Sign in

Armida van Rij

@armida.bsky.social
3.7K followers 290 following 450 posts

Senior Research Fellow @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social & Senior Nonresident Fellow @global-affairs.bsky.social. Ex-Chatham House & King's College London. European security, foreign policy & politics. 🔗 www.cer.eu/personnel/armida-van-rij

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Tom Berendsen @ministerbz.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Twelve years after the downing of flight MH17, our pursuit of truth, justice and accountability continues. Together with our Australian, Belgian, Malaysian and Ukrainian partners, we remain committed to the victims and their loved ones. ➡️ Our joint statement: www.government.nl/documents/20....
042
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“There is a recognition that we need Germany, in particular, because they have the fiscal headroom and they have the money,” said @armida.bsky.social of the @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social think-tank, noting that France, Italy and the UK are “more constrained”. buff.ly/V2sOWBf
buff.ly
Germany is becoming a great military power again and parts of Europe are nervous
Berlin may be entering a new era of dominance as it casts off old restraints
161
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“The kind of 'hallucination' that the tool used by the analyst in this case conjured has not been an isolated incident across the intelligence community since these tools began proliferating across government, according to one of the sources.” edition.cnn.com/2026/09/18/p...
edition.cnn.com
Exclusive: US military had close call after using AI for false intelligence report, sources say | CNN Politics
The episode shows the risks of using this new, relatively poorly understood technology in the middle of the Iran war
31563245
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Very interesting research by my colleague @james-r-green.bsky.social on how to use stock market listings to finance innovation - have a read 👇
010
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Cas Mudde @casmudde.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Absolutely dramatic defeat for CDU and victory for AfD. Main question is: will BSW make it into parliament. Currently AfD is estimated at 39 seats, BSW at 5 (out of 83). AfD majority is unlikely, but still possible.
911246
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Super interesting piece, which also raises lots of questions for those constantly learning lessons from the war for NATO's future fight with Russia.
231
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social is looking for an EU institutions & EU politics fellow to join its research team in Brussels. Please see the #job description and details on how to apply below 👇 Deadline for applications 18/09/26 buff.ly/AbxXqg3
023
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Judah Grunstein @judah-grunstein.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
I don't think we've come to terms with how big a project it will be to unwind all these equity positions the US govt is taking under Trump, especially given the degree of corrupt self-dealing among the Trump family involved, which this article points to.
nytimes.com
How the Pentagon Is Getting Into the Venezuelan Oil Business Under Trump (Gift Article)
The Defense Department’s Office of Strategic Capital, founded by the Biden administration to give loans to bolster the U.S. defense industry, is helping lead President Trump’s oil deal.
1267
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
In supporting Europe’s far-right, MAGA and Russia both want the same thing: a weaker EU. Europe must defend itself without abandoning the openness these forces exploit writes @armida.bsky.social for @carnegieeurope.bsky.social. buff.ly/bqIrrgS
carnegieendowment.org
Why MAGA’s Far-Right European Ties Will Endure
In supporting Europe’s far-right, MAGA and Russia both want the same thing: a weaker EU. Europe must defend itself without abandoning the openness these forces exploit.
22618
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Carnegie Europe @carnegieeurope.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
📰 | Why MAGA's Far-Right European Ties Will Endure In supporting Europe's far-right, MAGA and Russia both want the same thing: a weaker EU. Europe must defend itself without abandoning the openness these forces exploit, writes Armida van Rij ⤵️ carnegieendowment.org/europe/strat...
carnegieendowment.org
Why MAGA’s Far-Right European Ties Will Endure
In supporting Europe’s far-right, MAGA and Russia both want the same thing: a weaker EU. Europe must defend itself without abandoning the openness these forces exploit.
12014
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
In this piece for @carnegieeurope.bsky.social, I argue far right ideology is here to stay. While political MAGA-European far right relations have cooled, the far right project has institutionalised through which it will continue to undermine liberal democracy. carnegieendowment.org/europe/strat...
carnegieendowment.org
Why MAGA’s Far-Right European Ties Will Endure
In supporting Europe’s far-right, MAGA and Russia both want the same thing: a weaker EU. Europe must defend itself without abandoning the openness these forces exploit.
062
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Thorsten Benner @tbenner.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Europeans would be well advised to believe that positions like those of J. Kavanagh & Justin Logan will gain currency with post-Trump administrations regardless of whether Republican or Democrat. And act accordingly working towards taking 🇪🇺defense fully into European hands.
