Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven (Germany)

Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven is a former diplomat and intelligence expert who served in senior roles across German foreign policy, European affairs and NATO intelligence. He was NATO's first Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security, where he built the Alliance's new Intelligence Division responsible for providing comprehensive situational awareness. He also served as Vice President of the German Intelligence Service and held ambassadorial positions in Poland and the Czech Republic. His career included almost five years as chief speechwriter to two German Foreign Ministers, Joschka Fischer and Klaus Kinkel, as well as diplomatic postings at the Embassies in Paris and Moscow.

Arndt explores hybrid conflict, examining how disinformation, cyber operations and influence campaigns are reshaping European security and the strategic contest with Russia. Drawing from his experience building NATO's intelligence capabilities and serving in Moscow during significant periods of change, he addresses the evolving threats facing governments, businesses and critical infrastructure. He examines transatlantic relations, NATO's intelligence landscape, and how organisations can build resilience against sophisticated state-backed operations. He also looks at the importance of the interaction between government and private sector when it comes to vital national and international infrasture. His insights span strategic risk and leadership in an era of uncertainty, combining knowledge of the tactics of state actors with practical understanding of defensive measures.

At the German Foreign Ministry, Arndt held various posts including member of the Policy Planning Staff, European correspondent, and Director of European Affairs. He is the author of Putins Angriff auf Deutschland: Disinformation, Propaganda, Cyberattacken (Putin's Attack on Germany: Disinformation, Propaganda, Cyberattacks). He is Visiting Professor at the Natolin College of Europe in Warsaw and Senior Adviser at Berlin Global Advisors.