25 Years of Balkan Integration? Pursuing Stability through Defense and Security Education.

Vienna, Austria – The Partnership for Peace Consortium (PfPC) marked a quarter-century of fostering international security cooperation with a high-level conference at the Austrian National Defence Academy, Jan. 28-30. Drawing military experts, policymakers, and scholars from 27 nations and NATO, the event offered a forum to reflect on the PfPC’s evolution, address pressing geopolitical challenges, and chart a course for the future of international security.

Keynote speakers included Lisa Bronson, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Affairs; Dr. Arnold Kammel, Secretary General of Austria’s Federal Ministry of Defence; and Slaven Galić, Deputy Minister of Defence for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Discussion topics ranged from ongoing challenges in Balkan security to the growing threat of cognitive warfare and hybrid conflicts.

Celebrating 25 Years of Intellectual Interoperability and Security Cooperation

The first day of the conference was dedicated to the Consortium’s 25-year history, with reflections on its contributions to NATO’s intellectual interoperability. Lisa Bronson, a key figure in the Consortium’s founding, highlighted its role in bridging gaps between NATO allies and partners.

During a special panel moderated by Dr. Sae Schatz, long-standing members recalled the Consortium’s milestones. Anja Ebnoether, one of the earliest members, praised the organization’s flexibility and its ability to offer new perspectives amid shifting global security dynamics. Dr. Sean Costigan reflected on the Consortium’s adaptability, joking about the days when late-night meetings led to the “Partnership for Pizza” moniker. He noted that usage of the Consortium's journal Connections spiked before the 2022 Ukraine invasion, underscoring the importance of its research during crises. Dr. Carmen Rîjnoveanu emphasized that the Consortium’s most significant achievement was its creation of lasting professional bonds. “We have evolved from connections to lasting relationships,” she said.

The discussion turned to the Consortium’s contributions to defense education, with Dr. Al Stolberg highlighting its impact in Kazakhstan, where efforts to develop faculty at the National Defense University helped modernize its military education. Stolberg also credited the Defense Education Enhancement Program (DEEP) in Ukraine for playing a key role in strengthening the country’s defense capabilities ahead of Russia’s invasion.

Balkan Security: Achievements, Challenges, and the Way Forward

A key theme was the ongoing challenge of fully integrating the Western Balkans into the Euro-Atlantic security architecture. While NATO and the EU have made stabilizing efforts, political stagnation, external influence, and strategic uncertainty continue to hamper long-term peace.

Ambassador Ovidiu Dranga warned that the Western Balkans remain a “strategic vulnerability” for Europe, noting that despite significant investments, the region remains “unfinished business.” He cautioned that external actors, particularly Russia, are eager to exploit instability and divert attention from Ukraine.

Dr. Dorthe Nyemann discussed Serbia’s vulnerability to cognitive influence, noting Russia’s increasing efforts to manipulate public perception through historical narratives. “They are currently targeting Serbia in the cognitive domain,” she said, referring to Russia’s campaign to amplify Serbia’s historical grievances and present vulnerabilities.

A highlight of the conference was the Gallery Walk, where experts and policymakers engaged in structured dialogues on educational cooperation and capacity-building in the Balkans.

Cognitive Warfare: The Future of Conflict

The conference also spotlighted the rise of cognitive warfare as an emerging threat. Experts warned that disinformation, deepfakes, and psychological operations are reshaping the information landscape, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from manipulation.

Dr. Mitko Bogdanoski defined cognitive warfare as an attack not on territory, but on perception. “Instead of destroying infrastructure, it erodes trust in institutions, media, and society as a whole,” he explained. Dr. Jean-Marc Rickli stressed the growing danger of AI-generated disinformation, citing the proliferation of deepfakes as particularly concerning: “People are very likely to believe something if there’s an image associated with it,” he warned.

Mr. Ville Savoranta emphasized the EU’s increased focus on the cognitive aspects of security through targeted efforts on countering foreign information manipulation and interference. “The EU has created a specific FIMI toolbox and produced annual reports to build awareness of cognitive threats. Supporting people and communities is key in these efforts, along with a focus on empowering citizens and improving psychological resilience. The youth are an especially important demographic, as they are a specific target of disinformation,” said Savoranta, adding that fostering critical thinking and media literacy, youth can become key allies in combatting cognitive influencing.

The Future of the PfPC: Education and Resilience

As the conference looked toward the future, the focus shifted to how the PfPC can adapt to meet the security challenges of tomorrow. Central to this discussion was the importance of security education and collaboration as tools for resilience.

The Product Marketplace allowed attendees to engage with PfPC publications, policy papers, and educational resources, including the newly launched Resilience Reference Curriculum. These resources are designed to assist policymakers and security practitioners in addressing hybrid and cognitive security threats.

Slaven Galić underscored the importance of education in building long-term security, particularly in the Balkans. “Education in security and defense remains a main strategy to consolidate peace and security,” he affirmed.

Looking forward, participants advocated for deeper collaboration between working groups, greater engagement with younger professionals, and enhanced cooperation with NATO and the EU. Dr. Sean Costigan made a call for integrated strategies, stating, “The future cannot be discussed in isolation. A holistic approach is necessary for us to get ahead of the curve.”

A Call for Continued Engagement: Shaping the Future of Euro-Atlantic Security

The conference concluded with renewed commitment to the PfPC’s mission. Dr. Carmen Rîjnoveanu emphasized the need for the Consortium to increase its visibility and amplify its voice within the broader security community. “We should work to distribute and circulate our products to a broader community,” she stated.

With new strategic initiatives on the horizon, the PfPC remains a pivotal force in shaping the future of Euro-Atlantic security cooperation, with a focus on resilience, education, and deepened collaboration across borders.