67723
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
“There's a case, for other countries to make a contribution towards it [#Trident], because it adds to their security as well,” Lord Robertson told @armida.bsky.social in a recent @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social podcast. Listen to the full episode here: buff.ly/jCJqMnw
001
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
You heard it here first @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/4Vcu... If true and it goes ahead, this would align with the mutual defence clause in the Kensington Treaty.
open.spotify.com
Unpacking Europe: UK defence policy and role in NATO in the Burnham government
Centre for European Reform podcast · Episode
2145
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Merijn Oudenampsen @merijnoudenampsen.org · 25/08/2026
“Als je Ongehoord Nederland verbiedt dan kan het ondergronds gaan en dan zal het radicaliseren.” Jongens, ze vertonen toespraken van Adolf Hitler. Die radicalisering is al lang gewoon op de NPO gaande. wnl.tv/2026/08/25/m...
wnl.tv
Mediaminister Letschert worstelt met vraag over Ongehoord Nederland: 'We zitten niet in Noord-Korea'
3240189
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Karthik Sankaran @rajakorman.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I have a piece in WPR today about a peeve I am constantly peeving about here—the U.S’s fundamentally asymmetric view of sovereignty. Hope you find it of interest. www.worldpoliticsreview.com/us-soveriegn...
worldpoliticsreview.com
America’s Regard for Sovereignty Is a One-Way Street
The Trump administration invokes sovereignty to resist international law while using its power to violate the sovereignty of others.
23814
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
According to @armida.bsky.social of @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social, “[Southeastern Europe] is the soft underbelly of Europe as it is strategically important, hosting a number of NATO bases and key supplies to Ukraine and being on the Black Sea”. buff.ly/fD7389q
aljazeera.com
Why Iran is threatening Europe’s ‘strategically important’ southeast
Tehran has threatened Bulgaria, home to a US air base, but how credible is that threat?
032
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Gabriela Greilinger @gabrielagreilinger.com · 25/08/2026
Austria is one of the most instructive cases for understanding the far right and the consequences of its normalisation, yet it has received so little international attention.
derstandard.at
Geheime Dokumente belegen Pakt zwischen FPÖ-Jugend und Identitären sowie braune Umtriebe
Die FPÖ-Jugend nutzt die identitäre Tarnorganisation "Aktion 451" als Kaderschmiede, während dort "Arierknochen" vermessen werden. Whistleblower packen aus, die FJ reagiert empört
26727
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Gesine Weber @gesineweber.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
If there is one podcast episode on UK defence policy that you should all listen to, it's this one:
1203
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Kori Schake @kschake.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
"The lesson that U.S. rivals are likely to take from the war is that the brilliance of the American military is largely irrelevant."
410826
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
“The UK’s defence policy is premised on ‘NATO first’, a principle underscored by the 2024 SDR. How do UK defence readiness issues impact the alliance’s defence and deterrence posture?" @armida.bsky.social asked Lord Robertson in the @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social podcast. Listen:
buff.ly
Centre for European Reform: Unpacking Europe: UK defence policy and role in NATO in the Burnham government
On this week’s Unpacking Europe podcast, Armida van Rij sat down with Lord Robertson, former NATO Secretary General and co-lead of the 2024 UK Strategic Defence Review, to discuss priorities for ...
131
Reposted by Armida van Rij
The Kyiv Independent @kyivindependent.com · 04/08/2026
⚡️ Ukraine will 'never' join NATO, ex-commander Zaluzhnyi says. "It is impossible for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, given their current level of development, to join an organization that is guided by World War II doctrines," Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.K., Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said.
kyivindependent.com
Ukraine will 'never' join NATO, ex-commander Zaluzhnyi says
"It is impossible for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, given their current level of development, to join an organization that is guided by World War II doctrines," Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.K., Valerii...
2819153
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
"Can I ask you for your three pieces of advice to @andyburnham.bsky.social, @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social, Healey for how to go about building this national conversation on #defence?" @armida.bsky.social asked Lord Robertson in the latest CER podcast. Listen here: buff.ly/jCJqMnw
023
Reposted by Armida van Rij
International Affairs @iajournal.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
‘NATO … must also update the way it conceptualizes twenty-first century warfare’, write @jamespattonrogers.bsky.social, Dominika Kunertova, James Wesley Hutto & Elizabeth H. Redmond. Read their #openaccess policy paper as our Editors’ Choice article: doi.org/10.1093/ia/iiag092
021
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Ook Amerikaan @james-r-green.bsky.social van de denktank @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social ziet een ‘economische kans’ voor het Europese blok omdat de concurrentiestrijd tussen de VS en China ertoe leidt dat betaalbare AI breder beschikbaar komt. buff.ly/GDjPsHP
nrc.nl
Zou Europa in de AI-race meer naar China moeten gaan leunen?
