This book contains the results recommendations best-practices of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) “Critical Infrastructure Protection Against Hybrid Warfare Security Related Challenges” organized by the Atlantic Treaty Association in partnership with the Swedish Atlantic Council and held in Stockholm from 18–20 May 2016. This ARW has also received strong organizational support from The Norwegian Atlantic Committee, the Atlantic Council of Finland, The Danish Atlantic Treaty Association and the Icelandic Atlantic Council.

By addressing non-traditional threats like cyber-attacks, terrorism and attacks on energy supply that defy national borders, international experts provide interesting examples to counter new emerging security challenges affecting the security of the modern infrastructure. Furthermore, in this book opportunities for public-private partnerships in NATO Member and Partner countries within the context of hybrid warfare are identified.

Hybrid conflicts are characterized by the involvement of multi-layered efforts intended to undermine the functioning of a state and polarize its society. This entails, therefore, that military action alone cannot address these problems. These irregular threats put NATO in complex terrain, where common agreement for intervention is difficult to find. With regard to this, one objective of this NATO ARW has therefore been helping and supporting NATO in this field by developing a set of tools to deter and defend against adversaries waging hybrid warfare.

With the intervention of experts from the whole transatlantic region, the workshop provided a unique forum to address together two critical issues at the same time: the protection of Critical Infrastructure and the hybrid warfare related-challenges for the Alliance, which have been identified as a security priority for Sweden, the partner country set to host this ARW and also a NATO Enhanced Opportunity Partner (EOP).

The workshop resulted in being an excellent setting for experts and stakeholders from government, academia and the private sector for the exchange of information and best practices.

In dedicated panels, the workshop addressed the current state of Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and the emerging challenges in the region due to the Hybrid Warfare. The increasing relevance of this region owing to the Russian role in the Northern area, and the related consequences for the alliance, have also been deeply analysed. A dedicated panel, international experts and NATO representatives have thoroughly examined the potential value of NATO in CIP and in countering non-traditional threats at large.

In conclusion, the ARW provided a key strategic forum for information sharing and contributed to identifying common solutions against major hazards and challenges, namely cyber-attack, terrorist attack on energy supply, men-made disasters, information warfare and maritime security risks. All of these threats are indeed cross-border, with a strong potential adverse effects on human safety and health.

Alessandro Niglia