In today’s world of asymmetric threats, national security has to go well beyond conventional defence.   “Civilian” organisations, public and private sector, organisations also need to ensure that they are resilient against a growing range of strategic geopolitical, geoeconomic and cyber threats. By aligning business strategies with national security priorities, nations can better protect their assets and operations from disruption.  A refreshed “total security” approach takes into account new partnerships between Government, defence and security, business and civil society working together to protect critical national infrastructure.  Lessons can be drawn from other countries, particular in Scandavia.  This session will explore how these new partnerships, particularly involving business, can work most effectively for the UK today.

Elisabeth Braw leads the Atlantic Council’s Threats to the Global Maritime Order initiative.  She is a regular op-ed contributor to the Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Times (of London). She was previously a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).   In this discussion, Elisabeth will share her research into “total defence” in Scandinavia and beyond and lead a discussion on the challenges and opportunities for the UK.