European Leadership Network (ELN)

Check out the ELN's special newsletter on the Helsinki+50 commemorations ⤵️ With many thanks to the Finnish Institute of International Affairs - FIIA for their facilitation of the Expert Network on the OSCE's activities in the run-up to the main event. We would also like to thank the OSCE secretariat and Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland for organising the main conference

Eighty years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, ELN Policy and Research Director Oliver Meier writes that whilst world leaders are solemn in their remembrance of the immense harms meted out by nuclear weapons at every anniversary, away from commemorations, they are increasingly cavalier in their approach to nuclear weapons and their proliferation. He argues that this relaxed approach from both nuclear and non-nuclear weapons states has heightened the risk of nuclear weapons use. Policymakers must remember the unique destructive force of nuclear weapons, that we have been lucky to avoid another instance of nuclear use in the 80 years since Hiroshima and Nagasaki were struck, and the only means of ensuring they are never used again is through disarmament. #Hiroshima80 https://lnkd.in/eFq2tu9q

Faced with a near-term threat to their security, NATO’s European allies can establish a framework for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their defence acquisition system. In a new ELN commentary, network member Tom McKane outlines what elements this should contain. https://lnkd.in/ePhvmdVt

Today, on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, ELN Policy and Research Director Oliver Meier spoke to n-tv (in German) about Hiroshima's legacy and its contemporary relevance. #Hiroshima80 https://lnkd.in/dZjsGuyV

Today, 6 August, marks the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and the bombing of Nagasaki on the 9th August. This solemn anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the untold devastation caused by nuclear weapon use and the ongoing responsibility to ensure that they are not used again. - Ahead of the 75th anniversary, ELN Senior Associate Fellow Andreas Persbo reflected on the 80,000 who instantly died upon impact at 8:15 on this day in 1945 and the imperative to have a debate about the true costs of the Atomic Peace, and about the choices we have in shaping world peace. https://lnkd.in/eFEcvdQw - On the 70th anniversary, ELN Senior Network member Carlo Trezza called on senior global leaders to actively participate in commemorations, ensuring they are directly aware of their responsibilities for the catastrophic consequences of any future use of nuclear weapons. https://lnkd.in/eGg_k292 - As we reflect on the cost of human life and the responsibility of nuclear weapons use, ELN Policy Fellow Jana Baldus and Caroline Fehl argue that NPT members can do more to further the cause of nuclear justice through engagement and cooperation with TPNW proponents. https://lnkd.in/gZpH-ii5 - Arms control, diplomacy, and international cooperation remain the most important tools in preventing future use of nuclear weapons. In 2023, over 200 leaders and experts from over 50 countries signed a group statement arguing "We have many different views on the rights and wrongs of current geopolitical competition. But we all agree that it is long past time to start prioritising nuclear arms control and taking unilateral, bilateral, and multilateral actions." On today's anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, we repeat this call. https://lnkd.in/e2QySY3G

Two days of thoughtful high-level discussions in the Finlandia Hall, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Helsinki Dinal Act and pondering the past and future of the OSCE. Much work remains to be done.

This week ELN Senior Policy Fellow on Russia-West relations Alexander Graef, and ELN Project and Communications Coordinator Edan Simpson were in Helsinki with other members of the Expert Network on the OSCE to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. #OSCE25FI They had many interesting discussions with colleagues from across the Expert Network, and yesterday, they were pleased to attend the Helsinki+50 Conference organised by Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland with representatives of participating states and civil society. With particular thanks to Finnish Institute of International Affairs - FIIA for their support in facilitating proceedings. You can read more about the Expert Network on the OSCE's activities in Helsinki using the link below ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/gn56wMfv In advance of the Helsinki+50 Conference, former U.S. career diplomat Paul Fritch wrote a commentary for the ELN on how best to use this moment to recapture the Helsinki spirit, check it out below ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eauUFvQw

The integration of AI into nuclear command and control seems all but inevitable. While there are benefits, there are also considerable risks. In a new ELN commentary, Peter Rautenbach writes that experimental wargaming offers a powerful tool for investigating how AI could affect nuclear decision-making. He suggests three paths forward for how policymakers can use wargaming to generate quality data around AI and nuclear risks. https://lnkd.in/etDKKek5

On my way to Finland to mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. This is a time to reflect on the legacy of the CSCE/OSCE, and to think creatively about how the Organization's experience and toolbox can be applied to today's security challenges. https://lnkd.in/eA9GtFQE