Dr. Christopher Ankersen, a Clinical Professor of Global Affairs at New York University, discusses the current global threat landscape, effective tabletop exercises for cybersecurity professionals, and the importance of understanding each location's role in a business. The podcast explores the multifaceted nature of global security dynamics, challenges in establishing risk practices in a global context, the need for assessment and understanding in crisis management and cybersecurity, and the importance of post-incident review and complexity of risk management.
Assessing global threats should consider the combinatorial effects of various factors like economic ties, political affiliations, and climate change.
To effectively manage risks, organizations should embrace uncertainty, adapt, and create scenarios that go beyond predictability.
Deep dives
Complexity of Global Threats
The current global threat landscape is characterized by a combination of multiple influences and drivers that are difficult to understand. For example, the relationship between China and the United States is more complex and multi-level than the relationship between the US and the USSR during the Cold War. When assessing threats, it is important to consider the combinatorial effects of various factors such as economic ties, political and ideological affiliations, and climate change.
Risk Management in Uncertainty
In dealing with risks, it is crucial to embrace uncertainty and avoid seeking certainty. Risk management should focus on managing uncertainty rather than predicting specific incidents. Combining diverse threats, such as cybercrime and cyber espionage, allows for a more comprehensive understanding of potential risks. To effectively manage risks, organizations should be prepared to adapt and improvise, creating scenarios that go beyond predictable situations and uncover blind spots.
Navigating Global Operations and Volatility
To navigate the challenges of operating in volatile regions with differing regulatory environments and cultural nuances, organizations should start by mapping their global operations and understanding the value of each location. This understanding enables proactive risk mitigation strategies that go beyond evacuation or lockdown. It is essential to involve local employees in decision-making, explore alternative ways of achieving business goals, and consider stretching scenarios to identify potential blind spots. Effective risk management also requires cross-functional collaboration and a focus on what can be controlled and prepared for.
Supporting Productivity and Safety in Conflict Zones
In conflict zones or volatile circumstances where organizations need to continue operations, leadership should prioritize duty of care and establish an ethic of care. This requires understanding the value of each location, seeking input from local employees, and devising creative solutions to maintain productivity and safety. A deliberate pause before crisis management can help in assessing the situation and avoiding knee-jerk reactions. Organizations should invest in thorough evaluations after incidents to foster learning and improve future responses.
Today, Steve is in conversation with Dr. Christopher Ankersen. Christopher is a Clinical Professor of Global Affairs at New York University, where he leads the Global Risk Specialization program at the Center for Global Affairs. He and Steve discuss the current global threat landscape, how to plan and run effective tabletop exercises, and why it’s crucial for global security professionals to be aware of each location’s role in their business.