A lot of countries have invested heavily in upgrading their intelligence capacities, trying to get an edge over others. Sensitive geopolitical information appears to be vulnerable in today’s digital society and malicious actors are waiting for an opportunity to exploit the smallest security liabilities. European politicians fear being targeted by the Pegasus spyware or hacking software and recent cases such as the arrest of an employee of the Bundesnachrichtendienst, the German foreign intelligence service, who allegedly spied for the Russian intelligence services, as well as a Belgian consul that was convicted for the same offence, show that espionage is still prevalent today.

But countries also try to interfere in (geo)political matters. The Russian interference in the French and German national elections in 2017 and in the Brexit campaign in 2016, clearly shows the interest in influencing the functioning of other countries. The corruption affair in the European Parliament proves the intention countries like Qatar and Morocco have in getting a foothold in political institutions.

Intelligence work is therefore extremely important to detect and prevent actions of espionage, interference, subversion and destabilization in an early stage. During this conference, experts from different countries will talk about the important role intelligence work plays in a geopolitical context.

Program (E)

Practical information

Cost:

• 115 Euro. Included: drinks, lunch and scientific journal “Cahiers Inlichtingenstudies nr. 12: German Intelligence and Counter-Intelligence in Belgium during the 20th Century.”

Students:

• 25 Euro without Journal
• 60 Euro with the journal “Cahiers Inlichtingenstudies nr. 12: German Intelligence and Counter-Intelligence in Belgium during the 20th Century.”

Registration: people who are interested have to register in Congrezzo

Language:

Tthe presentations will be given in English.

During this conference, the Chatham House Rule applies!