Abu Dhabi, 7 September 2026: The Rabdan Security and Defence Institute (RSDI) at Rabdan Academy contributed to the third edition of the Hili Forum, with Dr. Jack Andrew Harding moderating the Day One concurrent session “The Cost of Deterrence: Who Can Afford the Next War?”
The panel brought together senior defence and security leaders and scholars: H.E. Lieutenant General Stefano Mannino, President of the Centre for Higher Defence Studies (CASD), Italy; H.E. Major General (Ret.) Khalid Abdullah Al Buainain Al Mazrouei, Advisor at the Office of the Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; Dr. Lisa Saum-Manning, Associate Director of the International Security and Defense Policy Program at RAND, USA; and Dr. Warren Anthony Chin, Program Chair of Defense & Security at Rabdan Academy. The session was moderated by Dr. Jack Andrew Harding, Interim Manager of RSDI.
Discussions focused on whether deterrence remains a valid paradigm and what it demands of states today. Speakers emphasised that effective deterrence requires more than military strength or increased defence spending. Modern threats call for a comprehensive approach that treats social resilience and cohesion as critical elements of security, particularly as cognitive warfare targets these intangible strengths to undermine public confidence, decision-making and, ultimately, deterrence itself. The discussion further observed that deterrence has appeared to fail more often than succeed over the past 25 years, reflecting problems in how it has been generated rather than an inherent flaw in the concept.
RSDI’s role in moderating the session reflects its continued efforts to advance specialised research and informed dialogue on emerging security challenges. Through its participation in platforms such as the Hili Forum, RSDI seeks to bridge academic research and professional practice, strengthen regional and international cooperation, and contribute to more effective strategic responses to evolving threats.
