Gesine Weber
@gesineweber.bsky.social
European security & defence, global order, EU in US-China competition.
Senior Researcher, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zürich. PhD Defence Studies, King’s College London. Into running, matcha, 中文. Views my own.
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com
Senior Researcher, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zürich. PhD Defence Studies, King’s College London. Into running, matcha, 中文. Views my own.
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com
I am not surprised by anything anymore, but I think that shows once more the direction in which the US is moving. (Should perhaps be careful here if I want to visit the states again…)
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/t...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/t...
December 10, 2025 at 8:46 AM
I am not surprised by anything anymore, but I think that shows once more the direction in which the US is moving. (Should perhaps be careful here if I want to visit the states again…)
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/t...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/t...
A écouter:
🫢 Divorce avec l'#Europe, changement d'alliance ou grosse divergence de l'Amérique de #Trump sur la nature de la relation de son pays avec l' #UE ? 🫢
On en parle dans l'épisode 45 d'Une semaine d'actualité avec les conclusions de @gesineweber.bsky.social ⤵️
podcast.ausha.co/une-semaine-...
On en parle dans l'épisode 45 d'Une semaine d'actualité avec les conclusions de @gesineweber.bsky.social ⤵️
podcast.ausha.co/une-semaine-...
Une Semaine d'Actu Ep45, America Good, Europe Bad | Ausha
Une semaine d'actualité Épisode 45, votre revue subjective de la semaine passée
Au menu, une sextape qui envoie le maire de Saint Étienne en cabane 🔑⛓️, San Francisco à l'assaut de la malbouffe 💥🍟, ...
podcast.ausha.co
December 10, 2025 at 8:41 AM
A écouter:
You all knew it was coming... here's the Geopolitical Europe holiday reading list!
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com/p/books-for-...
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com/p/books-for-...
December 10, 2025 at 7:42 AM
You all knew it was coming... here's the Geopolitical Europe holiday reading list!
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com/p/books-for-...
geopoliticaleurope.substack.com/p/books-for-...
That was a bit under the radar of international news these days, but couldn’t be taken for granted:
French social security financing bill adopted after knife-edge vote
French social security financing bill adopted after knife-edge vote
A narrow National Assembly vote hands Lecornu a fragile budget victory
dlvr.it
December 9, 2025 at 7:43 PM
That was a bit under the radar of international news these days, but couldn’t be taken for granted:
Good overview:
Good prime @theguardian.com on European reactions to the US National Security Strategy, including comments from @maxbergmann.bsky.social, @mijrahman.bsky.social, @alanderminna.bsky.social and me:
European Council president warns US not to interfere in Europe’s affairs
The new US national security strategy codifies a seismic shift in transatlantic relations, say experts
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Good overview:
I’m not sure to what extent Wadephul fully represents German gov here - I have the impression that Merz might be a bit more hawkish on China.
Franco-German axis pulling in opposite directions on China
Paris: Europeans will be forced to take strong measures and to de-cooperate, following the example of the US
Berlin: Such measures should only be considered as a last resort and we should be extremely cautious
Paris: Europeans will be forced to take strong measures and to de-cooperate, following the example of the US
Berlin: Such measures should only be considered as a last resort and we should be extremely cautious
December 9, 2025 at 7:40 PM
I’m not sure to what extent Wadephul fully represents German gov here - I have the impression that Merz might be a bit more hawkish on China.
⬇️
Europe needs to actively promote an alternative to US unipolar power politics and US-China strategic competition, which do not serve the EU.
New from @gesineweber.bsky.social: ip-quarterly.com/en/why-europ...
New from @gesineweber.bsky.social: ip-quarterly.com/en/why-europ...
Why Europe Should Work Toward Managed Multipolarity
US unipolar power politics and US-China strategic competition do not serve Europe. It must actively promote an alternative.
ip-quarterly.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:23 PM
⬇️
Reposted by Gesine Weber
Worth reading
A key UN report, the Global Environment Outlook, on the state of the global environment has been "hijacked" by the United States and other countries who were unwilling to go along with the scientific findings, the co-chair has told the BBC.
UN environment report 'hijacked' over fossil fuels - top scientist
The US and other governments derailed an agreement on a global environment study, its co-chair says.
www.bbc.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Worth reading
There are also good news from the US. Absolutely love this for NYC.
In addition to all of the other benefits already reported about NYC congestion pricing, "In the first six months of the program, air pollution – in the form of particulate matter 2.5 micrometers and smaller – dropped by 22% in the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ)"
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
Congestion pricing improved air quality in NYC and suburbs | Cornell Chronicle
Cornell researchers tallied the environmental benefits of New York City’s congestion pricing program and found air pollution dropped by 22% in Manhattan, with additional declines across the city’s fiv...
news.cornell.edu
December 9, 2025 at 12:41 PM
There are also good news from the US. Absolutely love this for NYC.
