Alliance for Global Security

06/17/2025

Central Europe is rearming—they face the threats every day..

As this sharp piece lays out, countries along NATO’s Eastern Flank are making serious investments in defense—not out of nostalgia or saber-rattling, but because they live with the proximity of war.

From Poland’s historic military buildup to the Baltics’ focus on resilience, this region is reshaping what it means to take national security seriously—and doing it fast.

Democracy doesn’t defend itself. Central Europe is showing what it looks like when governments take the safety of their citizens as seriously as the threats around them.

📖 Read: https://justinabudginaite.substack.com/p/the-eastern-flank-equation-roads?r=3xd8sq&triedRedirect=true&mc_cid=97cb22703d&mc_eid=a2bcb15948

As military threats mount and NATO adapts to a more contested future, the Eastern Flank has become a proving ground for the Alliance’s ability to both deter and defend against high-intensity conflict.

06/13/2025

Europe’s economic security strategy is only as strong as its weakest link.

As geopolitical competition sharpens, advanced technology is emerging as a new front line. Yet despite growing awareness of the risks posed by tech transfer to China, several EU countries are now walking back efforts to coordinate stronger controls.

This matters far beyond Brussels.

Without a united approach, national and local institutions are left to navigate vulnerabilities on their own—whether it’s managing investment screening, protecting dual-use innovation hubs, or securing supply chains linked to critical infrastructure.

Fragmentation opens the door for exploitation—and Beijing knows it.

Full article: https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-countries-soften-push-to-curb-chinese-access-to-sensitive-tech/

Capitals are set to weaken rules that would require them to scrutinize foreign investments in sensitive technologies such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, a draft document shows.

06/12/2025

“I do not have confidence that U.S. infrastructure is cyber secure.”

That’s the stark warning from a former U.S. National Security Council official—one echoed across the cybersecurity and homeland security communities. From water systems to power grids, America’s digital backbone is exposed, fragmented, and often under-defended.

This is no longer a federal problem alone. State and local leaders—and their transatlantic counterparts—are on the front lines of cyber resilience. They must be equipped, connected, and empowered to act now.

Read more:
https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2025/06/i-do-not-have-confidence-us-infrastructure-cyber-secure-former-nsc-official-says/405816/

At the AI Expo for National Competitiveness, Anne Neuberger told audiences that artificial intelligence tools are an enhancement opportunity for U.S. cyber defenses and intelligence collection.

06/11/2025

The Arctic isn’t a frontier—it’s a fault line.

From Russia’s militarization to China’s polar ambitions, the Arctic is fast becoming a strategic theater. High North News argues that a Trans-Arctic alliance—including key regional and Indigenous actors—isn’t just desirable, it’s essential for U.S. national security.

As the ice melts, access grows—and so do the risks. National security doesn’t stop at the 49th parallel. Neither should our partnerships.

Read more: https://www.highnorthnews.com/en/transarctic-alliance-key-us-national-security?mc_cid=6bdffc2cb8&mc_eid=a2bcb15948

NATO's 31 chiefs of defense and more, lined up at the annual conference of the NATO Military Committee, this time hosted by Norway in 2023. Together, these chiefs lead around three million men and women in uniform. (Photo: Torbjørn Kjosvold/Norwegian Armed Forces)

06/10/2025

Cyberattacks aren’t limited to governments—they’re hitting local businesses and critical infrastructure.

Russian-linked hackers are now targeting Western logistics companies that deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine. These aren’t government agencies—they’re private firms with real-world impact on supply chains and communities.

This is a warning shot. If hostile actors can disrupt local businesses during a crisis abroad, they can do it again—for political pressure, economic coercion, or simply to sow chaos at home.

Full story here: https://www.apnews.com/article/6308ca3e11c8299470df573e4f422878

The U.S. National Security Agency says hackers working for Russian military intelligence tried to access the systems of Western technology and logistics companies involved in shipping assistance to Ukraine.

