**Europe and Indo-Pacific Must Cooperate to Confront Asymmetric Threats: Año’s Call for Solidarity**

world.">

September 21, 2025

Manila, Philippines – A leading voice on national security is sounding the alarm regarding a new wave of global threats extending far beyond conventional warfare. National Security Advisor Eduardo Año has urgently called for increased collaboration between European and Indo-Pacific nations to effectively address what he terms “asymmetric” challenges.

The Evolving Landscape of Global Security

Speaking at a forum hosted by the Stratbase institute in partnership with the European Council on Foreign Relations, Año emphasized that the Indo-Pacific region is now a focal point of geopolitical change. This shift, he explained, has created opportunities for a diverse range of asymmetric threats impacting the established international order. Thes dangers, he asserted, are increasingly complex and arduous to navigate.

Cyber Warfare and Digital Espionage

Año highlighted the growing risk of cyber-attacks and digital espionage targeting critical infrastructure and defense systems. Recent reports from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike indicate a 300% increase in nation-state sponsored cyberattacks in the last year alone, demonstrating the escalating severity of this threat. Such attacks aim not simply to disrupt, but to cripple essential services and undermine national security.

Disinformation and Foreign Interference

The National Security Advisor also drew attention to the insidious nature of foreign information manipulation.Coordinated disinformation campaigns are designed to polarize societies, erode public trust, and interfere with democratic processes. The spread of false narratives online has become a meaningful challenge for governments worldwide,as evidenced by ongoing investigations into foreign interference in recent elections.

Economic Coercion and Resource Weaponization

Economic coercion, utilizing trade dependencies and control over critical supply chains, was identified as another key asymmetric tactic. The intentional disruption of undersea cables – a vital component of global dialogue – represents a new form of “gray zone warfare,” difficult to attribute and designed to sow chaos. Moreover,the exploitation of earth and critical minerals to exert political pressure,as seen in recent actions concerning rare earth elements,is becoming increasingly commonplace.

Did You Know? The sabotage of undersea cables can disrupt up to 99% of global internet traffic, costing billions of dollars daily.

The Need for Unified Action

Año underscored that these threats are no longer geographically confined. They exploit the interconnectedness of modern systems, targeting democratic principles and open societies. He firmly stated that no single nation can effectively counteract these challenges alone,stressing the necessity of “symmetric unity” and systematic collaborative actions. He believes a united front is essential to reinforce the current geopolitical structure and maintain global power dynamics.

The advisor emphasized the interconnectedness between European and Indo-Pacific security. Events in the Indo-Pacific region – including supply chain disruptions, navigational freedoms, and maritime disputes – directly impact stability and prosperity in Europe. Europe, recognizing its own vulnerability, has acknowledged that instability in the indo-Pacific has tangible repercussions on its own stability and economic well-being.

Threat Category	Description	Example
Cyber Warfare	Attacks targeting digital infrastructure.	Ransomware attacks on hospitals.
Disinformation	Spreading false narratives to influence public opinion.	Social media campaigns during election cycles.
Economic Coercion	Using trade as a political weapon.	Tariffs imposed due to geopolitical disagreements.
Resource weaponization	Controlling access to vital resources.	Restrictions on rare earth element exports.

Pro Tip: Strengthening cybersecurity protocols, diversifying supply chains, and investing in media literacy are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of asymmetric threats.

What steps can international organizations take to improve information sharing and coordination in combating disinformation? Do you think current international laws are adequate for addressing economic coercion and resource weaponization?

Understanding Asymmetric Warfare

Asymmetric warfare is a strategy employed by weaker combatants against stronger opponents, utilizing unconventional tactics to exploit vulnerabilities. This can include methods beyond traditional military conflict, such as cyberattacks, economic pressure, and information warfare. The goal is to level the playing field and achieve strategic objectives without engaging in direct, conventional confrontation. The increasing prevalence of asymmetric threats poses a significant challenge to global security, requiring innovative and collaborative approaches to address these evolving dangers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asymmetric Threats

• What are asymmetric threats? Asymmetric threats involve challenges that don’t conform to conventional warfare, using unconventional tactics to exploit vulnerabilities.
• Why is the Indo-Pacific region a focal point for asymmetric threats? The Indo-Pacific region is experiencing significant geopolitical shifts, creating opportunities for these threats to emerge.
• How does cyber warfare fit into asymmetric threats? Cyberattacks target critical infrastructure and defense systems, disrupting essential services and undermining national security.
• What is economic coercion and how is it used? Economic coercion involves using trade dependencies and supply chains to exert political pressure.
• what can be done to counter asymmetric threats? Enhanced international cooperation, cybersecurity improvements, supply chain diversification, and media literacy are crucial.

