MIVD director Peter Reesink delivers first Arthur Docters van Leeuwen annual lecture: ‘Collaboration is essential’
On 10 December, the Intelligence and Security Research Group of ISGA had the honour of hosting Vice Admiral Peter Reesink, Director of the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), for the inaugural Arthur Docters van Leeuwen Lecture. Reesink shared his insights on MIVD leadership, his strategic vision, and the growing importance of resilience, collaboration, and technological innovation in safeguarding security. He also spoke about his recent visit to Ukraine.
Vice Admiral Reesink began by paying tribute to Arthur Docters van Leeuwen, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the modern history of Dutch intelligence. As head of the domestic security service (Binnenlandse Veiligheidsdienst, BVD), Docters van Leeuwen introduced a threat-focused and resilience-oriented approach, which marked a turning point for Dutch intelligence. His emphasis on economic and knowledge security remains as relevant today as it was during his tenure.
The Arthur Docters van Leeuwen annual lecture is a new initiative aimed at bridging the gap between intelligence services and society. The series reflects on questions of intelligence leadership with a particular emphasis on the role of intelligence in a liberal democracy.
The Ukrainian wake-up call
The title of Reesink’s lecture - On the frontline: Empowering the MIVD in an Era of Change – underlined the resurgence of conflicts on and around the European continent. During a recent visit to Ukraine, the Director witnessed the devastation caused by Russia’s war of aggression firsthand. Despite unimaginable loss, Ukrainians continue their daily lives. The Netherlands’ support for Ukraine, he emphasised, is critical not only to the war’s outcome but also to European security.
Russia’s war in Ukraine also affects the Netherlands. A recent attempt to sabotage Ukrainian television networks resulted in Russian propaganda being broadcast on a Dutch children’s channel. Vice Admiral Reesink explained that Russia is already preparing for a post-war scenario in which NATO is its primary adversary. For the Netherlands, this means preparing for a long-term challenge—remaining resilient, united, and committed to NATO’s collective strength.
Reesink’s vision for the MIVD
Vice Admiral Reesink’s ambition for the MIVD is captured in its Vision 2024-2030, published earlier this year. The document outlines the agency’s strategic priorities, with a core focus on maintaining an edge over adversaries in an increasingly dynamic security environment. It aims to enhance the safety and operational effectiveness of Dutch and allied military forces while positioning the MIVD as a reliable, impactful partner that operates firmly within the boundaries of the rule of law.
The MIVD's strategy builds on four central objectives:
- Responding swiftly to geopolitical changes through stronger collaboration with intelligence partners and research institutes.
- Sustaining ground operations to enhance societal resilience and signal strength to adversaries, including publishing findings when possible.
- Preparing for large-scale armed conflict by investing in space, cyber capabilities, and partnerships with NATO allies.
- Harnessing and safeguarding technological advancements by focusing on emerging and disruptive technologies, fostering cooperation with the private sector, academia, and the defence industry, while prioritizing the protection of military technology from industrial espionage.
Secret when necessary, but not secretive
A key pillar of this vision is its emphasis on transparency and seeking publicity whenever possible—an approach pioneered by Arthur Docters van Leeuwen. The guiding principle, 'Secret when necessary, but not secretive,' underscores the belief that transparency is essential for building trust with society.
The MIVD thus strives to share its findings when feasible, as demonstrated by the recent disclosure of Chinese malware discovered on Dutch government servers. This commitment extends to fostering academic engagement and contributing to public understanding, such as through publications like Bob de Graaff’s recent book on the history of the MIVD.
The collective responsibility of society
Vice Admiral Reesink stressed that national security is not solely the responsibility of intelligence services or the military. He called for greater public awareness and urged Dutch citizens to prepare for the real possibility of a major conflict close to home. Quoting Arthur Docters van Leeuwen—'Leadership is about making choices'—Reesink highlighted his commitment to fostering cooperation between government, academia, and the private sector. This collaboration, he emphasised, is essential for strengthening societal resilience and driving innovation in defence. Universities have a key role to play in this regard.