06/09/2025

🔹Meet the Leaders behind AGS: Jason Worlledge, Founding Board Member

“Freedom isn’t passed through bloodlines—it’s renewed each generation by those with the courage to defend it. I joined the Alliance for Global Security to stand with local leaders on the frontlines of that promise.”

Jason Worlledge is a founding board member of the Alliance for Global Security. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Jason has two decades of experience in U.S. political engagement, civil society development, and international coalition-building in more than 25 countries, helping to strengthen democracy and counter authoritarian influence.

From advising national leaders to launching grassroots initiatives, his career reflects a deep belief: that global threats require local courage. At AGS, Jason leads efforts to equip U.S. state and local leaders with the tools, insights, and partnerships they need to engage on the frontlines of national security—because today, those frontlines are everywhere.

Learn more: allianceforglobalsecurity.org/leadership/jason-worlledge

06/08/2025

🔹 Meet the Leaders behind AGS: Jason Emert, Esq.

“The more I traveled the world, the clearer it became: the frontlines aren’t overseas—they’re in our own communities. That’s why we built AGS—to equip local leaders to meet this moment.” — Jason Emert

Jason Emert is an international attorney, political strategist, and human rights advocate with global experience in democratic development, electoral assistance, and youth engagement. From advising foreign governments to leading international election missions, Jason has seen firsthand how authoritarian threats cross borders—and how local leadership plays a pivotal role in defending democracy.

A former chair of the International Young Democrat Union, Jason brings deep insight into how international trends impact communities at home. At AGS, he’s focused on empowering a new generation of local and state leaders with the tools they need to protect democratic values and respond to rising global threats.

Learn more: allianceforglobalsecurity.org/leadership/jason-emert-esq

06/07/2025

🔹 Meet the Leaders behind AGS: Jason D. Mayer

“I joined the Alliance for Global Security because meeting today’s international challenges requires focused, sustained engagement with willing partners at all levels of government.”

Jason D. Mayer is a seasoned national security leader with nearly two decades of experience in the U.S. government and private sector. He has held senior roles across the Department of Homeland Security, CIA, NSA, and the White House National Security Council, and currently serves as Global Head of Security and Safety at Chobani.

Twice the founder of global corporate security programs, Jason has managed crisis response operations, overseen major policy initiatives, and advised top decision-makers on homeland and geopolitical security. His work reflects a career-long commitment to resilience, integrity, and partnership.

At AGS, he brings that same commitment to helping state and local leaders meet today’s interconnected threats with strategic clarity and coordinated action.
Learn more: allianceforglobalsecurity.org/leadership/jason-d-mayer

06/06/2025

🔹Meet the Leaders behind AGS: Brendan Johannsen, Board Member

“With threats rising, we need fresh voices and real-world experience in the room. AGS is building the next generation of leaders to defend and advance U.S. and allied interests.”

Brendan Johannsen is COO and Managing Director at Teneo Risk, where he advises global executives on crisis management and geopolitical risk. A former CIA political analyst with experience in Sub-Saharan Africa and U.S. warzones, Brendan brings a sharp strategic lens to today’s most pressing challenges.

He’s an Atlantic Council affiliate, Truman National Security Fellow, and holds degrees from Columbia, Sciences Po, and Tufts. At AGS, Brendan is helping shape a rising generation of state and local leaders ready to meet global threats with clarity, courage, and purpose.

Learn more: allianceforglobalsecurity.org/leadership/brendan-johannsen

06/05/2025

🔹 Meet the Leaders behind AGS : Alison Williams, Board Member

“I joined the Alliance for Global Security board because I have seen the value of personal relationships in responding quickly and decisively to threats and crises. And I know that national capitals, while important, should not carry the responsibility of developing those relationships alone.” — Alison Williams

Alison Williams brings more than two decades of experience at the highest levels of government and electoral politics. Known for her sharp instincts and deep understanding of reputational risk, Alison has built a career turning complex policy challenges into clear, actionable outcomes.

A self-described policy wonk, she knows what good policy looks like—how to sustain it, and when to change it. At AGS, she champions the power of personal relationships and local leadership in safeguarding democratic resilience.

🌐 Learn more: www.allianceforglobalsecurity.org