Security research: Cooperation instead of Confrontation

The Bundeswehr advertises on street posters, talk show guests debate Germany's war readiness. Is our security under threat?

Prof. Dr. Tobias Lenz: We cannot rule out a threat, at least. In view of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, it is imperative for the state to realign its security and military policy – including the discussion on rearmament and conscription. Although Germany is not currently the focus of Russian attack plans, the Baltic states and eastern Poland are under threat. However, as a NATO member, we would have to participate in the joint defence. US President Trump has made it unmistakably clear that Europe must take responsibility for its own security in future – and as Europe's largest economy, Germany bears special responsibility for Europe's security.

How should Europe position itself to guarantee its own security?

Our goal must be to effectively deter Russia. This requires closer cooperation. Although Europe invests more in defence globally than Russia, the returns remain low: EU countries produce inefficiently and in national isolation, which leads to high costs and redundant systems. It is therefore essential to renounce unilateral national action. We must focus on cooperation.

Can the European Commission successfully take over defence coordination in Europe?

It remains to be seen whether it will have the necessary clout in the long term. It has gained significantly in influence in the defence sector in recent years – for example, through the European Defence Fund and Permanent Structured Cooperation, which are intended to bring member states closer together in research, development and procurement. Nevertheless, defence policy remains a classic domain of national sovereignty. Previous attempts at closer cooperation – such as debates since the late 1990s on joint arms procurement under the Amsterdam Treaty, which was intended to strengthen the Union for peacekeeping missions without affecting NATO structures – largely came to nothing because national interests and industrial policy considerations dominated. Today, however, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is forcing us into a completely new situation. The pressure to act is enormous, and the Commission is trying to take the lead.

In the 1990s, the United Kingdom was still a member of the EU. Does Brexit weaken us militarily?

No, I don't think so. The United Kingdom remains a member of NATO and continues to be actively involved in European security structures. It has close military cooperation with Germany. Two important agreements were signed recently: the Trinity House Agreement is a significant step forward in bilateral defence policy: military, space and cyber cooperation will be systematically expanded, including the joint development of long-range weapons. With the Kensington Treaty concluded in July 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Friedrich Merz deepened cooperation in defence and security – in particular on joint armament projects, military aid for Ukraine and a bilateral mutual assistance clause.

How can political science help to find answers to pressing security questions?

Political science plays a key role in objectifying the security policy debate. Through systematic analysis and empirical research, it provides objective data that can serve as a basis for political decisions. It also helps to better assess the effectiveness of security policy strategies and the risks of certain measures. In addition, scenario analyses are used to identify options for action. This scientifically based approach supports decision-makers in developing rational and sustainable solutions to complex security policy challenges.

You conduct intensive research on international cooperation, especially in the context of international organisations. How do states succeed in solving problems together?

Cooperation and security must be viewed as inseparable factors. Traditionally, the two fields were seen as separate in international relations: there were scholars who dealt with state security and those who researched international cooperation. We want to bring these two ways of thinking together and help to conceive of security as a cooperative endeavour.

Could deterring Russia even be achieved by a single nation state?

No, unlike hegemonic powers such as the USA, Germany is dependent on multilateral cooperation. Deterring Russia can only be achieved through an alliance. That is why it is particularly important for us to consistently pursue the principle of cooperation in the field of security policy as well. The history of the Holocaust has had a profound impact on Germany's foreign policy self-image: the ‘German Sonderweg’ that led to catastrophe must never be repeated. That is why Germany is intensively engaged at the international level – in the EU, NATO and the United Nations.

How natural is peace, really?

Historically, it has been the exception rather than the rule. History knows few long periods of peace spanning centuries, and when they do occur, it is as a result of the unchallenged military superiority of leading powers. Until the attack on Ukraine, Europe enjoyed almost 80 years of unprecedented peace through voluntary cooperation – a historic achievement that we also owe to the close cooperation within the European Union.

Thank you very much for talking to us!