September 2024 marks one year since Ms Marie-Doha Besancenot joined NATO as an Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy. Having a background formed in both public and private sectors, Ms Besancenot has joined the Alliance in one of the most visible roles and since her appointment, she has been deeply engaged with the defence and strategic communications communities, tackling complex issues at the intersection of diplomacy, security, and public engagement. In a recent LinkedIn post, Ms Besancenot candidly reflected on the persistent challenges that occupy her thoughts, including the effectiveness of NATO’s public diplomacy efforts, audience engagement, and delivery of key messages. These concerns underscore the evolving nature of communication in a fast-changing geopolitical landscape.
In the latest episode of the #StratComPodcast, Ms. Besancenot delved into the current state of the Alliance, discussing its preparedness to confront threats within the information environment, the resilience of its global partnerships, and the shared objectives that will shape NATO’s trajectory in the coming years.