Erik Brown
@erikbrown.bsky.social
Kansan | Nonresident Researcher at Carnegie | Recently Fulbright at GPPi | critical & emerging tech, undersea infrastructure, and econ competition | Posts my own
Reposted by Erik Brown
Critically insecure critical infrastructure:
13 of 19 antenna sites in vicinity of today‘s Franco-German European Digital Sovereignty Summit in Berlin are equipped with Huawei technology.
www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/...
13 of 19 antenna sites in vicinity of today‘s Franco-German European Digital Sovereignty Summit in Berlin are equipped with Huawei technology.
www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/...
November 18, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Critically insecure critical infrastructure:
13 of 19 antenna sites in vicinity of today‘s Franco-German European Digital Sovereignty Summit in Berlin are equipped with Huawei technology.
www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/...
13 of 19 antenna sites in vicinity of today‘s Franco-German European Digital Sovereignty Summit in Berlin are equipped with Huawei technology.
www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/...
Reposted by Erik Brown
To increase the security of Europe's digital infrastructure, @erikbrown.bsky.social argues that European governments should adopt guidelines that restrict and exclude high-risk equipment and technology from Chinese telecommunication firms from being used in their undersea data cables.
On Subsea Cables, Europe Should Avoid the Traps of the 5G Debate
Restricting untrusted components from Europe’s subsea data cables strengthens governments’ national security and benefits European firms.
www.lawfaremedia.org
September 19, 2025 at 5:34 PM
To increase the security of Europe's digital infrastructure, @erikbrown.bsky.social argues that European governments should adopt guidelines that restrict and exclude high-risk equipment and technology from Chinese telecommunication firms from being used in their undersea data cables.
New Piece: In @lawfaremedia.org, I argue that European governments should follow Washington’s lead in restricting and excluding high-risk equipment and technology from their subsea data cables (1/9)
September 19, 2025 at 5:13 PM
New Piece: In @lawfaremedia.org, I argue that European governments should follow Washington’s lead in restricting and excluding high-risk equipment and technology from their subsea data cables (1/9)
Reposted by Erik Brown
Spain scraps Huawei-linked network expansion contract after all:
"The €9.8 million tender was scrapped for “digital strategy and strategic autonomy considerations,” a ministry spokesperson told Euractiv."
An overdue but correct decision.
www.euractiv.com/section/tech...
"The €9.8 million tender was scrapped for “digital strategy and strategic autonomy considerations,” a ministry spokesperson told Euractiv."
An overdue but correct decision.
www.euractiv.com/section/tech...
Spain scraps Huawei-linked network expansion contract - Euractiv
The deals with the Chinese tech giant have put the spotlight on the unusually close relations between Madrid and Beijing
www.euractiv.com
August 29, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Spain scraps Huawei-linked network expansion contract after all:
"The €9.8 million tender was scrapped for “digital strategy and strategic autonomy considerations,” a ministry spokesperson told Euractiv."
An overdue but correct decision.
www.euractiv.com/section/tech...
"The €9.8 million tender was scrapped for “digital strategy and strategic autonomy considerations,” a ministry spokesperson told Euractiv."
An overdue but correct decision.
www.euractiv.com/section/tech...
Reposted by Erik Brown
Today marks 2 months since the NB8++ statement:
"Stateless vessels, including those falsely claiming to fly a flag, do not have a responsible flag state and are not entitled to rights under [UNCLOS], including freedom of navigation."
Since then, 32 false flagged vessels have enjoyed that freedom
"Stateless vessels, including those falsely claiming to fly a flag, do not have a responsible flag state and are not entitled to rights under [UNCLOS], including freedom of navigation."
Since then, 32 false flagged vessels have enjoyed that freedom
August 20, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Today marks 2 months since the NB8++ statement:
"Stateless vessels, including those falsely claiming to fly a flag, do not have a responsible flag state and are not entitled to rights under [UNCLOS], including freedom of navigation."
Since then, 32 false flagged vessels have enjoyed that freedom
"Stateless vessels, including those falsely claiming to fly a flag, do not have a responsible flag state and are not entitled to rights under [UNCLOS], including freedom of navigation."
