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Erik Brown

@erikbrown.bsky.social
151 followers 280 following 40 posts

Kansan | Nonresident Researcher at Carnegie | Recently Fulbright at GPPi | critical & emerging tech, digital infrastructure, and econ competition | Posts my own

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Reposted by Erik Brown
Carnegie Endowment @carnegieendowment.org · 22/12/2025
💡 Carnegie's 2025 must-reads: We asked Carnegie’s directors to select one piece each that they felt stood out or best represented the program’s work for the year. See their selections here: carnegieendowment.org/emissary/202...
carnegieendowment.org
Carnegie’s Must-Read Pieces of 2025
Program directors share the analysis and research that stood out this year.
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Thorsten Benner @tbenner.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
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/...
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Lawfare @lawfaremedia.org · 19/09/2025
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.
lawfaremedia.org
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.
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Erik Brown @erikbrown.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
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)
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Katja Bego @katjabego.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
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...
euractiv.com
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
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Christian Panton @pa.nton.cx · 20/08/2025
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
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auonsson @auonsson.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
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...
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Erik Brown @erikbrown.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
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)
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Erik Brown @erikbrown.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
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...
ft.com
US set to ban Chinese technology in submarine cables
New rule aims to end key vulnerability in communications infrastructure after attack on American telecoms
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Reposted by Erik Brown
Carnegie Endowment @carnegieendowment.org · 15/07/2025
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...
youtube.com
Subsea Cables and European Security
YouTube video by Carnegie Endowment
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Erik Brown @erikbrown.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
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
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Christian Panton @pa.nton.cx · 01/07/2025
...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.
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Sarah Kirchberger @sarahkirchberger.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
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.”
helsinkitimes.fi
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.
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Erik Brown @erikbrown.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
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...
carnegieendowment.org
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.
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Noah Barkin @noahbarkin.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
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...
reuters.com
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.
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Erik Brown @erikbrown.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
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...
state.gov
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...
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Reposted by Erik Brown
auonsson @auonsson.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
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
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Carnegie Endowment @carnegieendowment.org · 21/05/2025
💡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/...
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Doug Madory @eldomador.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
🚨 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...
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Mark Douglas @maritimekiwi.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
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?
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Sophia Besch @sophiabesch.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
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...
foreignaffairs.com
Europe Needs a New Way to Cooperate
How to fill the gaps created by the EU and NATO’s shortcomings.
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Sophia Besch @sophiabesch.bsky.social · 20/04/2025
New paper: lessons learned and what should come next for Europeans seeking to protect their subsea cables. For @lawfaremedia.org with @erikbrown.bsky.social
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Lawfare @lawfaremedia.org · 20/04/2025
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...
lawfaremedia.org
Europe’s Undersea Opportunity
With threats to subsea cables increasing, European countries need to step up to secure their interests.
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Erik Brown @erikbrown.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
"[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...
ip-quarterly.com
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...
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Jana Puglierin @jpuglierin.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
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.
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Erik Brown @erikbrown.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Incredibly frustrating development, even if not entirely surprising
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Sophia Besch @sophiabesch.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
In this new paper for Survival, we take a long term view and outline how a new transatlantic alliance of revisionists could threaten the European political project. When we first presented the idea last Dec, it seemed far-fetched to many. Very interested to see how it lands today!
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Noah Gordon @noahjgordon.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
How can the US stop losing the clean energy race so badly? @milomcbride.bsky.social and I have some ideas: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi0Y...
youtube.com
How Can the U.S. Stop Losing the Race for Clean Energy?
