James Appathurai

Mr. Appathurai was appointed to Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid, and Cyber in September 2021. As DASG, he works on policy development and implementation in the fields of Emerging and Disruptive Technologies, cyber security, energy security, the security implications of climate change, the protection of critical infrastructure, and hybrid defence. He previously served as DASG for Political Affairs and Security Policy, as well as Special Representative to Central Asia and the Caucasus. He was NATO’s Spokesperson from 2004 to 2010. He served as Deputy Head and Senior Planning Officer in the Policy Planning and Speechwriting Section of NATO’s Political Affairs Division from 1998 to 2004. He served in the Canadian Defence Department from 1994 to 1998.

The Innovation, Hybrid, and Cyber Division also focuses on emerging security challenges such as risks to energy security, the security impacts of climate change, and securing critical undersea infrastructure. The team also places a strong focus on fostering and protecting emerging and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology to ensure that the Alliance maintains its technological edge. The division also manages NATO’s Science for Peace and Security Programme, which fosters dialogue and practical cooperation between NATO and partner nations through scientific research, as well as several programmatic funds that focus on technological innovation.