Share this article and join the discussion! What do you think is the biggest asymmetric threat facing the world today?

What are the key characteristics of asymmetric warfare as described in the text?

The Shifting Landscape of Global Security

The call for increased cooperation between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, spearheaded by figures like Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Institution (NATO) Javier Año, isn’t merely a diplomatic gesture. It reflects a basic shift in the global security landscape. Traditional notions of threat are evolving, giving way to asymmetric threats – challenges that exploit vulnerabilities and operate outside the conventional rules of warfare. These include hybrid warfare, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and the weaponization of economic dependencies. Understanding these evolving threats is crucial for effective international security.

Defining Asymmetric Warfare & Its Modern Manifestations

Asymmetric warfare, at its core, involves conflicts between parties with significantly unequal military power. Weaker actors often employ unconventional tactics to level the playing field. Today, this translates into:

* Cyber Warfare: State-sponsored and non-state actors increasingly target critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and government systems. The 2023 attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, attributed to Russian actors, exemplify this threat.

* Disinformation & Influence Operations: The spread of false narratives and propaganda aimed at undermining public trust and influencing political processes. The 2016 US Presidential Election interference serves as a stark reminder of this vulnerability.

* Economic Coercion: Utilizing economic leverage – trade restrictions, investment controls – to exert political pressure. China’s trade disputes with Australia in 2020-2021 are a recent example.

* Hybrid Warfare: A combination of conventional and unconventional methods, including military intimidation, cyberattacks, and disinformation, used to destabilize a target state. Russia’s actions in ukraine sence 2014 are widely considered a prime example of hybrid warfare.

* Terrorism & Non-State Actors: The continued threat from terrorist organizations and other non-state actors capable of launching attacks and disrupting stability.

These threats aren’t geographically confined. They transcend borders and require a coordinated, international response.

Why Europe and the indo-Pacific? Converging Interests

The connection between European and Indo-pacific security isn’t immediately obvious, but several converging interests necessitate closer collaboration:

* Supply Chain resilience: Both regions are heavily reliant on secure and resilient supply chains. Disruptions – whether due to geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, or pandemics – can have cascading effects. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragility of global supply chains.

* protecting Maritime Trade Routes: The Indo-Pacific is home to vital sea lanes crucial for global trade, including those serving Europe. Ensuring freedom of navigation and security in these waters is paramount. The South China Sea disputes represent a meaningful challenge to maritime security.

* Shared Democratic Values: Both Europe and many Indo-Pacific nations share a commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and human rights. Defending these values against authoritarian challenges is a common goal.

* countering Authoritarian Influence: Both regions are facing increasing pressure from authoritarian states seeking to expand their influence and undermine the international order.

* Technological Security: Concerns over data security, intellectual property theft, and the control of critical technologies are shared by both Europe and Indo-Pacific partners.

NATO’s Expanding Focus & The Indo-Pacific Partnership

NATO, traditionally focused on the Euro-Atlantic area, is increasingly recognizing the importance of the Indo-Pacific region. This is reflected in:

* Increased Dialogue: NATO has intensified dialogue with key Indo-Pacific partners,including australia,Japan,South korea,and New Zealand.

* Joint Exercises: Participation in joint military exercises to enhance interoperability and demonstrate commitment to regional security.

* Facts Sharing: Enhanced intelligence sharing on emerging threats and security challenges.

* Strategic Assessments: Incorporating the Indo-Pacific into NATO’s strategic assessments and planning.

The EU also plays a vital role, with its Indo-Pacific Strategy launched in 2021, focusing on trade, security, and lasting advancement. This strategy aims to diversify partnerships and reduce dependence on single suppliers.

practical Steps for Enhanced Cooperation

To effectively address asymmetric threats,Europe and the Indo-Pacific must prioritize the following:

1. Joint threat Assessments: Conduct regular,collaborative threat assessments to identify emerging risks and vulnerabilities.
2. Cybersecurity Collaboration: Share best practices, develop joint cybersecurity protocols, and coordinate responses to cyberattacks.
3. Counter-Disinformation Initiatives: Collaborate on fact-checking initiatives, media literacy programs, and strategies to counter disinformation campaigns.
4. Supply Chain Diversification: Invest in diversifying supply chains to reduce dependence on single sources and enhance resilience.
5. Joint Maritime Security Exercises: Conduct joint naval exercises to enhance interoperability and demonstrate commitment to freedom of navigation.
6. Technology Cooperation: Foster collaboration on research and development of secure and resilient technologies.
7. Diplomatic Coordination: Align diplomatic efforts to address shared security concerns and promote a rules-based international order.

The Role of Regional Organizations

Strengthening regional organizations is also crucial. This includes:

* ASEAN: Supporting