Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Giuseppe Spatafora

Mick Ryan @warinthefuture.bsky.social · 2d

My regular update on #Ukraine and global conflict is now available. This week: U.S. deep strike target data for Ukraine, more drones over Europe, the Pacific and my Big Five recommended war reads. mickryan.substack.com/p/deep-strik...

Deep Strikes are Hurting Putin & Russia: The Big Five 5 October edition

My regular update on global conflict. This week: U.S. deep strike target data for Ukraine, more drones over Europe, the Pacific and my Big Five recommended war reads.

mickryan.substack.com

1 28 170

Reposted by Giuseppe Spatafora

EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 7d

Fighter jets are too costly against cheap #drones and Europe can’t rely on the US, which is also new to this game. @gspataf95.bsky.social in the Washington Post on the EU's planned "drone wall". www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...

3 2

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · 7d

“The other side can just keep throwing things at you,”... “There’s only a certain number of fighter jets, each of them carries a certain amount of munitions, which tends to be quite high-tech and expensive. You cannot expend them easily.”

1

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · 7d

👉“Although NATO has the top-level defense capabilities,” Spatafora added, “they are not enough to deal with cheap drones that can be sent in droves and make a lot of damage.”

1 1 1

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · 7d

👉“The U.S. is sort of new to this game as well,” Spatafora said. “So the Europeans, basically they cannot just rely on U.S. capabilities. It’s new for everyone.”

1

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · 7d

A little present this morning: being quoted on the @washingtonpost.com article on Europe's drone wall plan: www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...

As Russia menaces NATO skies, E.U. plans to build a shield against drones

E.U. leaders say they want to build a “drone wall” along the borders with Russia and Ukraine after incursions into NATO airspace have raised alarm.

www.washingtonpost.com

1 1 3

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · 12d

Glad for the conversation I had with @benhallnews.bsky.social @financialtimes.com in preparation for their article on European airspace vulnerabilities and Russia's growing boldness.
Quote and full text here: www.ft.com/content/f945...

Denmark drone incidents expose European airspace vulnerabilities

Job of protecting critical national infrastructure grows more complex as Russia tests Nato members

www.ft.com

4

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · 12d

EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · 13d

#Moldova votes this weekend, amid accusations of Russian interference. A snapshot of how elections were targeted in 2024 ⤵️ From @gspataf95.bsky.social & Nad’a Kovalčíková's Brief: ow.ly/wHyH50X239c.

1 1

Reposted by Giuseppe Spatafora

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · Sep 5

European countries bordering Russia should prepare for the possibility that Washington could draw down its troop numbers in the area by building up their own military capacity, the president of Estonia told us.

Prepare for possible US troop drawdown in Europe, Estonia says

President Alar Karis warns that all European countries should be prepared for Russian provocations.

ow.ly

9 31 91

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · Sep 5

Previewing the latest @euiss.bsky.social research at #EUISS2025 Annual Conference

EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · Sep 3

📢 How can the EU navigate a transatlantic relationship marked by low trust?

@gspataf95.bsky.social takes the stage to present our upcoming new Chaillot Paper at #EUISS2025.

1 3

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · Sep 3

Follow the discussion: www.youtube.com/live/6AKxO0z...

EUISS 2025 annual conference: Kaja Kallas keynote speech

YouTube video by EU Institute for Security Studies

www.youtube.com

1

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · Sep 3

#EUISS2025 Annual Conference under way, with HRVP @kajakallas.bsky.social & @sbeverts.bsky.social

1 2

Reposted by Giuseppe Spatafora

Steven Everts @sbeverts.bsky.social · Aug 20

This week has seen a whirlwind of diplomatic summits, full of drama and controversy but not much clarity.

If you wonder what it all means, here are four short takes by @euiss.bsky.social analysts:

#EUdiplomacy #Ukraine #Trump

Where do we stand after the Alaska and Washington Summits?

After the high-stakes Alaska and Washington summits, Europe has managed to hold the line, buying time and keeping Ukraine at the centre of transatlantic diplomacy. Yet, Trump’s commitment remains a do...

www.iss.europa.eu

1 4 2

Reposted by Giuseppe Spatafora

EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · Aug 18

“In general, the Europeans talk much more often to Trump than during the first 100 days, which is good. They have influence. But it’s limited,” says @gspataf95.bsky.social. www.politico.com/news/2025/08...

Europe is sending heavy hitters to Washington alongside Ukraine’s president to bolster Kyiv

European leaders are on an all-out push to forestall Oval Office conflict at a crucial stage in diplomacy to end Russia’s war on Ukraine.

www.politico.com

2 4

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · Aug 14

Yesterday, I was interviewed by @france24.com for "Around the World" on the phone call between the US, Ukraine, and European allies. We touched upon EU attempts to influence Trump, the risks of the meeting, Putin's intentions, and the real obstacles to a ceasefire.

EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · Aug 14

European leaders know the #Alaska meeting will be unpredictable. They’ve given Trump key messages for his talks with Putin, hoping to influence a room they won’t be in, explains @gspataf95.bsky.social on @france24.com.

📺 Watch: www.france24.com/en/video/202...

2

Reposted by Giuseppe Spatafora

Jason Davidson @profjwdavidson.bsky.social · Aug 11

A fundamental question this article raises is whether Trump & Co. care about NATO allies who use "creative accounting" or whether they are going to look the other way and declare victory.

www.newsweek.com/how-nato-usi...

