Who determines the security (research) agenda? Leiden University's Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) fits the need for more a more multidisciplanry approach towards security related issues. Wietse van den Berge • November 09, 2016
Analyzing Non-State Actors Among academics it is debated how to analyze non-state actors like IS. Recent research argues that existing state-centric analytical models can be applied to non-state actors too. Wietse van den Berge • October 17, 2016
Turmoil in the Middle East: it’s not just Sykes-Picot May 2016 commemorates that it is 100 years ago that the infamous Sykes-Picot Agreement was signed. The attributed impact of this diplomatic agreement on the Middle East is not in line with its actual role however. Wietse van den Berge • April 25, 2016
Islamic State’s Ambivalent Relation to Drugs According to Islamic State’s official propaganda – as stated in its Dabiq-magazine – it is very anti-drugs. However, in practice, Islamic State seems to use drugs to make money and strengthen its fighters. How to explain this ambivalence? Wietse van den Berge • March 07, 2016
The Paris Attacks: Implications of a ‘War’ on the Islamic State World leaders declare 'war' on Islamic State after the Paris attacks of 13 November 2015. The world leader appear to overlook some consequences that declaring 'war' implies. Wietse van den Berge • November 19, 2015
Whether ISIS is losing the war The Islamic State (of Iraq and Syria) seems to be withdrawing, but it is too soon to conclude that it is losing the war. Wietse van den Berge • August 05, 2015
The cleavage in Syrian Kurdish politics In Syrian Kurdish politics a striking cleavage exists between people who prefer social equality and those who prefer non-violence Wietse van den Berge • May 25, 2015
Foreign fighters remain alien within IS Foreigner fighters seem excluded by indiginous groups within the Islamic State, despite the Caliphate's propaganda suggesting otherwise. Wietse van den Berge and Mark Dechesne • April 15, 2015
PKK and Turkey: Time for peace? PKK-leader Abdullah Öcalan has called for peace between Turkey and PKK. The following months will show whether Turkey and PKK trust each other enough – at least more than they trust their common enemy Islamic State – to reach a settlement. Wietse van den Berge • March 09, 2015
