VIDEO- Combating Non-State Actors & Proxy Groups: Lessons Learned
Global Security Forum 2025
The Impact of Non-State Actors on Global Security
The 2025 Global Security Forum (GSF) took place from April 28–30, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, hosted by The Soufan Center and the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS). Held under the auspices of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, this year’s gathering addressed the theme “The Impact of Non-State Actors on Global Security.” This pivotal theme explored the evolving roles and influences of non-state actors—ranging from private military contractors and transnational terrorist groups to organized criminal networks and violent extremist organizations—on the global security landscape.
About Global Security Forum
The Global Security Forum is an annual international gathering hosted by The Soufan Center. For several years it has brought together an international network of senior officials and experts, and consistently included ministers, heads of security agencies, and prominent experts, academics, and journalists, and thousands of attendees. This invitation-only event provides a unique dynamic platform for international stakeholders to convene and address the international community’s leading security challenges.
Global Security Forum – Combating Non-State Actors & Proxy Groups: Lessons Learned – Sponsored by Arizona State University and New America, with Candace Rondeaux, Peter Bergen, Jan (Ken) Gleiman (Editor-in-Chief of SWJ), Ioannis Koskinas, and moderated by Daniel Rothenberg
From The Hoplite Group on LinkedIn:
“Across the world, violent non-state actors have demonstrated their ability to contest state power, in some cases toppling governments and assuming territorial control. This panel will discuss the changing nature of terrorist groups and militant organizations. What do these shifts mean for counterterrorism efforts and contemporary security operations? How are private military companies stepping into security voids and how do their activities blur legal boundaries with state actions and interests? Building on lessons learned from past conflicts, this panel will discuss approaches for combating these groups today.”
Watch this panel here. (Starts at 3:12:16)
Patrick Tucker of Defense One quoted Col. Jan (Ken) Gleiman (Ret.) and Col. Ioannis Koskinas (Ret.), in this timely article about the panel.
The Global Security Forum Overview and findings reports
The Global Security Forum’s Overview and Findings Report compiles key insights from the conference, drawing from the rich and diverse expertise on offer each year. These reports provide an overview, as well as a strategic assessment of the security matters and policy recommendations discussed to meet the range of security challenges addressed each year. The findings and recommendations fostered by discussions at the Global Security Forum have been presented to key stakeholders at prestigious international meetings and events from across the globe, including before the United Nations, European Union (EU), Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), the Global Coalition Against ISIS, among others.
Find past reports here:
