Global Stage: Live from Munich
National defense is no longer a question of just geographic borders or physical artillery. In a world of VPNs, advanced AI, and sophisticated cybercrime, governments must protect themselves against the ever-evolving threat of digital sabotage. Online criminal groups can imperil domestic institutions like businesses or bureaus, but nation-states also engage in cyber-warfare against their enemies to gain valuable resources or subvert democracy, inventing new ways to breach both firewalls and city walls.
This form of "hybrid conflict," as seen in the war in Ukraine, poses a significant risk to Europe and its allies abroad. Worse yet, the widespread adoption of AI has opened a Pandora’s Box of unanticipated dangers. How can European institutions stay secure? Don't miss our Global Stage live premiere this Saturday from the sidelines of the 2026 Munich Security Conference, featuring a panel of experts in policy, technology, and geopolitics.
Watch the premiere of our Global Stage: Live from Munich on Saturday, February 14th at 12 pm ET/6pm CET at gzeromedia.com/globalstage.
Participants:
- Benedetta Berti, Secretary General, NATO Parliamentary Assembly
- Ian Bremmer, President & Co-founder, Eurasia Group & GZERO Media
- Dr. Wolfgang Dierker, Global Head of Government Affairs, SAP
- Brad Smith, Vice Chair & President, Microsoft
- David Sanger (moderator), National Security Correspondent, New York Times
This livestream is the latest in the Webby-nominated Global Stage series, a partnership between GZERO and Microsoft that examines critical issues at the intersection of technology, politics, and society.
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Speakers
Benedetta Berti, Secretary General, NATO Parliamentary Assembly
Dr. Benedetta Berti is the Secretary General of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly since October 2025. The Secretary General leads the Assembly’s Secretariat as senior executive officer and principal strategic advisor to the Assembly’s political leadership, with responsibility for the Assembly’s activities and policy work, as well as for representing the Assembly externally. Dr Berti previously served as Director of Policy Planning in the Office of the Secretary General at NATO (2018-2025). She is Associate Researcher at the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy at Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Visiting Professor at the College of Europe and a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute.
Ian Bremmer, President and Founder, Eurasia Group and GZERO Media
Ian Bremmer is a political scientist who helps business leaders, policy makers, and the general public make sense of the world around them. He is president and founder of Eurasia Group, the world's leading political risk research and consulting firm, and GZERO Media, a company dedicated to providing intelligent and engaging coverage of international affairs. Ian is an independent voice on critical issues around the globe, offering clearheaded insights through speeches, written commentary, and even satirical puppets (really!). Ian is the host of GZERO World with Ian Bremmer, a weekly show airing on US public television.
Dr. Wolfgang Dierker, Global Head of Government Affairs, SAP
Dr. Dierker became SAP's Head of Global Government Affairs on February 1, 2025, with over 20 years of experience in Germany and Europe. He previously held leadership roles at Microsoft, Apple, and General Electric, and founded BITKOM's economic policy department. Dierker holds a Ph.D. in contemporary history and teaches at HTW Berlin.
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft
Brad Smith leads Microsoft’s efforts on crucial issues at the intersection of technology and society, including AI, cybersecurity, privacy, and human rights. With a team of 2,000 professionals worldwide, he advocates for responsible tech sector involvement and faster governmental actions. Recognized as a key industry figure, Smith has coauthored a bestselling book and hosts a podcast exploring digital age challenges and solutions.
David E. Sanger (moderator), White House and National Sec. Correspondent, New York Times
David E. Sanger is a White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times, reporting on President Trump and his administration, with a particular focus on foreign policy and its intersection with technology, politics and superpower conflict. In a 42-year reporting career at The Times, he has played central roles on three teams that have won Pulitzer Prizes, most recently in 2017 for international reporting. Sanger also co-teaches a course at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government titled, “Central Challenges in American National Security, Strategy and the Press.”
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