Since then, 32 false flagged vessels have enjoyed that freedom
Reposted by Erik Brown
Submarine comms cable Shefa-2 has been damaged affecting a limited amount of users on Orkney and Shetland, islands north of Scotland. A hospital was caught without redundancy (shame card updated).
Tnx follower!
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Tnx follower!
www.bbc.com/news/article...
July 27, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Submarine comms cable Shefa-2 has been damaged affecting a limited amount of users on Orkney and Shetland, islands north of Scotland. A hospital was caught without redundancy (shame card updated).
Tnx follower!
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Tnx follower!
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The U.S. government is increasingly directing its attention toward the physical protection and cybersecurity of its subsea data cables and related digital infrastructure. A flurry of recent initiatives sheds light on the specifics of this approach: 🧵(1/7)
July 22, 2025 at 4:25 PM
The U.S. government is increasingly directing its attention toward the physical protection and cybersecurity of its subsea data cables and related digital infrastructure. A flurry of recent initiatives sheds light on the specifics of this approach: 🧵(1/7)
Not a particularly surprising announcement, but will be curious to see how this translates into pressure on allies and partners to follow suit in coming months www.ft.com/content/8ac3...
US set to ban Chinese technology in submarine cables
New rule aims to end key vulnerability in communications infrastructure after attack on American telecoms
www.ft.com
July 16, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Not a particularly surprising announcement, but will be curious to see how this translates into pressure on allies and partners to follow suit in coming months www.ft.com/content/8ac3...
Reposted by Erik Brown
What are subsea data cables, and why are they important to European security? @sophiabesch.bsky.social explains on the latest #TheWorldUnpacked, with Jane Munga and @ibkardon.bsky.social: youtube.com/shorts/twSI9...
Subsea Cables and European Security
YouTube video by Carnegie Endowment
youtube.com
July 15, 2025 at 7:16 PM
What are subsea data cables, and why are they important to European security? @sophiabesch.bsky.social explains on the latest #TheWorldUnpacked, with Jane Munga and @ibkardon.bsky.social: youtube.com/shorts/twSI9...
Question remains how willing Germany and others will be to firmly and consistently enforce such checks if ships lack insurance/sail without valid registration. Unfortunately, Estonia's pursuit of the Jaguar last month appears to be an exception to the norm so far
Not a moment too early. The more robust approach is welcome, though.
Germany launches insurance crackdown on Russian ‘shadow fleet’ https://on.ft.com/4es6NNH
July 1, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Question remains how willing Germany and others will be to firmly and consistently enforce such checks if ships lack insurance/sail without valid registration. Unfortunately, Estonia's pursuit of the Jaguar last month appears to be an exception to the norm so far
Reposted by Erik Brown
...If vessels fail to fly a valid flag in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, we will take appropriate action within international law. "
Time to act is now! More roving environmental catastrophes will continue to come, unless we put the foot down.
Time to act is now! More roving environmental catastrophes will continue to come, unless we put the foot down.
July 1, 2025 at 5:47 PM
...If vessels fail to fly a valid flag in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, we will take appropriate action within international law. "
Time to act is now! More roving environmental catastrophes will continue to come, unless we put the foot down.
Time to act is now! More roving environmental catastrophes will continue to come, unless we put the foot down.
Reposted by Erik Brown
Three crew members of the oil tanker #EagleS - the captain, 1st and 2nd officer - are facing trial for „aggravated sabotage and disruption of telecommunications“ in 🇫🇮 Finland.
“Under Finnish law, aggravated sabotage can carry significant prison sentences.”
“Under Finnish law, aggravated sabotage can carry significant prison sentences.”
Three Eagle S crew members face trial over sabotage of Finnish-Estonian undersea cables
Finnish police have concluded their investigation into the Eagle S oil tanker, suspected of damaging undersea infrastructure. Three crew members may face trial for aggravated sabotage.
www.helsinkitimes.fi
June 15, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Three crew members of the oil tanker #EagleS - the captain, 1st and 2nd officer - are facing trial for „aggravated sabotage and disruption of telecommunications“ in 🇫🇮 Finland.
“Under Finnish law, aggravated sabotage can carry significant prison sentences.”
“Under Finnish law, aggravated sabotage can carry significant prison sentences.”
My latest for @carnegieendowment.org: "The Baltic Sea at a Boil: Connecting the Shadow Fleet and Episodes of Subsea Infrastructure Sabotage.” carnegieendowment.org/research/202...
