The Hague, January 17, 2024

Dr. Cüneyt Gürer, Professor of Transnational Security Studies at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, delivered a lecture on transnational threats at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Invited by the Department of Safety Security Management Studies, Gürer's presentation, titled "Illicit Markets and Non-State Actors: Crime-Terror Convergence," focused on the evolving landscape of international security structures on a global scale.

"GCMC is making contributions to the future of security by engaging the decision-makers of tomorrow. In these historical times, it is very important to analyze the security challenges accurately and help the new generation understand what is at stake and encourage them to be part of the solution and be aware of the authoritarian tendencies and aggression coming from the malign actors in the international system," said Gürer.

Throughout his lecture, Gürer delved into the changes in international security over the decades, highlighting the shifting priorities and perceptions of global actors. His analysis showed how these transformations have paved the way for various non-state threats to converge across different regions of the world.

In a comprehensive assessment focused on transnational threats, Gürer described the structural changes in the international security domain triggered by the Russian attack on Ukraine. He also discussed the potential impact of strategic competition among global actors on the security priorities of various nations. The lecture linked contemporary security issues with the structures of illicit markets and transnational threats around the globe.

Gürer also participated in faculty discussions, sharing insights into academic and policy developments in the evolving security architecture of Europe and its extended region. During these engagements, he provided research perspectives on the human security approach to human displacement resulting from regional conflicts.

"We are happy to see the relationship between the Marshall Center and The Hague University of Applied Sciences has grown over the years, contributing to the future of security practitioners," concluded Gürer.