Leonhard Simon

Background

About Leonhard Simon

I have been an independent policy advisor since 2023, focusing on strategic advice on geopolitical risk issues. My expertise includes defense and security, technology and digitalization, transatlantic relations, and great power rivalry. This role requires in-depth analysis and strategic insight to address complex global challenges. From 2017 to 2022, I worked for the Munich Security Conference (MSC) as a project manager and digital communications manager. In this role, I led project teams and collaborated with various departments to organize major international security events in global capitals such as Berlin, Brussels, Washington, and Doha. My work facilitated collaboration with government, civil society and private sector stakeholders and contributed to the success of events such as the Cyber Security Summit and the European Defense Roundtable. In addition to my professional activities, I have served as President of the Young German Atlanticist Association (Junge Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft, Junge DAG/YATA Deutschland) since 2022, a role that underscores my commitment to promoting dialogue on security issues among young professionals. I lead an organization of about 500 members and organize events with international participants and excursions, including the annual NATO Future Seminar and fact-finding trips to Brussels to visit key institutions. I also moderate panel discussions on defense, geopolitics and disinformation, contributing to the public dialogue on security-related issues. My participation in and contributions to cybersecurity conferences, including the Expert Meeting on the Internet Governance and Cybersecurity Nexus at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia in Beirut and the International Conference on Cyber Conflict in Tallinn, further demonstrate my commitment to addressing global security challenges. I am passionate about advancing understanding and strategic responses to the challenges of global security and digital transformation.