https://hdl.handle.net/10419/59811 2026-10-06T05:29:29Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/322174 Title: How can the global sovereign debt architecture work better for African countries? Authors: Gwaindepi, Abel Abstract: There is a growing consensus that sovereign debt challenges in Africa are no longer only an issue of poor debt contraction and management practices, but that the sovereign debt architecture itself needs reform. Drawing on existing data, the literature and interviews with experts this study examines the state of sovereign debt in Africa, the failures of existing debt resolution mechanisms, and the urgent reforms needed to make the system more effective for African nations. The study finds that since 2010 African sovereigns have increasingly borrowed from private creditors with corresponding debt distress and defaults driven by short-term, high-cost, private debt, especially to bondholders. Reform proposals disproportionately target debt without emphasising that it is a symptom of deep structural issues that need to be prioritised for debt sustainability to be long-lasting in Africa. In this expanded creditor landscape, the reform proposals reveal an insider-outsider polarisation. Critical voices calling for a global sovereign debt resolution mechanism have gained strategic momentum but are not widespread enough for action. However, there are some tactical areas for pragmatic reforms. These include improving debt sustainability analysis tools, credit rating agency practices, and debt transparency. For African sovereigns, robust debt management systems are important as they allow pre-emptive restructurings which have been found to be better on many fronts than post-default restructurings. The analysis underscores the urgent need for reforms that integrate Africa's real sector development needs, emphasising debt architecture reforms that boost economies, but also make the architecture fairer and more efficient. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/322177 Title: North-eastern flank: Militarisation of the Baltic frontier Authors: Slakaityte, Veronika; Surwillo, Izabela Abstract: As part of a two-volume series, this report provides a critical analysis of NATO's north-eastern flank - Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - as a vital bulwark against evolving Russian threats. It examines how the four countries have transitioned from post-Soviet vulnerabilities into pivotal contributors to NATO's collective defence through unprecedented military modernisation, strategic infrastructure development and societal resilience. Shaped by their history of external domination and the pressing need to counter regional threats, these countries have integrated NATO forces and operationalised total defence strategies. All four states have well exceeded NATO's 2% GDP defence spending benchmark and are aiming for 5% and above in the coming years. Enhanced deterrence frameworks, including NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence and joint regional capabilities, have fortified the region's capacity to counter conventional and hybrid threats. Despite these advancements, critical gaps in civil defence infrastructure and resource mobilisation remain. This report analyses the region's indispensable role in NATO's deterrence-by-denial strategy and offers actionable recommendations to address vulnerabilities, ensuring sustained readiness and the Alliance's long-term security posture. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/322175 Title: Til forsvar for Europa Authors: Rud, Alberte Bové Abstract: Denne rapport beskriver, hvordan der er stor interesse i at udbygge det europæiske forsvarssamarbejde - særligt på baggrund af en forsvarsindustriel prioritering. Den europæiske højrefløj får stadig større opbakning og stadig større indflydelse, men har historisk set været i opposition til EU-systemet og protesteret over, at EU bredte sig over stadig mere og flere politikområder. Derfor undersøger denne rapport, hvorvidt den europæiske højrefløj stiller sig kritisk an til diskussionen om at forstærke det europæiske forsvarssamarbejde. Igennem interviews med enkeltpolitikere og analyser af valgprogrammer kortlægger rapporten, hvordan den europæiske højrefløj ønsker et forstærket territorialforsvar af Europa og i lighed med bredere tendenser i EU forestiller sig, at forsvarsindustrielle investeringer igennem EU skal bane vejen for et styrket forsvar for Europa. Forskellen mellem den yderste højrefløj og de etablerede strømninger i centrum af EU er dels, hvordan denne prioritering begrundes, og dels, hvor pengene skal komme fra. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/322176 Title: Northern horizon: Strengthening security in the Baltic Sea region Authors: Surwillo, Izabela; Slakaityte, Veronika Abstract: As a part of a two-volume series, this report provides a strategic assessment of Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany in the context of escalating geopolitical threats in the Baltic Sea region. It analyses how each country has recalibrated its defence posture - through adjustments to military spending, modernisation, enhanced civil preparedness, and NATO integration - while leveraging distinct strategic advantages. Finland and Sweden, anchored in their 'total defence' traditions, have significantly enhanced military and societal resilience, marking a historic reconfiguration of regional security through NATO accession. Denmark has reinforced its Arctic and Baltic defences, prioritised rapid deployment capabilities and reinforced transatlantic ties. Germany, under its Zeitenwende policy, is advancing military modernisation despite persistent resource constraints and bureaucratic inertia. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine served as a watershed moment prompting all four countries to meet NATO's 2% GDP defence spending benchmark, underscoring how acute threat perception has driven overdue investment and strategic adaptation. Despite this progress, enduring challenges persist - from readiness gaps and procurement delays to civil defence vulnerabilities. This report examines the recent developments, and challenges and highlights the importance of regional cooperation, NATO interoperability and sustainable defence strategies to ensure long-term stability in the region. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z