The High North Security Dialogue (HNSD) is an annual seminar co-hosted by the Marshall Center in partnership with the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. It focuses on the High North as a critical operational theater, where NATO and partner forces must maintain deterrence and rapid response capability.

Formerly known as the European Security Seminar–North, HNSD brings together key governmental and regional leaders to identify challenges and opportunities in the Arctic, fostering cooperative approaches to deterrence and defense.

The Arctic is vital to U.S. homeland defense and strategic deterrence; HNSD supports this priority effort while enhancing readiness and resilience along NATO’s Northern Flank. The program emphasizes that alliances and partnerships are a strategic advantage and an indispensable element contributing to international peace and stability.

The seminar includes presentations, breakout groups, and discussions, and caters to mid-to-senior level security practitioners, policymakers, and academics. The dialogue is conducted under the Chatham House Rule, allowing participants to engage openly while conceptualizing tangible courses of action in the Arctic. 

HNSD reflects the unique capability of U.S. Department of Defense Regional Centers to link regional expertise, expand cooperation, and amplify U.S. and allied priorities.

• Enable dialogue and strengthen cooperative networks to build mutual understanding and civil-military resilience in addressing regional security challenges
• Establish a foundation for broader security discussions based on sub-regional focus on the European High North and assess impacts of the war in Ukraine on High North security
• Examine the strategic impact of Finland and Sweden joining NATO for security in the European High North
• Develop strategic insights for policymakers that strengthen deterrence, defense, and resilience in the Arctic