The Modern Information Environment as a Pivotal Element in National Security: Navigating the Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

Strategic Communications Education and Research Unit (SCERU), alongside the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP), will hold a public research seminar titled “The Modern Information Environment as a Pivotal Element in National Security: Navigating the Challenges and Seizing Opportunities” on 18 April 2024.

Synopsis

Mr Sārts will look into the nature of a rapidly evolving information landscape. The digital age is transforming the information environment into an arena of geopolitical rivalry, cyber warfare, and ideological confrontation. Technological advancements, innovations in information dissemination and communication technologies present new potential vulnerabilities.
What is the transformative potential of big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cyber capabilities in forecasting threats and enhancing the efficacy of decision-making processes? How does this all affect our perceptions, states of mind, and decision-making in everyday life and society?

This session will be moderated by: Dr. Chiyuki Aoi, Professor and Director, SCERU.
 

Date & Time

Thursday 18 April 2024

10:30AM -12:00PM (JST), 2:30AM – 4:00AM (BST), 3:30AM – 5:00AM (CEST)

Program

Opening Remarks by:
Dean of GraSPP

Speech by:
Mr Jānis Sārts, Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence (Riga)

Moderator:
Dr Chiyuki Aoi, Professor and Director, SCERU

About the Speaker

Mr. Jānis Sārts is a Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence (Riga), – a multinational, cross-sector organisation providing comprehensive analysis, advice and practical support in strategic communications to the Alliance and the allied nations. Prior to that, he was State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Latvia, for seven years leading defense sector reforms during an economic crisis period, developing a new state defense concept, and encouraging regional defense cooperation within NATO and the EU. He has also led the Latvian government’s efforts to increase its security and defense in cyberspace. As Chair of the National Cyber Security Board, he was responsible for formulating and overseeing the implementation of Latvia’s cyber security policy, as well as for overseeing the work of the National Information Technology Security Incident Response Institution – CERT.LV.