Cyber attacks, energy security and terrorism – A NATO perspective on emerging security challenges in the 21st century

Hosted by : NATO - North Atlanic Treaty Organization

International terrorism, cyber attacks and energy security – today, these and other emerging challenges pose a considerable threat to international security, critical infrastructures and society at large. Given the close linkages between these growing threats, the cyber attacks and terrorist strikes that have been witnessed in recent years are likely to be just the tip of the iceberg; political observers and security experts agree that, if orchestrated by political adversaries, these new instruments of disruption can have a substantial impact on open societies.

However, these threats cannot be tackled with traditional military means alone. In the globalized security environment of the 21st century, the alliance therefore need to be prepared for ever more complex and far-reaching security threats, demanding robust capabilities in many new areas. This is why NATO has set up a new division dedicated to “Emerging Security Challenges” that addresses the main risks of tomorrow to security in the light of cooperative security. These challenges are being addressed in close cooperation with partner countries, notably through the Science for Peace and Security Programme that ensures a comprehensive approach across these various challenges based on civil science, innovation and beyond.
But what exactly do these new threats mean to NATO member states? What are their main security implications? What are the best ways to deal with these challenges? And what role can the international community and NATO in particular play in this context?

This workshop addresses these questions and offers an insider perspective on recent developments in the fast-paced security landscape. Leading officials of the NATO Emerging Security Challenges Division will engage with participants on key issues surrounding the evolving risk environment and provide insights into how the alliance is developing its responses to the threats of the 21st century.

Panelists:

Gaul, Michael
Senior Advisor, Strategy and Projects, Emerging Security Challenges Division, NATO HQ, Belgium

Gebert, Randi
MSc International and European Politics & former Carlo-Schmid Fellow, Belgium

Lifländer, Christian
Policy Officer, Cyber Defence Section, NATO HQ, Belgium

Rühle, Michael
Head, Energy Security Section, NATO HQ, Belgium

Puhl, Dr. Detlef
Senior Advisor Communication, NATO HQ, Belgium

Moderation:

Shea, Dr. Jamie
NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, Member of the Advisory Board of Security and Defence Programmes at Chatham House, Professor at the Collège d’Europe in Bruges and Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics, Belgium