Niklas Swanström participated in the North Star Forum in Władysławowo

September 4, 2026: Dr. Niklas Swanström, ISDP’s Executive Director, recently participated in the North Star Forum in Władysławowo, where he joined the high-level panel discussion “Digital Wall and Maritime Horizon: AI in Strategic Border Protection.” The session brought together experts, policymakers, and security practitioners to examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in safeguarding critical maritime and border regions.

During the panel, Dr. Swanström focused on the strategic implications of AI-enabled border protection in two increasingly important security environments: the Taiwan Strait and the Baltic Sea region. He highlighted how emerging technologies, including advanced data analytics, autonomous monitoring systems, and AI-supported decision-making tools, are reshaping the way states monitor maritime activities, identify security risks, and respond to evolving threats.

Drawing on developments in both regions, Dr. Swanström discussed the similarities and differences between contested and strategically sensitive maritime spaces. He emphasized the importance of integrating technological innovation with international cooperation, situational awareness, and resilience-building measures to address the growing complexity of regional security challenges.

The discussion explored how we can enhance maritime domain awareness, support critical infrastructure protection, and contribute to more effective border management while balancing operational effectiveness with legal and ethical considerations.

The North Star Forum serves as a platform for dialogue on emerging security, technology, and geopolitical issues.

The panel provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives with leading experts on the future of AI-driven security solutions and the challenges facing strategic maritime regions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.