Events

Security and Defence

Strengthening Europe's 'soft' and 'hard' defence
25 Mar 2019 13:00 - 17:00
Introduction

This event, organised by the Institute for Statecraft and the Clingendael Institute, focused on two dimensions of European defence. The full photostream of this event can be viewed here

Discussion about 'soft' and 'hard' defence
Source: Studio Oostrum 

The first panel focused on the 'softer' side of European defence. How to respond to disinformation campaigns & cyberthreats? What do Russian & Chinese disinformation operations  & cyber-hacks teach us, what should governments do, and how can platform monopolies such as Google, Facebook and Twitter play a role? Among others, Neil Barnett (Istok Consultancy), Tony van der Togt (Associate Senior Research Fellow at the Clingendael Institute and Strategic Policy Advisor at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs ) and Danny Pronk (Senior Research Fellow at the Clingendael Institute) shared their views and insights on this topic.

Discussion about Europe's 'soft' and 'hard' defence
Source: Studio Oostrum


The second panel concentrated on the 'hard' security threats facing Europe and how European defence initiatives should respond to them. Here we looked at issues like deeper European defence integration (PESCO), strategic autonomy, the future role of the US, and European security post-Brexit. Among others, Chris Donnelly (Director of the Institute for Statecraft), Johanna Moehring (Senior Fellow at the Institute for Statecraft), Dick Zandee (Head of the Security Unit at the Clingendael Institute), and Samira Rafaela (Dutch Police Force) presented their views on how Europe should respond to the 'hard' threats it faces.

In both sessions, the remarks of the panellists were followed by a roundtable discussion.

  • What: panel discussion 'Strengthening Europe's 'soft' and 'hard' defence'
  • When: Monday, 25 March 2019, 13 - 17 hrs., closing drinks from 17 - 18 hrs.
  • Venue: the Clingendael Institute, The Hague.

 Please be advised that this event was held under the Chatham House Rule.