GLOBcast: Convening the Council EP#13 for Future of Security

Holding the Line: NATO’s Eastern Flank & Resistance. Martin Sklenár, Director of GLOBSEC’s Future of Security Programme, speaks with Estonian parliamentarian Raimond Kaljulaid on NATO’s eastern flank, Russia’s expanding use of grey-zone tactics, modern intelligence sharing, and the lessons Estonia offers for today’s security environment. A timely conversation on how deterrence, resilience, and cooperation are being reshaped as security threats intensify across Europe. Some of the key episode questions include:  How has NATO’s eastern flank evolved since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and where do the biggest vulnerabilities remain?What do Russia’s grey-zone tactics look like in practice, and how should democracies respond without escalating conflict?How is intelligence sharing adapting to hybrid threats, cyber operations, and disinformation campaigns?What lessons from Estonia’s security model are most relevant for allies seeking to strengthen resilience today?

Former NATO's spokesperson and Rusi's Distinguished Fellow @Oana Lungescu join @Federica Mangiameli, Policy Fellow of the Future of Security Programme for a timely conversation on the upcoming Foreign Ministers’ meeting, rising airspace incidents along the Eastern flank, and the hybrid threats reshaping Europe’s security landscape.

Europe’s eastern skies are getting crowded and dangerous.GLOBSEC’s Tomáš A. Nagy, Senior Research Fellow for Nuclear, Space, and Missile Defense, and Fabian Hoffmann, a Doctoral Research Fellow at the Oslo Nuclear Project at the University of Oslo, speak with Roger Hilton to talk NATO’s eastern flank, Kremlin’s nuclear mind games and the tech race shaping tomorrow’s defence architecture, Europe’s security landscape is being redrawn.Some of the key episode questions include:What is the current posture of missile defence along CEE and where are the critical capability gaps?How credible is the deterrent effect of European missile defence in light of evolving Russian offensive missile developments?Can Europe hope to altern Russia’s current nuclear doctrine and strategy?Decades from now, what does an “ideal” layered defence architecture for Eastern Europe look like?

Rising geopolitical tensions. Fracturing arms control agreements. A new era of great-power rivalry.Nuclear security is back in the spotlight—and the transatlantic alliance is under pressure. Tomáš A. Nagy, Senior Research Fellow for Nuclear, Space, and Missile Defense, and William Alberque, Senior Adjunct Fellow at the Pacific Forum and former Director of NATO’s WMD Arms Control Center unpack how NATO’s nuclear deterrence strategy is evolving—and what must change to meet today’s challenges. Some of the key episode questions include:Can NATO still deter a more aggressive Russia?What will it take to strengthen alliance unity?How are shifts in U.S. force posture shaping deterrence in Europe?What options are available for Europe to compliment America’s nuclear umbrella?

GLOBSEC Senior Fellow Vladimír Bilčík sits down with Amb. Christopher R. Hill – who just wrapped up three eventful years as U.S. Ambassador to Serbia – for a candid conversation on current state of Serbian politics.🇷🇸🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell to keep up with GLOBSEC’s deep-dive conversations on security, Europe, tech and democracy. New episodes every other week!

Europe is stepping up its game in defence. With Kajsa Ollongren, former Defence Minister of the The Netherlands and a member of Globsec' Ukraine support club, we point to the most urgent steps Europe needs to make to succesfully implement the White Paper on the Future of European Defence. We discuss who should be the leaders of Europe in this effort and the need to simplify European legislation to pave the way towards a genuine European Single market on defence. With the NATO Summit in June approaching, we assess how important is it going to be for Europe to set a new benchmark on defence investment at the level of 5 % of GDP.

Poland votes. With the government and president split between opposing political sides for the past two years, the upcoming presidential election will be a test for both institutions and their leadership. Against the backdrop of an increasing fragile international and security landscape, Poland’s EU Presidency adds another dynamic to the upcoming vote. In this GLOBcast episode we will dissect the upcoming Presidential elections and do an early review of Poland’s EU Presidency with Karolina Zbytniewska, Editor-in-chief at Euractiv Poland.

General (ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding general of US Army Europe and a member of GLOBSEC's Future of Security and Defence Council, offers his assessment and views on the  potential of a withdrawal of a part of the US military force in Europe and the prospects of a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. The possibility of a partial withdrawal of US forces from Europe is another clear sign that the Transatlantic relation is under pressure. Such decision would not only further complicate the security situation for Europe, it would also have implications for the US. Or could it be just a negotiation tactic of the Trump Presidency to put even more pressure regarding defence spending on the European countries before the NATO summit.With the high-level meeting of the Alliance approaching, the stakes are also rising Ukraine. General Hodges clearly defines what outcome will be necessary to prevent Russia from further aggressive actions in Europe. Can it be delivered in a negotiated agreement between Ukraine and Russia?

To mark International Press Freedom Day on May 3, GLOBSEC hears from Alsu Kurmasheva a press freedom advocate and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist who was detained for 288 days by Russian authorities. Alsu reacts to some 2025 GLOBSEC Trends data and shares her experience on her wrongful imprisonment in Russia, the state of press freedom today, how societies can stand up for journalists under attack, and why staying vigilant in 2025 — and beyond — is more critical than ever. This episode was co-funded by the EU.Enjoy and subscribe. For comments or questions on the podcast, contact [email protected]

The Transatlantic relationship is going through a serious crisis since President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office. In the discussion, Sir Richard Shirreff warned of NATO’s weakening as the U.S. shifts away from its security commitments. He urged Europe and Canada to increase defense spending, adapt NATO structures, and support Ukraine to counter Russia. He emphasized Europe must take charge of its security while maintaining diplomatic ties with the U.S.