Magali Michiels

Magali Michiels is a PhD researcher in political science at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), where she studies great power politics in the maritime domain under the supervision of Prof. Jonathan Holslag. Her research focuses on the strategic competition between the United States and China, with particular attention to the role of maritime power in shaping International Relations. Using historical case studies, she examines how maritime logistics, infrastructure and access to strategic maritime networks influence military effectiveness, power and balancing behaviour.

Her broader research interests include maritime strategy, naval power, sea control and the relationship between maritime geography and international security. In addition to her work on Indo-Pacific geopolitics, she studies contemporary maritime security challenges closer to home. This includes the shadow fleet and critical maritime infrastructure protection in the North Sea.  Alongside her academic research, Magali serves as a Reserve Officer in the Belgian Navy, where she contributes to strategic and doctrinal discussions on maritime security. By combining academic analysis with operational and policy experience, she seeks to bridge the gap between strategic theory and contemporary maritime practice.