How NATO is using creative accounting to meet Trump's spending demands

In the Trump-brokered agreement for NATO to increase its defense spending, 'defense-related' projects take on a new definition.

www.newsweek.com

1 1

Reposted by Giuseppe Spatafora

EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · Aug 1

💡 The EU can address both its security & competitiveness crises with a new tool: increased defence budgets.

Europe has the opportunity to spark a dual-use tech boom that could boost its deterrence and industrial growth, argue @joristeer.bsky.social & @gspataf95.bsky.social. www.iss.europa.eu/pu...

Graph showing the 'snail pace' of R&D in the EU compared to US R&D. While overall defence spending among EU Member States has gone up, investment in defence R&D is not keeping pace with procurement.

5 7

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · Jul 29

Maybe that's the point...pressure on spending 5% quickly will lead to pressure to buy off the shelf american...

Minna Ålander 🌻 @alanderminna.bsky.social · Jul 28

While no one disputes that Europe needs to do more for its defence, the focus on defence spending percentage of GDP won’t get us there. Indeed, making Europeans commit to an arbitrary spending target is the best way to keep Europe from reaching strategic autonomy.

My rant in the @financialtimes.com

Spending 5 per cent on defence doesn’t make Nato stronger

An arbitrary target won’t enhance members’ capabilities or co-ordination and encourages creative accounting

www.ft.com

Reposted by Giuseppe Spatafora

Minna Ålander 🌻 @alanderminna.bsky.social · Jul 28

While no one disputes that Europe needs to do more for its defence, the focus on defence spending percentage of GDP won’t get us there. Indeed, making Europeans commit to an arbitrary spending target is the best way to keep Europe from reaching strategic autonomy.

My rant in the @financialtimes.com

Spending 5 per cent on defence doesn’t make Nato stronger

An arbitrary target won’t enhance members’ capabilities or co-ordination and encourages creative accounting

www.ft.com

23 97 360

Reposted by Giuseppe Spatafora

Gesine Weber @gesineweber.bsky.social · Jul 29

Absolutely yes. And the keyword here is "strategic": it's not smart to give yourself the means without the ends, and Europeans are clearly failing in defining the ends.

Minna Ålander 🌻 @alanderminna.bsky.social · Jul 28

While no one disputes that Europe needs to do more for its defence, the focus on defence spending percentage of GDP won’t get us there. Indeed, making Europeans commit to an arbitrary spending target is the best way to keep Europe from reaching strategic autonomy.

My rant in the @financialtimes.com

Spending 5 per cent on defence doesn’t make Nato stronger

An arbitrary target won’t enhance members’ capabilities or co-ordination and encourages creative accounting

www.ft.com

2 15 49

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · Jul 25

Glad to be back on @anadoluajansicom.bsky.social to discuss the Turkish acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoons: is it a step forward in defence integration w. Europe? Pragmatism wins, but structural issues remain. @euiss.bsky.social www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/op...

OPINION - Eurofighter Typhoon agreement: Türkiye, Europe, and the future of defense cooperation

Turkish army, the 2nd-largest force in NATO, appears a natural substitute for decreased US presence in Europe. Türkiye’s role in patrolling the Black Sea, protecting NATO’s southern flank, and reachin...

www.aa.com.tr

1

Giuseppe Spatafora @gspataf95.bsky.social · Jul 24

Short reading x the summer break: Europe should be ready for the US NDS & force posture review - coming up in late summer/fall. We should hope for the best but prepare for the worst. My latest @euiss.bsky.social commentary:

EU Institute for Security Studies @euiss.bsky.social · Jul 24

🆕 Trump's U-turn on Ukraine raised hopes in Europe, but the upcoming US defence strategy & posture review are being shaped by Pentagon leaders loyal to his 'America First' agenda.

The EU should temper expectations and plan accordingly, warns @gspataf95.bsky.social. www.iss.europa.eu/publications...

New EUISS commentary | No surprises? Preparing for the US defence strategy and posture review
Written by Giuseppe Spatafora

Reposted by Giuseppe Spatafora

Rolling Stone @rollingstone.com · Jul 16

NEW: “They won’t shut the fuck up about it,” Trump privately vented — referring to conservative influencers and media types lashing out over the Epstein memo — according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.

Inside Trump's Frantic, Failing Mission to Crush the Epstein 'MAGA Rebellion'

President Donald Trump and his administration are doing everything they can to make MAGA forget about Jeffrey Epstein. They are failing.

www.rollingstone.com

200 780 3.1K

Reposted by Giuseppe Spatafora

Shashank Joshi @shashj.bsky.social · Jul 19

1. This is a very rich podcast discussion between Vipin Narang, Pranay Vaddi & Austin Long (who did nuclear policy on the joint staff until recently). Covers UK-France nuclear co-op but most interesting bits are on the US policy of 'damage limitation' strategicsimplicity.substack.com/p/vipin-and-...

Vipin and I welcome Austin Long to the show (and MIT CNSP)

Austin Long joins us to discuss damage limitation (shocking, I know), arms races and arms control, the recent UK-France Northwood Declaration, and more

strategicsimplicity.substack.com

4 12 52

Reposted by Giuseppe Spatafora

Thorsten Benner @tbenner.bsky.social · Jul 14

Rutte really deserves an award for his handling of Trump.
Yes, this may not stick and Trump is at the same time seeking to weaken Europe with tariffs.
But on security this is the best day for Europe during Trump's time in the White House.

4 6 32