Perspectives on European Security: From Below and In Between
The external threat emanating from Russia has eroded the sense of certainty and predictability that individuals and states need to feel safe and secure in their identity – a phenomenon captured by the term ‘ontological security’. The fourth and final KonKoop In:Security report focuses on this dimension of security with case studies from three of the most war-affected countries: Ukraine, Moldova and Poland. In Europe’s currently fragmented security architecture, the inherent security interests of the states caught between NATO and Russia have been oversimplified and partly disregarded. The authors of the report argue that in the shift to a more functional European security order, greater consideration must be given to the security perceptions and needs of these societies.
The report summarises the results of the workshop on ‘Vision(s) of Post-war European Security’ held at ZOiS on 22 January 2025 as part of KonKoop’s In:Security topic line The topic line aims to question state-centric notions of security and insecurity in times of war and conflict. The workshop was an endeavour to brainstorm about different perspectives on European security by scrutinising how decisions on the European/geopolitical level resonate on the ground. Participants emphasised the regional and local levels, with a focus on security perceptions and visions from below and in between.
Authors
- Nadja Douglas, Centre for East European and International Studies, Berlin
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Simon Weiß, Friedrich Ebert Foundation’s Regional Office for International Cooperation and Peace in Europe, Vienna
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Yevgeniya Gaber, Atlantic Council
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Denis Cenusa, Geopolitics and Security Studies Centre, Vilnius
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Magdalena Jakubowska, Res Publica Foundation, Warsaw
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Anna Kuczyńska, Civitas University, Warsaw
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Alexandra Dienes, Friedrich Ebert Foundation’s Regional Office for International Cooperation and Peace, Vienna