Many interesting dynamics in the EU-Canada relationship recently:
- Security and Defence Partnership
- Canadian bid to participate in SAFE
- conclusion of Digital Partnership today
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
- Security and Defence Partnership
- Canadian bid to participate in SAFE
- conclusion of Digital Partnership today
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
European Union and Canada strengthen their digital partnership with a focus on artificial intelligence, digital identity wallets and independent media
The EU and Canada reinforced their cooperation and reaffirmed shared interests to boost competitiveness, innovation and economic resilience during the first Digital Partnership Council held today in M...
ec.europa.eu
December 9, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Many interesting dynamics in the EU-Canada relationship recently:
- Security and Defence Partnership
- Canadian bid to participate in SAFE
- conclusion of Digital Partnership today
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
- Security and Defence Partnership
- Canadian bid to participate in SAFE
- conclusion of Digital Partnership today
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Yep. Don't overrate.
The EU has quietly renewed its sanctions on four Chinese officials and one organisation for their role in human rights violations in Xinjiang - procedural move, done last week without fanfare along with other sanctions rollovers - via @engineroglu_fw
December 8, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Yep. Don't overrate.
Reposted by Gesine Weber
Dear European official accounts, just a reminder that it is possible to leave X behind - the German defence ministry did so in January 2025 and has not posted since.
Verteidigungsministerium lässt X-Kanal ruhen
Das Gebaren von US-Milliardär Musk rund um seine Social-Media-Plattform X lässt die Kritik daran immer lauter werden. Nun will das Wehrressort als erstes Bundesministerium X nicht mehr nutzen. Ganz we...
www.tagesschau.de
December 8, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Dear European official accounts, just a reminder that it is possible to leave X behind - the German defence ministry did so in January 2025 and has not posted since.
French president Macron is back from his trip to China. France24 has a summary, I have a few thoughts. Short 🧵:
www.france24.com/fr/asie-paci...
www.france24.com/fr/asie-paci...
Ce qu'il faut retenir de la visite d'Emmanuel Macron en Chine
Dans un contexte de tensions entre Pékin et l'Union européenne, Emmanuel Macron a achevé une visite d’État de trois jours en Chine pour tenter d’avancer sur l’Ukraine, le commerce et le rééquilibrage…
www.france24.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:08 AM
French president Macron is back from his trip to China. France24 has a summary, I have a few thoughts. Short 🧵:
www.france24.com/fr/asie-paci...
www.france24.com/fr/asie-paci...
I do not fully agree with this piece, but there are many interesting thoughts in it. View on the US, though, is way too optimistic in my opinion. How would you describe views on Europe in the NSS if not as open hostility?
velinatchakarova.substack.com/p/europe-is-...
velinatchakarova.substack.com/p/europe-is-...
Europe Is Not Alone. It Is Geopolitically Asleep.
Europe’s problem is not that it is alone. Europe’s problem Is that it is still in denial about the world it lives in.
velinatchakarova.substack.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:45 AM
I do not fully agree with this piece, but there are many interesting thoughts in it. View on the US, though, is way too optimistic in my opinion. How would you describe views on Europe in the NSS if not as open hostility?
velinatchakarova.substack.com/p/europe-is-...
velinatchakarova.substack.com/p/europe-is-...
I know that I am repeating myself, but I think that youth mobility would be one of these things that are easy to implement (if there was political will) and would have a massive effect. Would be a shame - and a long-term strategic problem - to have another generation Brexit.
‘UK argues… Brussels is… reopening a debate… at which it was agreed to limit numbers…
‘EU diplomat.. perception among [EU27].. the UK… taking a “hyper-transactional” and “penny-pinching” approach might “demotivate” Brussels to deliver on other areas of British interest’
www.ft.com/content/773b...
‘EU diplomat.. perception among [EU27].. the UK… taking a “hyper-transactional” and “penny-pinching” approach might “demotivate” Brussels to deliver on other areas of British interest’
www.ft.com/content/773b...
EU demands no cap on youth mobility scheme with UK
Draft text also calls for ‘home’ fees for European students at UK universities
www.ft.com
December 6, 2025 at 5:48 PM
I know that I am repeating myself, but I think that youth mobility would be one of these things that are easy to implement (if there was political will) and would have a massive effect. Would be a shame - and a long-term strategic problem - to have another generation Brexit.
You know what’s coming: this is your regular reminder to disconnect on the weekend and do things that are good for you. I recommend you do it twice if you read the US NSS yesterday.
December 6, 2025 at 4:18 PM
You know what’s coming: this is your regular reminder to disconnect on the weekend and do things that are good for you. I recommend you do it twice if you read the US NSS yesterday.
Don't want to read the US National Security Strategy? I have a nicer weekend read for you, hot off the press in @ipq.bsky.social:
ip-quarterly.com/en/why-europ...
ip-quarterly.com/en/why-europ...
