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.
© CASSIS
© 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.
© pixy.org
© 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
© Unsplash
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
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.'
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.
Current Media Contributions
Dr. Landry Charrier at FOCUS online: Macron and Tusk make nails with heads - New treaty for Europe's security
On Friday, Emmanuel Macron and Donald Tusk will sign a comprehensive Polish-French treaty in Nancy. This agreement renews the strategic partnership that the two countries entered into back in 2008 and sets the course for increased cooperation within the framework of the Weimar Triangle and beyond.
Dr. Joachim Weber on “Hodo 1930”: Focus on the state of the Bundeswehr and German military capability
In the news program Hodo 1930 on the Japanese television station TBS, Dr. Joachim Weber comments on Germany's current security policy challenges.
Prof. Dr. Xiangming Chen on the rapid rise of car manufacturer BYD
In an article for the European Business Review, Prof. Dr. Xiangming Chen from CASSIS Bonn analyzes BYD's rapid rise to become the world's leading manufacturer of electric vehicles. BYD began as a battery manufacturer and developed cost-efficient methods for producing high-quality nickel and lithium-ion batteries. In contrast to Japanese competitors who relied on automated processes, BYD used manual manufacturing techniques to reduce costs while ensuring quality. This strategy enabled BYD to successfully position itself in the global EV market.
Prof. Volker Kronenberg on the formation of the government at phoenix
Prof. Volker Kronenberg explains his views on the formation of the government.
H2 Reality Report at msn.com: Ambitious EU hydrogen targets - already unrealistic
The Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) at the University of Bonn was involved in an analysis that shows that the EU's hydrogen targets for 2030 are hardly achievable under current conditions. The reasons for this include high costs, sluggish investment and geopolitical dependencies - particularly on China. The study advises a more realistic, pragmatic reorientation of the EU strategy.
Dr. Joachim Weber on phoenix: 70 years of Germany & NATO - Where do we stand in terms of security policy?
In an interview with Phoenix, Dr. Joachim Weber comments on the Federal Republic's “war capability” in the light of 70 years of German NATO membership.
Dr. Enrico Fels at the General-Anzeiger Bonn: New space ministry could come to Bonn
In an interview with the General-Anzeiger Bonn, Dr. Enrico Fels talks about the possible establishment of a Ministry of Space and Bonn as a potential location.
Dr. Joachim Weber at Tagesschau.de: Dilapidated barracks - where to put new soldiers?
In an interview with Tagesschau.de, Dr. Joachim Weber talks about the new plans for the Bundeswehr and criticizes the feasibility of the project.
Events
CASSIS offers a wide range of events on current foreign and security policy issues.
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Upcoming events
60 years of German-Israeli relations
Regierungsviertel
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
We would like to take 60 years of German-Israeli relations as an opportunity to highlight the major milestones in the security policy relationship. A ...
Transnational Infrastructures in Geoeconomic Competition
Hörsaal XIII, main ...
06:15 PM - 07:45 PM
The lecture will be held by Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Bieling and is part of the lecture series "Infrastructure, Capitalism, and Dependency in the Digital ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
H2 reality check of the EU hydrogen strategy
hybride Paneldiskussion
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hydrogen is a key technology for the European energy transition. It can store surplus electricity from renewables and decarbonize sectors that are difficult to ...
Protection of critical maritime infrastructures
Online
08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Maritime infrastructures form the backbone of modern economies - and at the same time are vulnerable and their protection beyond national control is a complex ...
70 years of German sovereignty: International role models
Zoom / in presence
07:00 PM
en years after the end of the Second World War, Europe was still undergoing reconstruction - both politically and militarily. The attempt to create a common ...
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