Democratization First. The Community Method in CFSP as a Precondition for a European Defense Policy
The recent calls for the militarization of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) require first a comprehensive democratization of European foreign and security policy.
State of Emergency in Ethiopia: New Far East, Old Far West
Up until recently, little attention has been paid to the crisis which the Ethiopian regime has nonetheless been sinking into for more than two years. The rare spotlights focused on this country have praised its economic performance, describing it as a new “Far East” or even an “African lion”. The violence and imprisonment aimed at activists, journalists, and a good many citizens have remained hidden.
Kurds and the State Option
The Kurds in Iraq occupy what is practically a state. The Syrian civil war has resulted in the autonomization of the country’s Kurdish population. To Kurdish advantage, the JDP’s (Justice and Development Party – Turkey) ambiguous policy has cleared a new political space in Turkey.
Towards a New Geopolitics of Energy?
First of all, shale oil is starting to take the same dimension as shale gas in the US. Already 51% of US production comes presently from unconventional gas (shale, tight gas and coal-bed methane), and outlooks predict that the US will produce more gas than Russia by 2020. Oil imports have already diminished from 60 to 45%. As domestic unconventional oil production tends to increase, - it is now around 15% - imports will probably decline even more.
Asia: A Geopolitical Reconfiguration
The Asian “supercomplex” has taken shape: this is evident within the cross-membership model to Asian intergovernmental organizations and through the appearance of political counterweights to China, particularly in India.
Japan seeks French backing as Macron begins Asia trip in Iran war’s shadow
Emmanuel Macron touched down in Tokyo on Tuesday with a packed agenda and a receptive audience in a Japanese government anxious about a choked oil route and looking for support amid its diplomatic falling-out with Beijing.
Build and Maintain Air-Sea Superiority in a Contested Operational Environment – CNP 26
An exceptional opening roundtable at the 2026 Paris Naval Conference, bringing together the Chiefs of Naval Staff of the French, U.S., British, Italian and Dutch navies.
Replay - Navigating the Taiwan Strait Tensions: Perspectives from Japan, the Philippines, and France
Conference Replay - As tensions continue to rise in the Taiwan Strait and discussions grow about hybrid frictions potentially escalating into a kinetic conflict in the coming years, neighboring countries are bracing for impact. Japan and the Philippines would be on the front lines if a crisis were to erupt in the Taiwan Strait.
Replay - Conference with Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt
Invited to Ifri on October 2, 2025, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, highlighted Egypt’s doctrine of “strategic balance,” which is based on non-alignment and non-interference, while maintaining strong relations with major global powers such as the United States, Russia, and China.
Taking the Pulse: Should the EU Suspend its Association Agreement With Israel?
Israeli leaders are clearly stating their intention to forcibly displace Gazans out of the Strip, a policy which amounts to ethnic cleansing. To uphold its commitment to human rights, should the EU suspend its association agreement with Israel?
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Ifri, a foundation recognized as being of public utility, relies largely on private donors – companies and individuals – to guarantee its sustainability and intellectual independence. Through their funding, donors help maintain the Institute's position among the world's leading think tanks. By benefiting from an internationally recognized network and expertise, donors refine their understanding of geopolitical risk and its consequences on global politics and the economy. In 2026, Ifri partners with over 90 French and international companies and organizations.
