ISSI Explores Europe, the Nordics, and the New Reality of Geopolitics
Islamabad : The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a Public Talk on “Europe, the Nordics, and the New Reality of Power Politics,” organized by the Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at ISSI. The event featured Ms. Hedda Langemyr, Founder of UTSYN – Centre for Security and Resilience, Norway, as the keynote speaker.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of CSP, welcomed Ms. Langemyr and the participants, emphasizing the growing importance of European security dynamics and the strategic insights offered by the Nordic countries in the evolving global environment. She expressed appreciation for Ms. Langemyr’s visit, noting that such engagements strengthen informed policy discussions and understanding of emerging geopolitical realities.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the ISSI Board of Governors, also welcomed the guest speaker and highlighted the current shift in global politics toward intensified power-based competition and strategic uncertainty. He observed that Europe’s traditional assumptions about stability and institutional security are increasingly being tested, prompting states to reassess approaches to deterrence, sovereignty, and strategic autonomy.
Ambassador Mahmood further noted the increasing strategic relevance of the Nordic region. Historically associated with diplomacy, social stability, and rules-based cooperation, Nordic countries are adapting to a security landscape marked by concerns over territorial defence, crisis preparedness, resilience, and non-traditional threats such as hybrid warfare, cyber operations, and information threats. He added that developments in Europe, the Arctic, the Baltic, and the North Atlantic carry significant implications for global stability, including for South Asia.
In her keynote address, Ms. Hedda Langemyr thanked ISSI for hosting her and highlighted the ongoing shift in international politics from institutionalized diplomacy to outcomes increasingly shaped by leverage and power. She discussed the impact of geography and history on Nordic security thinking, particularly Norway’s position near Russia and strategically sensitive northern waters. Ms. Langemyr detailed Norway’s Cold War security posture, combining deterrence with strategic restraint, and highlighted the Arctic’s rising geopolitical significance due to climate change, economic competition, and increased attention from major powers.
She also addressed contemporary security challenges, including threats to critical infrastructure, undersea cables, hybrid pressures, cyber attacks, and disinformation, noting that ambiguity and uncertainty remain central concerns. Ms. Langemyr stressed the importance of “total defence” approaches, which integrate civilian authorities, industry, and defence institutions, a strategy increasingly prioritized across the Nordics and Europe.
Concluding her address, she emphasized Europe’s economic and technological strength while underscoring the challenge of achieving cohesion and strategic coordination. She called for stronger collaboration among small and medium-sized states and advocated for sustained dialogue, research cooperation, and engagement between Europe and other regions, including South Asia.
The session ended with an interactive question-and-answer segment, reflecting strong audience interest. Ms. Hedda Langemyr was presented with an ISSI memento by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood in recognition of her participation.
