Effective communication is critical in both peace and conflict scenarios; it is not just a tool but a critical capability in modern warfare. The growing importance of communication in this respect as well as NATO’s understanding of the increasing need to “win the narrative” was covered at this year’s NATO Communicators’ Conference which was attended by the JALLC’s own Public Affairs Officer and Strategic Communication Advisor, LTC Sonia Guerra. In this article you can read more about the conference and the JALLC’s experience at this event.
The NATO Communicators' Conference 2024, which was held in Berlin from 26 to 29 August this year, brought together some 500 communication professionals from across the Alliance, Partners, as well as from academia, and industry. The event, co-hosted by NATO's two Strategic Commands—Allied Command Operations and Allied Command Transformation (ACT)—, focused on the theme "Strategic Communications across the Warfighting Spectrum." Attendees included representatives from 33 nations, such as Ukraine, with experts from various fields like strategic communication, cognitive warfare, and emerging technologies. The theme of the conference, underscored the growing importance of effective communication in both peace and conflict scenarios. Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of NATO's Military Committee, delivered the keynote lecture, emphasizing the role of military communicators in "winning the battle of the narrative." Admiral Bauer highlighted that strategic communication is a crucial element of NATO's deterrence posture, requiring alignment in all messaging to reinforce NATO's unity and strength. The event, which was attended by the JALLC’s Public Affairs Officer and Strategic Communication Advisor, LTC Sonia Guerra, kicked off with recorded remarks by NATO's Strategic Commanders, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Chris Cavoli, and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), General Philippe Lavigne.
Cognitive warfare was a prominent topic during the conference, with discussions on how adversaries, particularly Russia, use information to shape conflicts and influence perceptions. Ukrainian officials contributed valuable insights into how Ukraine has been leveraging the information space to combat Russia's aggressive disinformation campaigns. One panel on "Threats and Responses" analysed the Kremlin’s global information campaign, Russia’s psychological operations, and Ukraine’s innovative defensive strategies. The conversation highlighted lessons NATO could draw from Ukraine’s success in managing information warfare on the battlefield. In addition to geopolitical insights, the conference featured workshops on enhancing internal communications within NATO. One such workshop, “Fostering Engagement through Effective Internal Communications,” explored strategies to improve staff productivity and cohesion.
The importance of graphic design in getting the message across was covered in a session dedicated to “Unlocking Graphic Design – the Significance of Design in the Digital Age.” This session focused on the power of digital design in shaping public opinion and delivering effective communication. Another highly relevant sessions was coordinated by ACT and included an interesting panel on "Cognitive Warfare: Developing Strategic Advantage." Experts such as Richard Sherburne, a NATO strategic concept analyst, and Hervé Le Guyader from NATO’s Scientific & Technology Organization, discussed how adversaries aim to exploit NATO’s strengths through cognitive attacks and how NATO is working to counter this threat.
As the NATO Communicators Conference 2024 came to a close, it was clear that strategic communications will remain at the forefront of NATO’s operational and strategic focus. Participants walked away with deeper insights into cognitive warfare, the use of emerging technologies, and best practices for internal and external communication within the Alliance. The event reinforced the message that effective communication is not just a tool but a critical capability in modern warfare. Through the exchange of ideas and expertise, NATO communicators continue to strengthen the alliance’s ability to convey its message clearly and counter misinformation across the warfighting spectrum, reinforcing #NATO’s commitment to protection of 1 billion citizens.