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 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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© NASA
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
Landry Charrier at dokdoc.eu: Victory Is Not Inevitable
Landry Charrier, Associate Fellow at CASSIS, warns in dokdoc.eu against adopting the narrative of inevitable right-wing victories in Germany and France—and argues that democratic outcomes remain open and contestable.
Prof. Dr. Frank Umbach at Phoenix: Iran May Not Give Up Nuclear Weapons
Prof. Dr. Frank Umbach, political scientist at CASSIS, states on Phoenix der Tag that Iran is unlikely to abandon its nuclear ambitions, making a realistic deal difficult to achieve.
Prof. Dr. Joachim Weber at n‑tv: Israel Does the Dirty Work – US Forms the Threat Posture
Prof. Dr. Joachim Weber, security expert at the University of Bonn and Senior Fellow at CASSIS, explains on n‑tv that Israel is carrying out the military “dirty work” in the Iran conflict, while the U.S. subtly establishes a powerful deterrent presence.
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie at OVB/FR: Arrow 3 defence should be Germany's protective shield against Putin
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie, Professor of Security and Strategy Research at the University of Bonn, explains in an interview with the Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper why the Israeli Arrow 3 missile defence system is set to become a key component of Germany's security architecture.
Dr. Joachim Weber at Schwäbische.de: Embarrassing and disgusting -Why compulsory military service is really failing
Dr. Joachim Weber, security expert at the University of Bonn and CASSIS, believes that the return to compulsory military service in Germany is massively hindered by infrastructural deficiencies, bureaucratic hurdles and strategic failures - despite the growing security policy necessity.
Erst handeln, dann verfeinern Im technologiebegeisterten China verbreitet sich KI mit beispielloser Geschwindigkeit
In this article, Maximilian Mayer and Ningjie Zhu argue that Chinese AI startup Deepseek is at the center of a profound technological change. Although the performance of its language model is controversial, the decision to make the program code openly available free of charge has triggered an AI revolution in China.
Prof. Dr. Frank Umbach at Phoenix: Mediating in the Middle East "The EU Has Lost Influence"
Professor Dr. Frank Umbach, political scientist at CASSIS, University of Bonn, warns on phoenix vor Ort that the EU has lost influence in the Middle East and is currently outpaced by the US, China, and regional powers.
Events
CASSIS offers a wide range of events on current foreign and security policy issues.
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Upcoming events
Extractivism and the China-Latin America Economic Cooperation
Hörsaal XIII, main ...
06:15 PM - 07:45 PM
The lecture will be held by Dr. Luiza Cerioli und Dr. Rogelio Madrueño. It is part of the lecture series "Infrastructure, Capitalism, and Dependency in the ...
From the turning point to the epochal change - Quo vadis Germany?
Festsaal (main building) ...
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
With its war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has abandoned the basic principles of a
rules-based order and also intends to divide the West. ...
Islamism in scientific discourses & delegitimization
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 ...
Islamism: European dimension & foreign influence
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 ...
Past events
The Empire Strikes Back, or at Least It Tries
Hörsaal XIII, main ...
06:15 PM - 07:45 PM
The lecture will be held by Dr. Tim Zajontz and is part of the lecture series "Infrastructure, Capitalism, and Dependency in the Digital Age".
Maintaining ...
Prevention: How resilient is our country in times of crisis?
Bonner Universitätsforum
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Securing Germany's independence and sovereignty in times of crisis is a joint task for the federal and state governments. In the face of growing threats - from ...
100 years of the Locarno Treaties - the dream of peace
Gustav Stresemann ...
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
In 2025, we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Locarno Treaties, which were intended to create the basis for peace in Europe after the First ...
"Big AI" and Cloud Infrastructure Dependence
Hörsaal XIII, main ...
06:15 PM - 07:45 PM
The lecture will be held by Prof. Dr. Fernando Van Der Vlist and is part of the lecture series "Infrastructure, Capitalism, and Dependency in the Digital ...
Current Scientific Publications
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.
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.
CASSIS - Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn