On 17–18 September 2026, I had the opportunity to present my research at the workshop “Mapping European Security Futures” in Hamburg, Germany, organised by the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) in cooperation with COST Action CA23129 – Peace Research Community Europe.
The workshop brought together researchers to critically discuss the current condition and possible futures of the European security architecture. Particular attention was given to future-oriented approaches, including strategic foresight, security imaginaries, anticipatory practices and speculative security, as well as to the changing conditions shaping European security.
As part of the workshop, I presented my research “European Security Beyond Europe: Why China Matters.” The presentation examined why developments beyond Europe are increasingly relevant to European security, with particular attention to China’s economic, technological, diplomatic and strategic significance. It also considered how changes in the wider international environment can influence European security dynamics and the way future security challenges are understood.
The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives on European security futures and to reflect on the drivers, challenges and uncertainties that may shape the European security architecture in the years ahead. The discussion-oriented format allowed participants to engage directly with different approaches and perspectives, while also identifying questions for future research.
I am particularly grateful to Prof. Dr. Ursula Schröder and Prof. Dr. Holger Niemann for the invitation and for creating a space dedicated to critical discussion and academic exchange on the future of European security. Workshops such as this are important for bringing together different perspectives and encouraging new ways of thinking about the challenges and possible futures of European security.
The workshop was also an excellent opportunity to connect research on European security with broader questions concerning international relations, strategic change, and the future international environment.