Fortifying Institutional Resilience and Cybersecurity within the NATO Parliamentary Assembly
About the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Written on September, 2021
Introduction
In the era of hybrid conflicts and threats, international organisations like the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) must continuously adapt and evolve. As a politico-military alliance, NATO PA's mission extends beyond traditional defence, necessitating focus on the resilience of institutional processes among its member states, specifically during periods of crisis to ensure legislative continuity and adherence to the rule of law.
Institutional Resilience in the Face of Hybrid Conflicts
NATO PA is increasingly addressing the need for resilience against hybrid threats, which include both state and non-state actors. Recognising the need for a centralised focus on these challenges, the establishment of a Centre for Institutional Resilience within the core of the alliance has been proposed. This would serve as a hub for exploring and strengthening resilience against these complex challenges. The diversity of member states within NATO allows for a rich exchange of experiences and lessons, and this Centre could facilitate such an exchange.
Technology, while not the sole solution, plays a pivotal role in bolstering resilience. One of the areas where this becomes evident is in the protection of election integrity. Threats range from cyber-attacks on electoral systems to hybrid attacks including disinformation and propaganda campaigns. Thus, the exploration and implementation of technological measures to counter these threats is essential. A notable example includes the Netherlands' adoption of stringent policies based on lessons learned from other member states.
Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation
With the increasing digitalisation of institutions, cybersecurity is becoming a critical element of organisational transformation and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) governance. As organisations transition from offline or analogue structures to digital ones, they mitigate some risks but also face new challenges that need to be identified, understood, and addressed.
NATO PA has been proactive in addressing cybersecurity. Through reports and resolutions, the assembly has provided members with insights into the threat landscape, helping them to identify vulnerabilities and strengths within their respective nations. Internally, the assembly places a high emphasis on safety, with strict security measures in place to ensure the protection of their public-facing information systems.
However, within the broader NATO, the cybersecurity situation is more complex, given the presence of classified information and the interconnected nature of the alliance. Here, the weakest link principle applies, highlighting the necessity for mutual assistance among allies in bolstering cybersecurity measures across the board.
Conclusion
The NATO PA’s Modernisation Strategy showcases the assembly's willingness to evolve in response to the shifting landscape of threats. The establishment of a Centre for Institutional Resilience and the ongoing commitment to enhancing cybersecurity are critical steps in ensuring institutional resilience. While individual national responsibility is clear, these efforts underline the importance of shared knowledge and mutual aid in countering both hybrid and cyber threats. As the world continues to evolve, the NATO PA’s Modernisation Strategy must remain flexible, adaptive, and robust in order to uphold the integrity of institutional processes and rule of law among its member states.