The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad hosted a public talk on January 27, 2026, organised by its Centre for Strategic Perspectives, that explored evolving European security and Nordic security thinking. Ms. Hedda Langemyr, founder of UTSYN – Centre for Security and Resilience, Norway, delivered the keynote and engaged with scholars and practitioners in Pakistan on how power politics is reshaping strategic choices.
Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of the Centre for Strategic Perspectives, welcomed the guest speaker and participants, underlining the growing relevance of Nordic security perspectives in a changed international environment. She noted that discussions like this help broaden policy debate and improve understanding of shifting geopolitical realities affecting multiple regions, including South Asia.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors at ISSI, observed that the international system is seeing a renewed emphasis on power-based competition, strategic uncertainty and evolving security challenges. He said Europe’s previous assumptions about institutional stability are being tested, prompting states to revisit deterrence, sovereignty and strategic autonomy in light of recent developments.
Ms. Langemyr explained how geography and history shape Norway’s approach to security, stressing that proximity to Russia and sensitivity of northern sea routes have driven a balance of deterrence and reassurance since the Cold War. She highlighted the Arctic’s rise from peripheral status to major geopolitical importance due to climate-driven change, economic competition and the strategic interests of global powers, and linked these dynamics to broader questions of Nordic security.
Turning to contemporary threats, Ms. Langemyr emphasised risks to critical infrastructure, including undersea cables, alongside hybrid pressure, cyber operations and disinformation campaigns. She urged attention to ambiguity and uncertainty as central features of such pressure and promoted total defence approaches that integrate civilian authorities, industry and defence institutions in whole-of-society preparedness.
Ms. Langemyr also highlighted Europe’s economic and technological strengths while warning that cohesion and strategic coordination remain key challenges. She called for stronger cooperation among small and medium-sized states, sustained research collaboration and deeper dialogue between Europe and regions such as South Asia to address shared risks and build resilience.
The session closed with an interactive question-and-answer exchange reflecting strong audience interest in Nordic security and Arctic geopolitics. Ambassador Khalid Mahmood presented Ms. Hedda Langemyr with an ISSI memento in recognition of her visit and contribution to the discussion.