AI-race: De twijfel groeit aan de houdbaarheid van de Amerikaanse AI-strategie. Een belangrijke pijler daaronder is ‘China klein houden’ – en dat lukt niet. Experts zien kansen voor Brussel.
101
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Lauren Dobson-Hughes @ldobsonhughes.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Solidarity is the EU's greatest strength In their haste to capitalize on anti-immigration sentiment, European centre-right politicians have strengthened MAGA/Russian propaganda and undermined the very asset that protects them as a unit
23119
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Speaking on our podcast, Lord George Robertson suggested that other European NATO countries should contribute (financially or otherwise) to maintaining the UK's nuclear deterrent. An innovative idea, though not without challenges...
142
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Really enjoyed this conversation with Lord Robertson. Come for the NATO chat, stay for the ideas on funding the UK nuclear deterrent. Ps. If you make it to the end of the episode and wonder what paper Lord Robertson is endorsing, it's this one www.cer.eu/publications...
052
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Really enjoyed this conversation with Lord Robertson. Come for the NATO chat, stay for the ideas on funding the UK nuclear deterrent. Ps. If you make it to the end of the episode and wonder what paper Lord Robertson is endorsing, it's this one www.cer.eu/publications...
052
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Anthony Painter @anthonypainter.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
How's reindustrialisation going in the US? The country pursuing a mercantilist policy of tariff and trade coercion in order to reindustrialise. Well, badly. Jobs declining in almost every manufacturing sub-sector.
Jobs decline in US manufacturing
24732
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Daniel Fiott @danielfiott.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
I am very pleased to share my latest Study for the @europarl.europa.eu, requested by SEDE, on “Advancing the Inclusion of SMEs in the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base”. I hope you find it of interest! Read here: www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/mt... #EDTIB #EUdefence #SMEs
074
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Russia's war on Ukraine is now in its fifth year. @armida.bsky.social spoke to Libby Berry of @global-affairs.bsky.social about where things stand on the battlefield, the prospects for peace, and what Europe can learn from Ukraine.
buff.ly
How Russia's War on Ukraine is Reshaping Europe's Defense Strategy
The conflict offers lessons for how to bolster European security with less support from the United States.
034
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Centre for European Reform @centreeuropeanref.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Last week, @armida.bsky.social gave evidence to UK Parliament's National Security Strategy Joint Committee for its inquiry into deterrence in an age of Russian aggression. Watch here:
buff.ly
National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
Subject: Deterrence in an age of Russian aggression
074
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Center for Global Development @cgdev.org · 21/07/2026
📢 #WereHiring: CGD Europe is looking for a Senior Policy Analyst to join our Europe Programme in London. This is an opportunity for an experienced policy professional with expertise in European development cooperation and development finance. Apply by 18 August: go.cgdev.org/4vLnACu
centerforglobaldevelopment.applytojob.com
Senior Policy Analyst I - Center for Global Development - Career Page
Apply to Senior Policy Analyst I at Center for Global Development in London, London, United Kingdom.
025
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Louder for those at the back who still think all male cabinets/boards/panels/anything is acceptable or leads to better outcomes.
070
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Good to sit down with Libby Berry from @global-affairs.bsky.social to discuss where things stand with Russia's war on Ukraine, what the rest of Europe can learn from Ukraine's defence tech ecosystem, and where Ukraine goes from here. Read the interview here: globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
globalaffairs.org
How Russia's War on Ukraine is Reshaping Europe's Defense Strategy
The conflict offers lessons for how to bolster European security with less support from the United States.
013
Reposted by Armida van Rij
John Springford @johnspringford.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
The US State Department is planning to hand $5m to Toby Young's Free Speech Union and $7m to some Jacob Rees-Mogg junk tank. You get the civil society you pay for. www.ft.com/content/1cb9...
ft.com
Trump to fund Maga-aligned projects in Europe as he reorders US aid
Objectives include countering ‘censorship’ from EU regulations and supporting ‘national sovereignty’
2147
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Cas Mudde @casmudde.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
This is a very rich and thought-provoking piece and is relevant far beyond France. Can be great start for a discussion about the future of democracy and, particularly, what we can and should do ourselves.
socialeurope.eu
France’s Democratic Malaise: Stop Blaming Citizens, Start Reforming Institutions
When eight in ten French citizens feel unrepresented, the problem lies not with democratic fatigue but with a political system that has forgotten how to listen.
