2nd Edition of the CECRI Conference on Strategic Studies

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Date

29 janvier 2025

Horaire

9.00-17.00

Site web

Conference Registration

Lieu

Louvain-la-Neuve

Adresse

Bat Leclercq -LECL 93

Contact

marion.jacques@uclouvain.be

“Reflecting on Belgium's Strategic Orientations: Opportunities for a Niche-Based Approach in Defense and Foreign Policy”

In a world undergoing profound change, Belgium faces crucial strategic choices in defense and foreign policy. Since the end of World War II, the country has been deeply committed to establishing and maintaining multilateral alliances. Multilateralism, the cornerstone of Belgian strategy, stands as both an undisputed and, at times, an unquestionable element. Within this framework, defense and foreign policy have become specialized. Given the evolution of the international system, should Belgium further deepen this multilateral approach, or should it seek to diversify its options by developing new specialized niches in defense and diplomacy? What role could a revitalization of bilateral relations play in defending its national interests? This conference aims to explore these questions by focusing on two main axes: (1) The relevance and limitations of multilateralism in Belgium’s defense and foreign policy strategy. (2) The opportunities offered by niche strategies and bilateral partnerships within a redefined strategic balance. Through discussions between experts, researchers, and practitioners, the goal will be to identify possible ways to enhance the effectiveness of Belgium’s defense policy and its diplomatic standing on the global stage.

Panels Overview

Panels overview

Panel 1 - Specialization as Strategy: Examining Belgium’s Defense Role Beyond Multilateralism

Description

Since the end of World War II, Belgium has relied primarily on its multilateral alliances, embodied mainly by NATO and the European Union, for defense. However, this strategy faces criticism both internally and externally, as Belgium is often seen as a 'free rider' delegating most of its security responsibilities. This panel aims to question the relevance of this multilateral approach in Belgian defense strategy. Should it remain the central pillar of the country’s security policy, or could Belgium enhance its role by adopting a niche strategy in specific areas? The panel will explore successful examples of specialization, such as maritime demining, and discuss potential niches Belgium could explore to maximize its impact, given its limited resources. What military structure and organization would support such a strategy, and how can Belgium ensure that these choices meet current security challenges without sacrificing multilateral cooperation?
This panel is intended for security experts, political and military leaders, as well as researchers and defense professionals who wish to debate the future possibilities for Belgian defense and security strategy within an international frame

work.

Panel 2 - What Role for Multilateralism in Contemporary Belgian Foreign Policy?

Description

The international system is evolving at breakneck speed. Alliances with shifting configurations are being redefined, raising questions about Europe’s role. Faced with a gradual fragmentation of the globalized world, UN multilateralism coexists with alternative initiatives, such as those promoted by the expanded BRICS. While multilateralism remains a powerful lever of influence, is it still the main path for Belgium’s diplomatic strategy? A return to power dynamics is influencing Belgian foreign policy and the promotion of its national interests. Should Belgium deepen its multilateralism by developing new niches, or would it be more relevant to revitalize a bilateral network that has declined in recent decades? This panel will explore this question to determine if multilateralism should remain the priority or if it’s time for Belgium to refine its approach through more focused specialization.
This panel is intended for experts in diplomacy and international relations, policymakers and diplomats, as well as researchers and practitioners in the fields of foreign affairs and diplomacy, who wish to discuss possible futures for Belgian diplomacy in an international context.

Programme

The conference will feature two half-day panels, each beginning with presentations from researchers and experts, followed by a roundtable discussion with practitioners from the field. A question-and-answer session with the public is also included in each of the panels.

Schedule	Programme
08h30-09h00	Registration
09h00-09h05	Welcome Adress - Pr. Tanguy de Wilde d'Estmael (UCLouvain)
09h05-09h15	Opening Remarks - Pr. Tanguy Struye de Swielande (UCLouvain)

Panel 1 - Specialization as Strategy: Examining Belgium's Defense Role Beyond Multilateralism
09h15-09h30	Keynote Speech - Major General Marc Thys (Former Vice Chief of Defense)
09h30-10h45	Part 1. Insights and perspectives Chair: Edouard Xia (Ph.D Candidate UCLouvain) - "The Future of Belgian Defence: From Standalone Forces to Niche-Based Forces and Back?" - Wannes Verstraeten (Ph.D Candidate VUB) - TBA - Pr. Tim Haesebrouck (UGhent) & Michelle Haas (Ph.D Candidate UGhent) - "Belgian Defense Policy: A Review" - Pr. Alexander Mattelaer (VUB) - "Towards a Belgian Information Warfare Doctrine?" - Julien Godfroid (Ph.D Candidate UCLouvain) Q&A Session
10h45-11h00	Coffee Break
11h00-12h15	Part 2. Roundtable with Practitioners Moderator: Dr. Simon Desplanque (UCLouvain) - Major General Serge Vassart (Former Belgian Military Representative to the Military Committee of the EU and NATO, Belgian Defense) - Major General Michel Van Strythem (Chief of the Belgian Cyber Command, Belgian Defense) - Ambassador of Belgium William Roelants de Stappers (Director Security Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) - Major General Bernard Phaleg (Head of Strategy Department, Belgian Defense) Q&A Session

12h15 - 13h45: Lunch Break

Panel 2 - What Role for Multilateralism in Contemporary Belgian Foreign Policy?
13h45-14h00	Keynote Speech - Ambassador (hon) of Belgium Ghislain d'Hoop (Former Acting Director-General for Multilateral Affairs)
14h00-15h15	Part 1. Insights and perspectives Chair: Vincent Gabriel (Ph.D Candidate UCLouvain) - "It's a Balancing Act. Belgium's Position as an Open Economy in a World of Geoeconomic Competition" - Pr. Cind Du Bois (Royal Military Academy) - "Belgium's Arctic Niche" - Dr. Karen van Loon (Clingendael Institute) - "Deepening Bilateralism and Fighting Fragmentation: A Complementary Strategy to Multilateralism" - Edouard Xia (Ph.D Candidate UCLouvain) - "To 3D or not to 3D" - Commandant Joachim Herpels (Ph.D Candidate UCLouvain - ERM) Q&A Session
15h15-15h30	Coffee Break
15h30-15h45	Keynote Speech - Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Quintin (TBC*)
15h45-16h45	Part 2. Roundtable with Practitioners Moderator: Pr. Michel Liégeois (UCLouvain) - Ambassador (hon) of Belgium Raoul Delcorde (Ph.D, guest Professor UCLouvain) - Ambassador (hon) of Belgium Ghislain d'Hoop (Former Acting Director-General for Multilateral Affairs) - Colonel Frédéric Linotte (Head of Defense Policy Division, Strategy Department, Belgian Defense) - TBA** Q&A Session

16h45-17h00	Concluding Remarks - Pr. Tanguy Struye de Swielande (UCLouvain)

17h00: Reception
* To Be Confirmed ** To Be Announced

Programme (pdf)

Please register via the form below.

Contacts:
• Pr. Tanguy Struye de Swielande – Professeur UCLouvain (tanguy.struye@uclouvain.be)
• Julien Godfroid – PhD Candidate UCLouvain (julien.godfroid@uclouvain.be)
• Marion Jacques – Teaching Assistant & PhD Candidate UCLouvain (marion.jacques@uclouvain.be)
• Edouard Xia – PhD Candidate UCLouvain (edouard.xia@uclouvain.be)

Conference presentation