25th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Remarks
In his remarks, Michael Chertoff reflected on the evolution of intelligence and security priorities over the past 25 years, particularly since the September 11 attacks. Reflecting on the post-Cold War optimism of the 1990s, following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, Chertoff noted that many believed the world was moving towards greater peace, democracy, and stability. However, the events of September 11, 2001, dramatically shifted that outlook and compelled governments, including the United States, to focus intensely on counterterrorism.
Drawing from his experience at the U.S. Department of Justice and later as Secretary of Homeland Security, Chertoff explained that intelligence after 9/11 became highly tactical, centered on identifying imminent threats, tracking terrorists, and preventing the next attack. While this approach was necessary, he argued that it often came at the expense of long-term strategic analysis. Consequently, the international community may have underestimated broader geopolitical shifts, such as Russia’s return to authoritarianism under Vladimir Putin and China’s consolidation of power under Xi Jinping.
He emphasized that security today encompasses multiple domains beyond traditional battlefield conflict. These include cyber warfare, supply chain vulnerabilities, economic leverage, control over rare earth minerals and semiconductors, space security, and information warfare. He cited cyberattacks on Ukraine, ransomware incidents like NotPetya, and supply chain breaches such as the SolarWinds attack as examples of how digital tools can be weaponized. He also warned about disinformation campaigns and emerging technologies like deepfakes, which can undermine democratic institutions and public trust.
Chertoff concluded that modern intelligence must integrate both tactical and strategic thinking. Leaders in government and legislatures must step back and consider the broader, interconnected picture of global threats. While immediate threat prevention remains vital, long-term strategic planning is equally if not more important in navigating today’s increasingly complex security landscape.
