NATO Wargaming Initiative 2024 (WIN24) conference with CISS participation

10 September 2024

Our Wargaming and Information Systems team at the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies attended the NATO Wargaming Initiative 2024 (WIN24) conference. The NATO Wargaming Initiative 2024 (WIN24) is a third year event dedicated to the use of wargames to improve strategic planning and decision-making within NATO. It took place at the Helmut Schmidt University of the Federal Armed Forces in Hamburg in early September 2024 and was co-hosted by Germany, France and Italy. Aline Werro, Sascha Geißler and Denis Raabe supported the VIP Megagame organised by NATO SHAPE (ACO). With the Ted Talk 'The Human Side of Wargaming', Head of the Research Group Christian Nitzl showed behavioural science relevance to wargaming and was a panelist in the discussion on AI in wargaming.

The two-day WIN24 programme included a range of activities covering both the theory and practice of wargaming. Highlights included keynotes and TED Talks by leading experts on the future of wargaming culture and innovative approaches to implementation in (military) planning processes. In addition, specialised workshops offered participants the opportunity to delve deeper into various aspects of wargaming and gain practical experience. A central element were the 22 wargames that took place during the conference, in which realistic conflict scenarios were played out. These games helped participants to make complex operational decisions under time pressure and in a competitive environment, and to analyse their impact immediately. High-level panel discussions also provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities of wargaming in modern warfare.

The objective of WIN24 was to promote a common wargaming culture, as well as communication and cooperation on wargaming within NATO, with the ultimate aim of strengthening strategic planning capability through wargaming and embedding wargaming as a tool in military planning processes. The event served not only as a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices, but also as a catalyst for the development of common standards and methodologies in the field of wargaming. By pooling knowledge and experience, NATO aims to ensure that its members' armed forces are better prepared for future challenges and that strategic decisions can be made on the basis of sound information. The lessons learned from WIN24 are intended to inform future planning processes within the Alliance and contribute to strengthening NATO's responsiveness in a dynamic global security environment.

Source: (c) Sascha Geißler