s nations and companies rush to stand up next–generation nuclear power facilities to fuel energy–hungry AI systems, the geopolitical stakes around nuclear infrastructure are rapidly evolving. These nuclear–AI intersections are reshaping the global threat landscape and NATO must step up with a forward–looking approach that recognizes three central pillars of collective defense: cybersecurity, sustainability, and inclusion.
NATO’s core mission is under new pressure from converged threats that blur the lines between digital, energy, and physical domains. Cyberattacks on nuclear facilities, malicious code embedded in AI supply chains, and energy coercion are no longer hypotheticals. They are strategic risks to democratic resilience and economic stability.
Cybersecurity must become nuclear security. As modular nuclear reactors and AI–optimized power grids come online, NATO must prioritize cybersecurity resilience for these emerging infrastructures. This includes investing in secure–by–design nuclear tech, embedding cyber threat detection in AI energy systems, and coordinating red–teaming exercises (simulated cyberattacks) among allies. A cyberattack at the nuclear–AI nexus could have cascading effects—from data center blackouts to international crises.
This nuclear–digital strategy must also be sustainable, aligning with global climate goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). NATO should promote responsible innovation that advances clean energy, avoids extractive development, and ensures long–term environmental and societal stability. That means working with member states and industry to balance strategic energy needs with climate commitments.
NATO also has a crucial role to play in bridging the gap with the Global Majority. Many non–member states are exploring nuclear power and AI adoption as a path to economic development and strategic relevance. Rather than leaving these nations to choose between authoritarian infrastructure and Western neglect, NATO should create partnerships that share knowledge and build cyber capacity while promoting democratic tech governance.
To meet this moment, NATO must move beyond deterrence to direction—shaping a digital and energy future that reflects democratic values and enhances resilience.By expanding its vision of collective defense to recognize the urgency of converged threats with existential impact such as energy security, technological integrity, and sustainable development, NATO can lead with purpose in this new nuclear-AI era. It’s time for the Alliance to not just defend the past—but shape the future.
The next era of collective defense will be defined not just by military strength, but by how we secure our technologies, protect our infrastructure, and govern innovation.
a global affairs media network
NATO must evolve alongside nuclear, digital threats
Image via Adobe Stock
June 24, 2025
As public and private sector actors implement next–gen nuclear power facilities and fuel–hungry AI systems, the nuclear–AI intersection will reshape the global threat landscape for NATO. To meet the future, cybersecurity must become nuclear security, writes Camille Stewart Gloster.
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s nations and companies rush to stand up next–generation nuclear power facilities to fuel energy–hungry AI systems, the geopolitical stakes around nuclear infrastructure are rapidly evolving. These nuclear–AI intersections are reshaping the global threat landscape and NATO must step up with a forward–looking approach that recognizes three central pillars of collective defense: cybersecurity, sustainability, and inclusion.
NATO’s core mission is under new pressure from converged threats that blur the lines between digital, energy, and physical domains. Cyberattacks on nuclear facilities, malicious code embedded in AI supply chains, and energy coercion are no longer hypotheticals. They are strategic risks to democratic resilience and economic stability.
Cybersecurity must become nuclear security. As modular nuclear reactors and AI–optimized power grids come online, NATO must prioritize cybersecurity resilience for these emerging infrastructures. This includes investing in secure–by–design nuclear tech, embedding cyber threat detection in AI energy systems, and coordinating red–teaming exercises (simulated cyberattacks) among allies. A cyberattack at the nuclear–AI nexus could have cascading effects—from data center blackouts to international crises.
This nuclear–digital strategy must also be sustainable, aligning with global climate goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). NATO should promote responsible innovation that advances clean energy, avoids extractive development, and ensures long–term environmental and societal stability. That means working with member states and industry to balance strategic energy needs with climate commitments.
NATO also has a crucial role to play in bridging the gap with the Global Majority. Many non–member states are exploring nuclear power and AI adoption as a path to economic development and strategic relevance. Rather than leaving these nations to choose between authoritarian infrastructure and Western neglect, NATO should create partnerships that share knowledge and build cyber capacity while promoting democratic tech governance.
To meet this moment, NATO must move beyond deterrence to direction—shaping a digital and energy future that reflects democratic values and enhances resilience.By expanding its vision of collective defense to recognize the urgency of converged threats with existential impact such as energy security, technological integrity, and sustainable development, NATO can lead with purpose in this new nuclear-AI era. It’s time for the Alliance to not just defend the past—but shape the future.
The next era of collective defense will be defined not just by military strength, but by how we secure our technologies, protect our infrastructure, and govern innovation.
