Bundeswehr University Munich

Munich, Germany

Bundeswehr University Munich is a public research university in Munich, Germany that provides education and training for military officers and civilian public service professionals. It focuses on a range of academic disciplines and research while fostering international cooperation.

CCI Score

-20.88

0.02% April 18

Latest Event

University Activates Emergency Response after Cyber Attack

On January 23, 2025, Bundeswehr University Munich was the target of a cyber attack in which hackers compromised sensitive personal and academic data. The university swiftly activated its emergency management system, issued a transparent official statement, and initiated steps to bolster its IT security in collaboration with cybersecurity experts, including the Bundeswehr's Cyber Innovation Hub.

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Bundeswehr University Munich is currently rated as an Accomplice.

-20 to -29 CCI Score

These companies profit from authoritarian practices through their business dealings. Although they may not be directly enforcing oppressive policies, their actions contribute to the economic and operational sustenance of authoritarian regimes.

Latest Events

JAN

23

2025

University Activates Emergency Response after Cyber Attack
44.40

On January 23, 2025, Bundeswehr University Munich was the target of a cyber attack in which hackers compromised sensitive personal and academic data. The university swiftly activated its emergency management system, issued a transparent official statement, and initiated steps to bolster its IT security in collaboration with cybersecurity experts, including the Bundeswehr's Cyber Innovation Hub.
+50

Public and Political Behavior

March 29

The university’s prompt and transparent activation of its emergency management system and clear communication in response to the cyber attack demonstrates strong public and political behavior. Such responsiveness helps protect the public interest and builds trust, which is critical in resisting misinformation and potential authoritarian exploitation of crises.

Cyber attack on the University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich: Background information
+40

Technology and Services Impact

March 29

The response also includes proactive steps to strengthen digital infrastructure and cybersecurity measures, illustrating commitment to enhancing technology and services impact. Initiatives such as collaboration with cybersecurity experts and plans to modernize IT systems are constructive measures that help mitigate future risks and protect vulnerable data.

Cyber attack on the University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich: Background information
NOV

13

2024

Professor Advocates Major Increase in Defense Budget at Bundeswehr University Munich
-47.90

Professor Carlo Masala of Bundeswehr University Munich has called for an annual increase of around €10 billion in Germany's defense budget, arguing that a larger, more flexible budget is necessary for better planning and military readiness ahead of potential political shifts.
-50

Public and Political Behavior

March 29

The professor’s public call for a significant increase in the defense budget, coming from an institution that trains military officers, can be seen as an endorsement of expansive militarism. Such advocacy may contribute indirectly to an environment where aggressive military posturing and authoritarian policies are normalized, which is concerning from an anti-fascist perspective.

“Think Big and Do Big Things”
NOV

21

2023

Bundeswehr University Munich Collaboration on China-Linked AI Military Projects
-52.11

An analysis reveals that Bundeswehr University Munich collaborated with a People’s Liberation Army university on AI research projects involving drone target tracking and missile guidance between 2019 and 2022, raising ethical and security concerns.
-60

Provision of Repressive Technologies

March 29

The reported collaboration on AI projects for drone target tracking and missile guidance links the university to research that may facilitate repression and military aggression. The involvement with a Chinese military-linked institution raises ethical concerns about contributing to technologies that could be exploited by authoritarian regimes.

Analysis Reveals Europe-China AI Military Research Collaboration Raising Concerns
OCT

01

2023

Investigation into Right-Wing Extremist Network at Bundeswehr University Munich
-51.39

A report by Süddeutsche Zeitung indicates that a far‑right extremist network may have existed for years at Bundeswehr University Munich, with links between students, alumni, and the Identitäre Bewegung. Investigations by the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) are underway regarding several students suspected of right‑wing extremism.
-60

Public and Political Behavior

March 29

The report highlights suspected ties between the university community and a far‑right extremist network, potentially undermining democratic values and fostering an environment where authoritarian ideologies can take root. The lack of immediate institutional response further aggravates concerns about the propagation of extremist views within a public institution charged with training future military and public service professionals.

Bericht: Hinweise auf rechtes Netzwerk an Bundeswehr-Universität
JAN

01

2022

AI Research Collaboration with PLA Raises Ethical and Security Concerns
-35.96

In 2022, a researcher from Bundeswehr University Munich, a military-affiliated research institution, co-authored a study with colleagues from China’s People’s Liberation Army. The collaboration is part of a broader pattern of AI research entanglements that may inadvertently support military and authoritarian objectives, raising concerns about dual-use technology that could be employed for surveillance or repression.
-50

Provision of Repressive Technologies

March 29

The collaboration between a researcher from Bundeswehr University Munich and PLA-affiliated colleagues directly ties a military research institution to projects that could further repressive or authoritarian capabilities. Such dual-use AI research heightens the risk of technology transfer to support military and surveillance applications, fueling concerns over enabling authoritarian objectives.

Despite risk, AI research is ‘entangled’ with China – Study
JAN

01

2020

Bundeswehr University Munich Hosts Defence Speech
17.66

Bundeswehr University Munich served as the venue for a speech by the Federal Minister of Defence, where key aspects of Germany's national security, defence policy, and international cooperation were discussed. The speech emphasized the need to uphold democratic values and the liberal international order amid growing global challenges.
+30

Public and Political Behavior

March 29

By hosting a high-profile speech from the Federal Minister of Defence, Bundeswehr University Munich reinforces its role as a platform for public political discourse on national security. The content of the speech, which emphasized defending democratic values while addressing authoritarian challenges, reflects positively on the institution’s facilitation of informed debate and commitment to democratic principles.

Speech by Federal Minister of Defence at the Bundeswehr University Munich