The Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia organised a series of three expert lectures on counterintelligence in early January 2026. The lectures were delivered by Dr Kevin Riehle, Lecturer and Researcher at Brunel University London and a recognised expert in intelligence and counterintelligence studies.
The first lecture, Sabotage and Related Counterintelligence, took place on 5 January 2026 at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana. It focused on the phenomenon of sabotage in a European historical context, with particular emphasis on the Soviet Union and Russia. Dr Riehle complemented the historical overview with an analysis of contemporary cases of sabotage and covert activities, placing them within the context of the war in Ukraine and the broader European security environment.
The second lecture, Russian Intelligence and the Role of Counterintelligence, was delivered on 6 January 2026 to participants of the General Staff Programme at the Doctrine, Development, Education, and Training Command (PDRIU) of the Slovenian Armed Forces. The lecture examined the structure and functioning of Russian intelligence services, highlighting the role and importance of counterintelligence in protecting military capabilities, decision-making processes, and national security interests.
The third lecture, Concept and Practice of Counterintelligence, was held on 7 January 2026 at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana. It addressed the core concepts and practical dimensions of counterintelligence, with particular emphasis on intelligence threats, the key pillars of counterintelligence activity, and the importance of prevention and systematic risk management in contemporary security systems.
Taken as a whole, the lecture series made a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of contemporary intelligence and counterintelligence challenges and fostered expert discussion on the evolving security risks facing states in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Selected works by Dr Kevin Riehle: