Independent Report
ISLAMABAD: The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a public talk titled “Europe, the Nordics, and the New Reality of Power Politics” on 27th January 2026, organised 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 guest speaker.
Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director of CSP, welcomed Ms. Langemyr and the participants, highlighting the growing importance of European security dynamics and Nordic strategic thinking in the evolving global environment. She praised the engagement as a meaningful contribution to informed policy discourse on emerging geopolitical challenges.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the ISSI Board of Governors, underscored that global politics is witnessing intensified power-based competition, strategic uncertainty, and evolving security threats. He noted that Europe’s assumptions about stability have been increasingly tested, prompting reassessment of approaches to deterrence, sovereignty, and strategic autonomy. He also highlighted the growing strategic relevance of the Nordic region, particularly in areas such as territorial defence, crisis preparedness, and non-traditional threats including hybrid warfare, cyber operations, and information threats.
In her keynote address, Ms. Hedda Langemyr observed that international politics is moving from diplomacy and institutional routines toward a landscape where actions, leverage, and power increasingly shape outcomes. She explained how geography and history continue to inform Nordic security thinking, particularly for Norway, a small state close to Russia and strategically sensitive northern waters. She recalled Norway’s early NATO role and Cold War security posture, which combined deterrence with strategic reassurance.
Ms. Langemyr highlighted the rising geopolitical significance of the Arctic due to climate-driven transformations, economic competition, and strategic interests of major powers. She emphasized emerging challenges including critical infrastructure, undersea cables, hybrid threats, cyber attacks, and disinformation, noting the growing importance of “total defence” approaches that integrate civilian, industrial, and military preparedness.
She concluded by stressing Europe’s economic and technological strengths while pointing out the need for cohesion and strategic coordination, calling for deeper engagement and sustained dialogue between Europe, the Nordics, and regions such as South Asia.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A reflecting strong audience interest. Ms. Langemyr was presented with an ISSI memento by Chairman Board of Governors Ambassador Khalid Mahmood.