YouTube video by Carnegie Explains
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Noah Barkin @noahbarkin.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Trump is expected to hit Europe with tariffs of 20% next week, EU officials tell the FT after a visit by the EU trade commissioner to DC. This is likely to trigger a major transatlantic trade war. US officials were apparently unwilling to negotiate. on.ft.com/4kZpzPD
on.ft.com
Top EU official expects Trump tariff of about 20%
Maroš Šefčovič shared assessment after meetings in Washington this week
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Carnegie Endowment @carnegieendowment.org · 24/03/2025
In two recent proposals, the European Commission appeared to hand responsibility for Europe’s tenuous security to its member states. Can they deliver? Read more from @sophiabesch.bsky.social and @erikbrown.bsky.social: carnegieendowment.org/emissary/202...
carnegieendowment.org
Who’s Going to Unite Europe on Defense?
In a new proposal and white paper, the union lays out how it could use its financial and regulatory levers to incentivize European defense projects—but keeps member states at the helm.
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Sophia Besch @sophiabesch.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
My commentary on the EU‘s defense white paper out now - instead of leaning in, in this moment of crisis the Commission is choosing a light touch and passing the buck back to member states - for @carnegieendowment.org with @erikbrown.bsky.social carnegieendowment.org/emissary/202...
carnegieendowment.org
Who’s Going to Unite Europe on Defense?
In a new proposal and white paper, the union lays out how it could use its financial and regulatory levers to incentivize European defense projects—but keeps member states at the helm.
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Erik Brown @erikbrown.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Great to see many proposals from the new "EU Action Plan on Cable Security" draw from @sophiabesch.bsky.social and my recent paper on Securing Europe's Subsea Data Cables: These include an EU-dedicated cable repair fleet (including icebreakers!)...(1/3) digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/j...
digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu
Joint Communication to strengthen the security and resilience of submarine cables
The security of the EU's submarine cable infrastructure must be significantly enhanced. The Joint communication presents strong actions in a whole resilience cycle approach: prevent, detect, respond a...
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Jeremy Cliffe @jeremycliffe.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
Remarkable: Merz wants to discuss reforming debt brake in the *outgoing* Bundestag, where CDU/CSU+SPD+Greens still have over 2/3 of seats, before new Bundestag is constituted by 25 March. Greens already signalled willingness this morning.
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Kaja Kallas @kajakallas.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
The EU is beefing up its subsea security. Today, we are taking steps to sanction saboteurs, deter adversaries and mobilise our military and civil capacities when needed. This includes boosting funding to safeguard critical infrastructure.
ec.europa.eu
Commission and the High Representative present strong actions to enhance security of submarine cables
Today, in Helsinki, Finland, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen presented the Joint Communication of the Commission and the HRVP to strengthen the security and resilience of submarine cables.
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Milo McBride @milomcbride.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
How and where does the U.S. allocate funding for disaster relief? Check out this novel analysis provided in the Disaster Dollar Database on these timely trends. Some stellar work from my colleagues @sarahlabo.bsky.social and @debbragoh.bsky.social at @carnegieendowment.org #ClimateSky #GreenSky
carnegieendowment.org
Tracking U.S. Federal Disaster Spending: The Disaster Dollar Database
The Disaster Dollar Database is a tool that tracks the major sources of grant-based federal funding for disaster recovery in the United States.
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auonsson @auonsson.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
Actually, VEZHEN has been in Sweden for hours. Grey line is 12 mile territorial limit. This makes everything a lot easier legally. So, THIS is the diversion? Too easy! =)
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auonsson @auonsson.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
Swedish Coastguard seem to have "advised" cable sabotage suspect VEZHEN to steer towards Sweden.
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Thorsten Benner @tbenner.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
Ab morgen darf ich einmal im Monat im Wechsel mit den großartigen Kollegen @jpuglierin.bsky.social @dschwarzer.bsky.social & @carlomasala1.bsky.social die Geoeconomics-Kolumne des Handelsblatts vollschreiben. Freue mich sehr. Danke sehr für die Einladung, Thomas Sigmund.
