Emerging Security Challenges: Norway, Japan, and UK perspectives

The morning programme was co-hosted by the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies (IFS) and its Japanese sister institution, the National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS).

Proceedings opened with a welcome from Professor Kjell Inge Bjerga, Director of IFS, followed by remarks from Mr. Imakyurei Manabu, President of NIDS. Keynote addresses by Mr. Andreas Flåm, State Secretary to the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, and General Eirik Kristoffersen, Chief of Defence of Norway, underlined the importance of close partnerships in addressing today’s complex security environment.

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Our two panels focused on the Asia–Europe nexus, exploring both strategic connections and operational realities of transregional cooperation.

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The first panel, Strategic Connections Between Europe and Asia, explored the drivers and limits of transregional cooperation, with contributions from IFS, NIDS, and King’s College London.

This was followed by a panel on Operational Realities: Furthering European–Asian Cooperation, chaired by Professor Heng Yee Kuang of the University of Tokyo, with participants from IFS, NIDS, and Keio University.

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The morning sessions highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of strengthening Europe–Asia cooperation, underscoring the value of sustained dialogue among allies and partners. The afternoon programme, led by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) in collaboration with Hitotsubashi University, further enriched the seminar with a focus on total defence cooperation.

IFS warmly thanks the Norwegian Embassies in Beijing and Tokyo, as well as NIDS Japan, for their invaluable collaboration and support in making this seminar possible.

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The seminar took place at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, August 21, 2025.