Why Europe Should Work Toward Managed Multipolarity
US unipolar power politics and US-China strategic competition do not serve Europe. It must actively promote an alternative.
ip-quarterly.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Don't want to read the US National Security Strategy? I have a nicer weekend read for you, hot off the press in @ipq.bsky.social:
ip-quarterly.com/en/why-europ...
ip-quarterly.com/en/why-europ...
Surprise is the main word here. I absolutely cannot understand why people are still surprised or shocked by that, and how even some experts still sugarcoat the US and its views on Europe.
People continue to be surprised by this stuff as if we don't already know that the main point of strategy documents for the Trump admin is throwing far-right talking points together in exactly the way that produces maximum trolling.
December 5, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Surprise is the main word here. I absolutely cannot understand why people are still surprised or shocked by that, and how even some experts still sugarcoat the US and its views on Europe.
Sometimes people tell me that I exaggerate when I say that the US openly hostile towards Europe. The NSS speaks a very clear language though, and it is a hostile one.
Europeans are waking up this morning to find the new US National Security Strategy (quietly) released. And what it has to say on Europe could not be clearer. On the „stark prospect of civilizations erasure“ for example. 👇
December 5, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Sometimes people tell me that I exaggerate when I say that the US openly hostile towards Europe. The NSS speaks a very clear language though, and it is a hostile one.
Thanks for the warning, @kschake.bsky.social. I guess it will be a painful read.
The Trump National Security Strategy is an act of vandalism against the things that actually make our country strong, safe, and prosperous.
December 5, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Thanks for the warning, @kschake.bsky.social. I guess it will be a painful read.
Moscow, Washington, and Brussels.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin will test how well New Delhi can balance ties with Moscow and Washington.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/04/m...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/04/m...
Modi Walks a Tightrope Between Putin and Trump
This week’s meeting with Putin will test how well India can balance ties with Russia and the United States.
foreignpolicy.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Moscow, Washington, and Brussels.
Yes, of course Ukraine is on the agenda when any European leader travels to China. But it’s also very clear that trying to shift China’s position towards Europe’s is a dead end.
Face à Emmanuel Macron, Xi Jinping ne lâche rien sur l’Ukraine
Face à Emmanuel Macron, Xi Jinping ne lâche rien sur l’Ukraine
Le président français a tenté une nouvelle fois de pousser la Chine à faire pression sur Moscou pour mettre fin à la guerre en Ukraine. Mais Pékin, qui soutient l’effort de guerre russe en livrant des composants, refuse de s’impliquer davantage.
www.lemonde.fr
December 4, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Yes, of course Ukraine is on the agenda when any European leader travels to China. But it’s also very clear that trying to shift China’s position towards Europe’s is a dead end.
Should Europe negotiate with Russia?
All 7 experts here say yes (with caveats) - that shows how much European thinking has evolved over the last year. Even the question would have been a non-starter, especially in Eastern Europe.
carnegieendowment.org/europe/strat...
All 7 experts here say yes (with caveats) - that shows how much European thinking has evolved over the last year. Even the question would have been a non-starter, especially in Eastern Europe.
carnegieendowment.org/europe/strat...
Taking the Pulse: Should Europe Negotiate with Russia?
By negotiating directly with the Kremlin, the Trump administration has broken the taboo on diplomatic contacts with Russia. With Ukrainian and European security at stake, is it time for Brussels to op...
carnegieendowment.org
December 4, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Should Europe negotiate with Russia?
All 7 experts here say yes (with caveats) - that shows how much European thinking has evolved over the last year. Even the question would have been a non-starter, especially in Eastern Europe.
carnegieendowment.org/europe/strat...
All 7 experts here say yes (with caveats) - that shows how much European thinking has evolved over the last year. Even the question would have been a non-starter, especially in Eastern Europe.
carnegieendowment.org/europe/strat...
French President Macron is in China at the moment. First results of the visit:
(Still need to watch this, recap tomorrow)
www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...
(Still need to watch this, recap tomorrow)
www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...
Visite d’État en République populaire de Chine : premiers jours à Pékin.
Le Président de la République et Madame Brigitte Macron se sont rendus en République populaire de Chine à l’occasion d’une visite d’État du 3 au 5 décembre 2025.
www.elysee.fr
December 4, 2025 at 7:34 PM
French President Macron is in China at the moment. First results of the visit:
(Still need to watch this, recap tomorrow)
www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...
(Still need to watch this, recap tomorrow)
www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...
Took a train in Switzerland today. Staff asks for my ticket a second time; looking for my phone, I say with a smile that she did that just 20min ago. Staff very sorry, “everything is messy today, so many disruptions!”
NB: train is running *3 min late*.
German brain cannot comprehend this.
NB: train is running *3 min late*.
German brain cannot comprehend this.
December 4, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Took a train in Switzerland today. Staff asks for my ticket a second time; looking for my phone, I say with a smile that she did that just 20min ago. Staff very sorry, “everything is messy today, so many disruptions!”
NB: train is running *3 min late*.
German brain cannot comprehend this.
NB: train is running *3 min late*.
German brain cannot comprehend this.