An outstanding intern researched hybrid threats at the CMDR COE
Date: (30-03-2026)
The Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) continues to provide a valuable environment for research and professional development on some of the most pressing challenges in today’s security landscape, including hybrid threats.
During his recent internship at the Centre, our intern from the Netherlands, Niels Tijssen, conducted research on the topic “Deterring Hybrid Warfare: A Chance for NATO and the EU to Work Together.” The paper, which will be included in the next CMDR COE Proceedings, explores how NATO and the European Union can enhance deterrence against hybrid threats through closer cooperation, with particular focus on strengthening Euro-Atlantic security in the Arctic and building resilience in the space domain.
Niels’ research highlights that, in an increasingly contested security environment, effective deterrence requires more than responding to threats as they emerge. It also depends on anticipating future challenges, denying adversaries opportunities to succeed, and strengthening the resilience of societies and institutions through cooperation.
What made this work particularly valuable was the opportunity to develop it within the unique learning environment of the CMDR COE. Through the Centre’s courses and expertise, I was able to deepen my understanding of NATO’s role in crisis management, resilience, and hybrid threats, and directly apply that knowledge to a topic about which I had previously only limited experience writing. This made the research process both challenging and highly rewarding, shared Niels on his last day at the Centre.
This experience demonstrates the CMDR COE’s ongoing contribution to advancing knowledge, encouraging critical thinking, and enhancing preparedness on issues of increasing importance for Allied security.
All CMDR COE staff wish Niels fair winds and all the best in the next stage of his journey!
News
Training presenters on Building Integrity principlesBuilding Integrity Principles for Presenters (BIPP) Course
» read more
Focus on Building IntegrityBuilding Integrity for Senior Leaders Course, 17-20 January 2023
» read more
SEESIM 22 Command Post/Computer Assisted ExerciseSouth-Eastern Europe Simulation 2022 CPX/CAX, 13-16 Dec 2022
» read more
Visit of the SEEBRIG CommanderBrigadier General Evangelos MITROUTSIKOS visited the CMDR COE on the 8th December 2022.
» read more
Participation to the I/ITSEC 2022Participation of CMDR COE representatives at I/ITSEC, 28 NOV - 02 DEC 2022.
» read more
Multinational Exercise “Climate Change Disaster Response Castle-22”Organized by the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (HNDGS) Multinational Exercise CASTLE-22, 28-30 NOV 2022.
» read more
CMDR Exercise Planners Training Course21-25 November 2022, residential and online iteration
» read more
CMDR COE in the Hungarian MOD Annual Disaster Response ConferenceAnnual event of the Defence Administration Department
» read more
A discussion on resilience and gender perspectivesNATO IMS GENAD Office-organised Deep Dive session
» read more
Signed Framework Collaboration AgreementOn the 16th November 2022 was signed a Framework Collaboration Agreement between the CMDR COE and "Carol I" National Defence University, Bucharest Romania.
» read more
Euro-Atlantic Resilience Forum 2022Euro-Atlantic Resilience Forum 2022: Black Sea Perspectives in the Age of Hybrid Aggression and Disinformation
» read more
International GIS Day ConferenceOn the occasion of the World Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day
» read more
Prolific meeting of the Steering CommitteeThe tenth meeting of the CMDR COE governing body
» read more
CMDR COE’s contribution to the computer-assisted exercise Command Post Exercise (CPX), "SEVEN STARS 22", 03-07 OCT 2022
» read more
CMDR COE joined the campaign On the Day of Sofia, the CMDR COE representatives joined the Initiative „Let’s Clean Bulgaria Together”, which unites institutions, non-governmental and business organizations and volunteers in the name of the cause of a cleaner environment.
» read more
A course for planners developmentCrisis Response Operation Planners Professional Development Course (12-16 Sep 22)
» read more
Gained Cup at the 8th Sofia Ekiden (Relay) MarathonThe CMDR COE Team won the cup in the category Governmental Institutions at the 8th Sofia Ekiden (Relay) Marathon on 6 September 2022.
» read more
Welcome Newcomers
» read more
Extension of the Technical Agreement between CMDR COE and the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval AcademyAn Annex to the Tehnical Agreement was signed between the CMDR COE and the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy formalizing the commitment to implement the agreed activities within the next 5 years.
» read more
