Politics and Society Institute and NATO Liaison Office Discuss Regional Security and Crisis Preparedness

The Politics and Society Institute, in cooperation with the NATO Liaison Office in Jordan, held two closed-door roundtable discussions examining changes in the regional security environment and their implications for Jordan, alongside challenges related to critical infrastructure protection, energy security, and crisis management.

Held at the Institute’s headquarters in Amman on Monday and Tuesday, the discussions brought together academics, researchers, experts, political and diplomatic figures, and specialists in security and strategic affairs. Both sessions followed the Chatham House Rule, allowing participants to exchange views without attribution.

The first session, titled “An Interconnected Region: Shared Security Challenges, NATO’s Role, and Jordan’s Strategic Position,” explored the interconnected crises and conflicts across Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, the Red Sea, and the Gulf, as well as the impact of competition among regional and international powers on the region’s security environment.

Participants discussed the implications of these developments for Jordan’s strategic interests and its role in supporting regional stability and dialogue. They also examined cross-border threats facing countries in the region.

The session discussed NATO’s role in the regional security landscape, as well as opportunities for cooperation with partners. Participants also addressed NATO’s potential contribution to strengthening defence and security capabilities, developing early warning mechanisms, and preventing crises, informed by local and regional priorities and expertise.

The second session, titled “Addressing Multiple Security Challenges: Infrastructure Protection, Energy Security, and Crisis Management,” focused on risks facing essential systems and services, and the ability of institutions to prepare for and respond to simultaneous and overlapping crises.

Participants examined vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, cyber and hybrid threats, and challenges to the security of energy supplies. They also discussed the implications of service disruptions and supply interruptions for security and stability, particularly given the interdependence and connectedness of countries and regional systems.

The discussion evolved around ways to strengthen institutional coordination, early warning mechanisms, crisis response, and the continuity of essential services. It also considered the potential use of technology, data, and artificial intelligence in anticipating risks and managing crises.

Jordan’s circumstances featured throughout the discussion, particularly water security, energy resilience, climate pressures, and limited resources, and their relationship to infrastructure protection and institutions’ capacity to address crises and their economic, social, and security consequences.

Together, the two sessions provided an opportunity to examine the links between geopolitical developments and risks affecting critical sectors, and to explore areas of cooperation between Jordan and NATO in light of local needs and shared regional challenges.

The discussions will inform a joint policy report in Arabic and English, presenting the main themes, conclusions, and recommendations, and identifying potential areas for further dialogue and cooperation.

The sessions form part of the Politics and Society Institute’s efforts to connect research and analysis with public policy discussions, bringing together researchers, experts, and policymakers to better understand developments in Jordan and the region and examine options for addressing them.

The NATO Liaison Office in Jordan has been established as a diplomatic mission in September 2025, with the aim of enhancing political dialogue and practical cooperation in areas of common interest between Jordan and NATO, building on their partnership of over 30 years. The NATO Liaison Office enables regular engagement with Jordanian counterparts to explore opportunities for exchange of perspectives and expertise.