The Baltic Sea at a Boil: Connecting the Shadow Fleet and Episodes of Subsea Infrastructure Sabotage
Ships unofficially connected with Russia are presenting a new threat in the Baltic. Neighboring states must respond creatively and proactively.
carnegieendowment.org
June 5, 2025 at 1:43 PM
My latest for @carnegieendowment.org: "The Baltic Sea at a Boil: Connecting the Shadow Fleet and Episodes of Subsea Infrastructure Sabotage.” carnegieendowment.org/research/202...
Reposted by Erik Brown
Rubio welcomes the new German foreign minister to Washington with a threat to sanction foreign officials who clamp down on hate speech
www.reuters.com/business/med...
www.reuters.com/business/med...
US visa policy targets foreign nationals who 'censor' Americans -State Dept.
The United States on Wednesday announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals who "censor" Americans.
www.reuters.com
May 28, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Rubio welcomes the new German foreign minister to Washington with a threat to sanction foreign officials who clamp down on hate speech
www.reuters.com/business/med...
www.reuters.com/business/med...
Wow. "It is similarly unacceptable for foreign officials to demand that American tech platforms adopt global content moderation policies or engage in censorship activity that reaches beyond their authority and into the United States." www.state.gov/announcement...
Announcement of a Visa Restriction Policy Targeting Foreign Nationals Who Censor Americans - United States Department of State
Free speech is among the most cherished rights we enjoy as Americans. This right, legally enshrined in our constitution, has set us apart as a beacon of freedom around the world. Even as we take acti...
www.state.gov
May 28, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Wow. "It is similarly unacceptable for foreign officials to demand that American tech platforms adopt global content moderation policies or engage in censorship activity that reaches beyond their authority and into the United States." www.state.gov/announcement...
Reposted by Erik Brown
Shadow tanker FALCON has no flag, no insurance, 13 deficiencies including structural ones. Turns off her AIS to hide the fact that she slings LPG from Russia.
Entered Baltic Sea an hour ago.
Src: equasis.org, marinetraffic.com, @maritimekiwi.bsky.social
Entered Baltic Sea an hour ago.
Src: equasis.org, marinetraffic.com, @maritimekiwi.bsky.social
May 23, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Shadow tanker FALCON has no flag, no insurance, 13 deficiencies including structural ones. Turns off her AIS to hide the fact that she slings LPG from Russia.
Entered Baltic Sea an hour ago.
Src: equasis.org, marinetraffic.com, @maritimekiwi.bsky.social
Entered Baltic Sea an hour ago.
Src: equasis.org, marinetraffic.com, @maritimekiwi.bsky.social
Reposted by Erik Brown
💡Registration is open for the 2025 Carnegie Endowment James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Conference, The Next Generation of Foreign Policy.
📅June 11, 11am-5pm EDT, in-person. Open exclusively to students and young professionals.
Learn more and register here: carnegieendowment.org/events/2025/...
📅June 11, 11am-5pm EDT, in-person. Open exclusively to students and young professionals.
Learn more and register here: carnegieendowment.org/events/2025/...
May 21, 2025 at 6:07 PM
💡Registration is open for the 2025 Carnegie Endowment James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Conference, The Next Generation of Foreign Policy.
📅June 11, 11am-5pm EDT, in-person. Open exclusively to students and young professionals.
Learn more and register here: carnegieendowment.org/events/2025/...
📅June 11, 11am-5pm EDT, in-person. Open exclusively to students and young professionals.
Learn more and register here: carnegieendowment.org/events/2025/...
Reposted by Erik Brown
🚨 Today the EU imposed measures against entities responsible for Russia’s destabilising actions abroad … including … two fishing companies … that have conducted espionage missions and sabotage on critical infrastructure, including undersea cables. 👀
www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pre...
www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pre...
May 20, 2025 at 7:40 PM
🚨 Today the EU imposed measures against entities responsible for Russia’s destabilising actions abroad … including … two fishing companies … that have conducted espionage missions and sabotage on critical infrastructure, including undersea cables. 👀
www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pre...
www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pre...
Reposted by Erik Brown
Will Estonia continue to enforce against non-compliant tankers — even as the risks of escalation grow?
