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Younger Generation Leaders Network on Euro-Atlantic Security (YGLN): Developing a new generation of leaders

The YGLN is composed of 150 members in their early careers who are rising stars and specialists in security policy, economics, journalism, law and civil society. Formed in 2014, the YGLN was created to bridge the divide between Russia and the West and establish a much-needed platform for understanding and dialogue.

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YGLN Annual Gathering 2024

From 11 to 14 November 2024, the YGLN convened its annual gathering in Vienna, hosting a dynamic group of 35 participants from across Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Europe, and North America. YGLN members met with international organisations and diplomatic missions, fostered insightful discussions, and networked with one another.

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Latest ELN publications by YGLN members

Policy brief

From crisis to strategy: The OSCE and arms control in a divided Europe

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the OSCE has faced a deep crisis. Russia and Belarus have violated key norms of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, undermining the OSCE’s role in crisis management. Alexander Graef argues that breaking the impasse requires decisive political leadership and multi-level diplomacy. He also argues that growing military activities in Europe highlight the need for military-to-military contacts for managing escalation risks, in which the OSCE can facilitate necessary dialogues and support future monitoring activities as it has in the past.

14 March 2025 | Alexander Graef
OSCERussia-West relations
Commentary

Network reflections: On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine war, how can Europeans make their voices heard?

Russian and US officials met in Saudi Arabia last week to discuss the future of Ukraine and European security, without Europeans present. On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we asked members of our network: how should Europeans react and how can they make their voices heard on Ukraine?

24 February 2025 | Maria Shagina, Sergey Utkin, Anatoliy Grytsenko, Nadezhda Neynsky, Carsten Sondergaard, Liana Fix and Jane Kinninmont
Russia-West relations
Policy brief

Assessing the implications of integrating AI in nuclear decision-making systems

This policy brief analyses the integration of AI into nuclear command, control and communications systems (NC3), exploring potential benefits and significant risks. Former ELN policy fellow and Non-Resident Expert on AI at CNS Alice Saltini highlights the need for a better assessment of risks and the establishment of thresholds for integration to prevent miscalculations and nuclear escalation. It proposes that the EU leads international dialogue on AI risks in the nuclear domain in relevant international discussions.

11 February 2025 | Alice Saltini
Emerging Disruptive Technologies and Risk Reduction
Commentary

The unintended consequences of deterring cyber attacks through nuclear weapons and international law

Using nuclear deterrence to prevent cyber attacks presents not only ethical and strategic challenges but also significant legal concerns. International law imposes strict limits on the use of force, making a nuclear response to cyber attacks highly questionable. Attribution remains difficult, escalation risks are high, and proportionality concerns persist. YGLN member Verena Jackson writes that a more effective approach would focus on strengthening international norms, improving attribution mechanisms, and—above all—prioritising cyber resilience over expanding nuclear deterrence.

6 February 2025 | Verena Jackson
Multilateral Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
Commentary

The CTBT: A success story and keystone for reinforcing the NPT regime ahead of the next 2026 NPT Review Conference

Despite not yet entering into force, the CTBT has seen some remarkable successes in establishing a global norm against nuclear testing and a robust verification system. However, rising geopolitical tensions underscore the urgent need for full ratification. Eleonora Neri of the Younger Generation Leaders Network (YGLN) argues for states to redouble efforts to universalise the Treaty and reinforce global non-proliferation commitments.

30 January 2025 | Eleonora Neri
Multilateral Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-ProliferationNPT Project
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