WILLEMSTAD - The growing geopolitical tensions in the Caribbean will take center stage during an online event hosted by Security in Open Societies (SOS) on December 11. Five experts from the fields of defense, academia and security analysis will examine how major powers — including the United States, Russia and China — are reshaping the strategic landscape of the region.

According to SOS, the geopolitical competition unfolding in the Caribbean has direct implications for the security and resilience of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Dutch Caribbean islands sit in a strategically important yet vulnerable corridor, and often feel the immediate impact of shifting political and military dynamics. These include economic pressure, influence operations, and increased military activity near the islands.

Impact on Daily Life in the Caribbean

During the digital session, experts will discuss how these global developments affect daily life on the islands and explore possible response strategies for both the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom and the European Netherlands. The conversation aims to provide clarity on risks, vulnerabilities and the preparedness needed in an increasingly turbulent geopolitical environment.

Panel of Specialists

Participants in the expert panel include:

Laurien Sillevis – Ministry of Defence 

Glenn Thodé – University of Groningen 

Renske Pin – Independent researcher 

Walter Hansen – Commander of Naval Forces in the Caribbean 

Leendert Gooijer – Analyst Network for National Security

The session will be moderated by researcher Emma Pullen.

Event Details

The event will take place from 16:00 to 17:30 CET (11:00 to 12:30 in the Caribbean). Participation is open to the public and accessible via Microsoft Teams upon registration.

With geopolitical tensions rising across the hemisphere, organizers say the discussion is both timely and essential for understanding the region’s evolving security landscape.