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
First GFP course iteration in 2022 completed Congratulations to the freshly certified GFPs!
» read more
Commence the 2022 CMDR COE InternshipCMDR COE welcomes interns for its Spring intake of the 2022 Internship Programme
» read more
5-day course for decision-makers in CROsStrategic Decision Making for Crisis Response Operations Course, 22-26 Nov 2021
» read more
Online International Conference Addressing global challenges: NATO′s approach to climate change, 17 November 2021Co-sponsored by NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division
» read more
CMDR COE in support of a high level trainingThe Jordanian National Level Exercise Darb Al-Aman 2021, 7-11 November 2021
» read more
A hybrid edition of CRO Planners Professional Development Course Delivered by CMDR COE virtual studio, 4-8 Oct 2021
» read more
Expanding the GFP networkThe third iteration of the Gender Focal Point course for 2021 successfully completed
» read more
EADRCC Exercise in North MacedoniaConsequence Management Exercise "North Macedonia 2021", 20-23 Sep 2021
» read more
CMDR COE METT in SEEBRIG Disaster Management Course was held at South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) HQ, 14-17 September 2021
» read more
Broadcasting EADRCC Exercise North Macedonia′2021On Sep 20, 2021 - Live from North Macedonia
» read more
Reflecting on Covid-19: Lessons Identified and Ways AheadThe CMDR COE′s first Webinar on the health crisis
» read more
Disaster Relief Operations/Disaster Management course in JordanAnother course from NATO Defense Capability Building Project
» read more
New collaboration agreement signed Cooperation with the Protection and Rescue Directorate of North Macedonia
» read more
Flag of Romania raised at CMDR COEFlag-raising ceremony at CMDR COE for the accession of a new member
» read more
