plays in Germany’s New Government,” published by Anadolu Agency on May 12, 2025, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie, Director of the Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) at the University of Bonn, offers a critical analysis of the cabinet formation process under Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Events
CASSIS offers a wide range of events on current foreign and security policy issues.
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Upcoming events
The Israel-Hamas war in a historical and geopolitical context
DIG, CASSIS
06:00 PM
Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the war that followed represent a turning point that can only be understood in the light of decades of ...
Islamism in politics & as a domestic threat
digital
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Islamism is one of the greatest challenges facing democracy today. Not because Islamist groups necessarily threaten violence, but because the aim of Islamist ...
Financial Infrastructures with Chinese Characteristics
Hörsaal XIII, main ...
06:15 PM - 07:45 PM
The lecture will be held by Dr. Johannes Petry and is part of the lecture series "Infrastructure, Capitalism, and Dependency in the Digital Age".
This ...
France's nuclear umbrella: Europe's new security foundation?
Onlineseminar
06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
In view of geopolitical tensions and a changing security architecture, the question of European defense is coming into focus. The Franco-German Strategic ...
Past events
Infrastructure, Capitalism, and Dependency in the Digital Age
Hörsaal XIII, main ...
06:15 PM
The lecture series "Infrastructure, Capitalism, and Dependency in the Digital Age" at the University of Bonn examines how digital technologies influence power ...
Mauritius’ Digital Cooperation with External Partners
Hörsaal XIII, main ...
06:15 PM - 07:45 PM
The lecture will be held by Dr. Li Hangwei and is part of the lecture series "Infrastructure, Capitalism, and Dependency in the Digital Age".
This lecture ...
Mauritius Digital Cooperation & Engagement with External Partners
Lecture hall XIII, main ...
06:15 PM - 07:15 PM
Public Lecture for Summer Semester 2025
In today's evolving digital landscape, the importance of data centers and cloud infrastructure cannot be overstated, ...
Islamism as a political ideology
digital
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Islamism is currently one of the greatest challenges to democracy. Not because Islamist groups necessarily threaten with violence, but because the goal of ...
Current Scientific Publications
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.
Connectivity and ‘Reglobalization’: India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and its Potential Digital Future
Dr. Gedaliah Afterman, Dr. N. Janardhan, Mohammed Baharoon & Dr. Maximilian Mayer argue that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) remains a strategic opportunity for driving economic growth, promoting technological collaboration, and serving as a platform for regional stabilization. The authors also stress that such initiatives have the potential to bolster middle powers and an inter- and trans-regional approach, thus mitigating U.S.-China bipolarism and fragmentation.
Publication of the Report by CASSIS of the University of Bonn and the EWI of the University of Cologne
Hydrogen is considered an important part of the EU's and Germany's climate neutrality strategy. Significant progress is required for the ramp-up, otherwise the targets might not be met. A report by CASSIS and EWI analyses the status of the ramp-up.
After NATO — the way forward
Emilian Kavalski and Maximilian Mayer write about the growing rift between Europe and the United States, drawing parallels between Winston Churchill’s contradictory views on America and the current strategic dilemmas facing Europe. While publicly advocating for a strong Anglo-American alliance, Churchill privately viewed the U.S. as an unreliable and self-interested partner—an argument that resonates today as the Trump administration actively undermines European security. In response, the authors call for Europe to pursue an independent defense strategy, moving away from reliance on the U.S. and toward a new security architecture.
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.
Enhancing European Space Access: Fostering Innovation Ecosystems to Strengthen EU Space Capabilities
The relevance of the space sector will continue to increase in the future. Against the backdrop of the current geopolitical power shifts, the EU faces the challenge of developing a sustainable and robust strategy for the development of its own space capabilities. In the new CASSIS Policy Paper, Ulrich Schlie, Gregory Tutton and Philip Schäfer analyze the EU's strategic position in space and provide suggestions and impulses for improving Europe's space capabilities.
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.
CASSIS - Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn