Winning student columns for the summer of 2024

We are pleased to present the four winning contributions of the Clingendael Spectator student column competition for the summer of 2024. After careful consideration of many submissions, the editorial team selected four entries for publication. The topics range from the reintroduction of national conscription to the challenges facing the EU's Green transition, and from India's influence in the Indian Ocean to the rise of right-wing extremism in Sweden. We invite you to read and reflect on these thought-provoking pieces below.1  

1. The time has come for national service
By Alexander MacDonald

"Current assessments of international affairs suggest that the world may be closer to an all-out conflict between major powers than at any time since the 1930s. Indeed, recent remarks from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk affirmed that Europe has moved from a “post-war” to a “pre-war” era. In light of this, the introduction of national service should be considered, which for a variety of reasons will stand to bolster the collective capability and resilience of the West."

>> Read the column here.

2. The EU's Green Transition: Avoiding a new dependency trap
By Amé den Hollander

"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s strategy of "de-risking, not decoupling" has introduced various measures to counter Chinese dominance. Nevertheless, these policies lack the clarity, framework, and strong messaging needed to project European strength to the international community. The EU must now commit to self-reliance, especially concerning energy supply, to prevent another energy crisis."

>> Read the column here.

3. India must exert its soft power in the Indian Ocean
By Arne Ronneberger

"When trying to understand the dynamics of the Indian Ocean, some analysists underestimate the importance of the small island state of the Maldives. The Maldives holds enormous strategic value for India due to its proximity to the Indian coast, where foreign influence can be precarious. Following last year’s elections in the island state, China’s influence has increased, posing a potential threat to Indian security and paving the way for a stronger Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. To counter Chinese influence and ensure stability, India must exert its soft power in the region to revive its partnership with the island state."

>> Read the column here.

4. Swedish right-wing populism is here to stay
By Peter Swnewajs

"Long boasting its reputation as a multicultural society, Sweden is now re-examining its openness to migrants and refugees (...). As Sweden struggles with these harsh realities [of , a growing far-right, anti-immigration populist movement spearheaded by the Sweden Democrats (SD) is unfolding, fighting for ‘Swedish values’ at the expense of migrants. Within this past decade, the far-right agenda went from rejected to mainstream due to the failures of the Social Democrats and the Moderate Party. Now, it is too late: the Sweden Democrats are here to stay in Parliament, beginning a new tradition of right-wing politics in the Scandinavian state."

>> Read the column here.

• 1Many thanks to Clingendael Spectator intern Huub van Gisbergen for taking on and successfully managing the student column competition for the summer of 2024 as a dedicated project.