05918
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Nathalie Tocci @nathalietocci.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Delighted to have contributed this By Invitation piece for The Economist on a question that has been troubling me deeply. How can Europeans switch into a war mentality, needed to prevent war, without actually entering it? And what can Ukraine teach us? www.economist.com/by-invitatio...
economist.com
Would Europeans fight, if it came to that?
Putting boots on the ground would not help Ukraine, but it might help Europe find the stomach for war, writes Nathalie Tocci
43417
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
I gave evidence to the UK Parliament's Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy as part of their inquiry on deterring Russia, specifically focussing on NATO. In a sign of the times, we spent half of the session discussing the US... Watch back here: parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
parliamentlive.tv
Parliamentlive.tv
National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
020
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
As I wrote last year: 'As Vance’s and Silicon Valley’s MAGA views converge, they will increasingly seek to bring about a transatlantic cultural revolution based on nativist values [...] to chip away at Europe’s liberal democracies.' Ps. I also offer how Europe should respond icds.ee/en/trump_sil...
icds.ee
Trump, Silicon Valley, and Europe’s Far-right - International Centre for Defence and Security
A new transatlantic alliance is forming. The old partnership was based on advancing liberal democracy, upholding the rules-based international order, and a security contract between the US and Europe....
0126
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
As mentioned last week www.ft.com/content/e2ad...
ft.com
US state department offers $3mn grants to Maga-aligned groups in Europe
Agency seeks to repurpose foreign aid funds to help organisations that support Trump administration policies
022
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
As I wrote last year: 'As Vance’s and Silicon Valley’s MAGA views converge, they will increasingly seek to bring about a transatlantic cultural revolution based on nativist values [...] to chip away at Europe’s liberal democracies.' Ps. I also offer how Europe should respond icds.ee/en/trump_sil...
icds.ee
Trump, Silicon Valley, and Europe’s Far-right - International Centre for Defence and Security
A new transatlantic alliance is forming. The old partnership was based on advancing liberal democracy, upholding the rules-based international order, and a security contract between the US and Europe....
0126
Armida van Rij @armida.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
As mentioned last week www.ft.com/content/e2ad...
ft.com
US state department offers $3mn grants to Maga-aligned groups in Europe
Agency seeks to repurpose foreign aid funds to help organisations that support Trump administration policies
022
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Cas Mudde @casmudde.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
It is a small amount of money, for now, but it will be interesting to see which organizations will receive the money. Moreover, it is yet another step in the active attack on liberal democracy by the U.S. as was announced in its National Security Strategy.
49447
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Lizzie Dearden @lizziedearden.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Experts say Russia's efforts aren't necessarily about making Brits pro-Russian, but "making the UK feel dysfunctional, hypocritical, exhausted, divided": "For Russia, it suffices to identify divisive issues to pour gasoline on, intensify them, and benefit from the resulting chaos"
1119754
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Lizzie Dearden @lizziedearden.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
The former head of countering disinformation at the Foreign Office, told me social media had increased Russia’s ability to influence public debate and reach specific audiences, both through the use of bots and paid assets: “They use a variety of different means, and they’ve got better at it.”
213227
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Lizzie Dearden @lizziedearden.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
The efforts, overt and covert, come as the threat from extreme right-wing terrorism driven by “anti-immigration sentiment” is rising CT police say the threat is being worsened by "polarised views in society", themselves driven by "wedge tactics from foreign states looking to create division"
711525
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Lizzie Dearden @lizziedearden.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Vicki Evans, the Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "They’re intent on identifying willing volunteers to peddle the Russian narrative. "Their ultimate goal is destabilising our democracy, sowing division and chaos, and disturbing our peace.”
419843
Reposted by Armida van Rij
Lizzie Dearden @lizziedearden.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Russia is inflaming the debate on immigration in Britain as part of “increasing ambitions to disrupt our way of life”, counter-terror police and experts say It has directly and indirectly paid right-wing influencers to spread messages that align with its political goals inews.co.uk/news/putin-i...
inews.co.uk
How Putin is inflaming immigration tensions to spark disorder in Britain
Counter-terror leaders reveal the tactics Russia is using to sow division in the UK
1001572865