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Sophia Besch @sophiabesch.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
Useful next steps announced today! In line with our recs: joint naval mission, mapping of vulnerabilities, technology investment, better legal recourse, securing supply chains and investing in cable repair capabilities. For more on why this matters: t.co/5XvdZnKeI6
t.co
https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2024/12/securing-europes-subsea-data-cables?lang=en
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Sophia Besch @sophiabesch.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Looking to better understand #European interests, stakeholders & vulnerabilities in subsea cables ahead of the #Baltic Sea #NATO countries #Summit in #Finland tomorrow? Have a look at our recent in-depth @carnegieendowment.org paper (w @erikbrown.bsky.social): t.co/5XvdZnKeI6
t.co
https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2024/12/securing-europes-subsea-data-cables?lang=en
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Noah Barkin @noahbarkin.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Greens move ahead of the SPD in the latest Politbarometer poll www.zdf.de/politik/poli...
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Ross Allen @allenross.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
Joint Expeditionary Force activates UK-led reaction system to track threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor Russian shadow fleet 🇬🇧🇪🇪 www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
Joint Expeditionary Force activates UK-led reaction system to track threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor Russian shadow fleet
Joint Expeditionary Force partners and NATO will be alerted by the system of any ships deemed a risk to key areas of interest
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Erik Brown @erikbrown.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
Herming Chiueh, deputy head of Taiwan’s digital ministry, on lessons learned in Europe and Taiwan re: undersea cable cuts. Once a ship is “sailing back to China, you can’t do anything.” www.wsj.com/world/asia/c...
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Carnegie Endowment @carnegieendowment.org · 27/12/2024
7/ “Securing Europe’s Subsea Data Cables” by @sophiabesch.bsky.social & @erikbrown.bsky.social from the Europe Program buff.ly/3VDemcn
carnegieendowment.org
Securing Europe’s Subsea Data Cables
As the contest between China and the United States ramps up and Russia becomes ever more emboldened in its attacks on European infrastructure, Europeans must invest more to leverage their existing…
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Sophia Besch @sophiabesch.bsky.social · 27/12/2024
ICYMI, unfortunately it’s become even more timely over the holidays - our long read report on subsea cables in Europe for @carnegieendow.bsky.social, link below ⬇️
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auonsson @auonsson.bsky.social · 27/12/2024
Hong Kong-flagged freighter XIN XIN TIAN 2 has been shadowed by NATO units the last 12 hours as she is leaving Baltic Sea. XXT2 was just ahead of EAGLE S as the Gulf of Finland cables broke. She showed no track irregularities, but is conspicious by family bands to old saboteur Newnew Polar Bear.
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Michelle Wiese Bockmann @michellewb.bsky.social · 27/12/2024
FREE TO READ: Russia-linked Eagle S seized by Finland over damage to undersea electricity cable, was previously loaded with special transmitting and receiving devices to monitor NATO activity, according to source with direct involvement in ship: www.lloydslist.com/LL1151955/Ru...
lloydslist.com
Russia-linked cable-cutting tanker seized by Finland ‘was loaded with spying equipment’
<em>Eagle S</em>, the Russia-linked tanker suspected of damaging an underwater electricity cable on Christmas Day, was kitted out with special transmitting and receiving devices that were used to monitor naval activity, according to a source with direct involvement in the ship, which has since been detained by Finnish police
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Thorsten Benner @tbenner.bsky.social · 26/12/2024
yle.fi/a/74-20133526
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Thorsten Benner @tbenner.bsky.social · 26/12/2024
Finnish authorities stopped the ship (part of Russia’s sanctions circumvention “dark fleet”) in Finnish territorial waters. A good sign European states take this seriously & act swiftly. Still Europe is far away from effectively deterring this kind of grey zone attacks.
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auonsson @auonsson.bsky.social · 25/12/2024
Eagle S seem a very good candidate for a vessel guilty of the damage. Her dynamics are very similar to those of Yi Peng 3 and Newnew Polar Bear, previous saboteurs of Baltic Sea infrastructure. Eagle S is right now stationary in the middle of the fairway, ~50 km SW of Helsinki. International waters
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