Women's Leadership in Rethinking Security
Beyond Fear, Force, and Deterrence
Jun 04, 2025 / Vienna / Global Affairs
On 4 June, the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES), in collaboration with the Vienna School of International Studies (DA) and the Open Nuclear Network (ONN), hosted a panel event on Women’s Leadership in Rethinking Security: Beyond Fear, Force, and Deterrence. The panel featured Margot Wallström (former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden), George-Wilhelm Gallhofer (Deputy Director of Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs), Christine Muttonen (Vice-President of AIES, Co-President of PNND Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament) and Rebecca Jovin (Chief of Office, United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs at Vienna (UNODA)), and was moderated by Kseniia Pirnavskaia (Engagement and Network Coordinator; Open Nuclear Network (ONN)).
At a time when global security landscape is rapidly evolving - marked by war, rising military budgets, and the return of nuclear threats - this event explored how women’s leadership can help reimagine what security means. Traditional approaches centered on deterrence and hard power are no longer sufficient to address today’s challenges, which span from terrorism and right-wing extremism to climate insecurity and weakened respect for international law.
The speakers called for deeper investments in education, youth engagement, and leadership training, alongside a shift in public discourse: from preparing for war to preparing for peace. True security requires more than weapons: it demands inclusion, foresight, and bold rethinking.
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