NATO STO

SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVE(S) This RTG will engage in critical analyses of the current NATO articulation of HS and what else might need to be considered in order to ensure a coherent and comprehensive approach. As such, the research will draw on the academic and professional literatures as well as the initiatives, inputs and lessons learned from those who have been working to implement HS in different contexts. Four areas of concurrent research have been identified: Path 1: At present, NATO has only provided a description of a human security approach without a formal definition or considerations beyond the existing CCTs. This line of work will examine conceptual linkages around defence, (human) security, and safety as these remain undefined and are becoming blurred, and thus represent a vacuum. The Alliance faces unprecedented and unpredictable threats hence there is a need for comprehensive, critical analyses to assess the types of insecurities that result from these threats. This work will seek to draw on understandings from the UN as well as nations such as the United Kingdom that are already implementing human security approaches in the armed forces. Path 2: This research will assess the importance and application of Human Security to support NATO’s three core tasks. It will produce state-of-the-art knowledge and understanding of the value and evidence base for integrating Human Security in NATO (across the strategic, operational and tactical levels). Particular attention will be given to Defence and Deterrence hence implications under Article 5. The relationship between NATO’s Human Security approach and existing international legal commitments will also be explored. This line of work will demonstrate how Human Security can provide a framework for NATO to achieve longer lasting peace and stability, whilst maintaining and reinforcing its strategic advantage over its adversaries. Path 3: Human security is a complex and evolving concept. At present, NATO’s approach addresses the five CCT’s however there are emergent security issues which are interconnected with human security including some such as climate change or pandemics that are seen as drivers of insecurity. Others such as resilience and addressing adversaries’ use of hybrid warfare are directly related to ensuring human security within nations. The objective of this line of research is to identify and explore the connection between human security and related emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, hybrid warfare and hybrid interference, disinformation and misinformation, space, climate change, health security, food security, inter alia. Path 4: This research will inform considerations for implementing current HS guidance and future HS policy by presenting recommendations and\or options. To be updated with concurrent work by SHAPE, analyses will examine the implications for: a. Roles and responsibilities: across all levels, across headquarters staff systems and for specialist staff b. Capacities and force structure: what new positions might be required or new capabilities to be developed c. Doctrine, guidance and protocols: is new doctrine required (esp for CIMIC), guidance for J Codes, updates to mechanisms for reporting on human security conditions in theatre and for reporting of violations under international law and UN conventions including legal considerations related to chain of custody d. Professional Development: who needs to know what and how is the knowledge to be acquired e. Support Systems: how will specialist staff in theatre be supported across the full spectrum of HS issues f. Lessons Learned: what new areas need to be incorporated and how will LL be generated g. Measures of Effectiveness: how will NATO be able to assess the effectiveness of HS initiatives