Or will another NATO country between FALCON’s current location and Estonia step in to support?
Or will another NATO country between FALCON’s current location and Estonia step in to support?
May 20, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Will Estonia continue to enforce against non-compliant tankers — even as the risks of escalation grow?
Or will another NATO country between FALCON’s current location and Estonia step in to support?
Or will another NATO country between FALCON’s current location and Estonia step in to support?
Reposted by Erik Brown
New @foreignaffairs.com piece out now with @richardyoungs.bsky.social
Coalitions of the willing are no silver bullet, nor is EU reform. Increasing defense budgets is not enough. This is not the time to muddle through, its the time for a new regional order.
www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/euro...
Coalitions of the willing are no silver bullet, nor is EU reform. Increasing defense budgets is not enough. This is not the time to muddle through, its the time for a new regional order.
www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/euro...
Europe Needs a New Way to Cooperate
How to fill the gaps created by the EU and NATO’s shortcomings.
www.foreignaffairs.com
May 5, 2025 at 5:24 PM
New @foreignaffairs.com piece out now with @richardyoungs.bsky.social
Coalitions of the willing are no silver bullet, nor is EU reform. Increasing defense budgets is not enough. This is not the time to muddle through, its the time for a new regional order.
www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/euro...
Coalitions of the willing are no silver bullet, nor is EU reform. Increasing defense budgets is not enough. This is not the time to muddle through, its the time for a new regional order.
www.foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/euro...
Reposted by Erik Brown
New paper: lessons learned and what should come next for Europeans seeking to protect their subsea cables. For @lawfaremedia.org with @erikbrown.bsky.social
With threats to subsea cables increasing, European countries need to step up to secure their interests, write @SophiaBesch.bsky.social and @erikbrown.bsky.social.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/euro...
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/euro...
Europe’s Undersea Opportunity
With threats to subsea cables increasing, European countries need to step up to secure their interests.
www.lawfaremedia.org
April 20, 2025 at 10:24 PM
New paper: lessons learned and what should come next for Europeans seeking to protect their subsea cables. For @lawfaremedia.org with @erikbrown.bsky.social
Reposted by Erik Brown
With threats to subsea cables increasing, European countries need to step up to secure their interests, write @SophiaBesch.bsky.social and @erikbrown.bsky.social.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/euro...
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/euro...
Europe’s Undersea Opportunity
With threats to subsea cables increasing, European countries need to step up to secure their interests.
www.lawfaremedia.org
April 20, 2025 at 1:02 PM
With threats to subsea cables increasing, European countries need to step up to secure their interests, write @SophiaBesch.bsky.social and @erikbrown.bsky.social.
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/euro...
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/euro...
"[T]hat China is a 'fitness center' where German companies can train for competition on global markets is still widespread. In reality, German firms are struggling on the treadmill while Beijing is pumping up their Chinese competitors with steroids." ip-quarterly.com/en/germany-n...
Germany Needs to Rethink Competitiveness for a Hostile World
Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to strengthen German industry, but his thinking is stuck in the past. The key question is how to make Germany and the EU thrive in the age of systemic c...
ip-quarterly.com
April 16, 2025 at 1:46 PM
"[T]hat China is a 'fitness center' where German companies can train for competition on global markets is still widespread. In reality, German firms are struggling on the treadmill while Beijing is pumping up their Chinese competitors with steroids." ip-quarterly.com/en/germany-n...
Reposted by Erik Brown
Well, judging by the lines on the US and NATO in the coalition agreement, you wouldn't think that Trump 2 was the decisive factor in Merz's U-turn on the debt brake.
April 9, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Well, judging by the lines on the US and NATO in the coalition agreement, you wouldn't think that Trump 2 was the decisive factor in Merz's U-turn on the debt brake.
Incredibly frustrating development, even if not entirely surprising
The US no longer plans to coordinate and consult with allies on export controls, including under the US-EU TTC format. Coercion will be the favored method going forward I suppose.
exportcompliancedaily.com/article/2025...
exportcompliancedaily.com/article/2025...
US to Shun Export Control Dialogues, Seek ‘Massive’ Increase in China Penalties, BIS Chief Says
exportcompliancedaily.com
March 31, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Incredibly frustrating development, even if not entirely surprising