National Security News

Reporting the facts on national security

National Security News

National Security

NSN Top 50 Women in Security

Today National Security News publishes its inaugural list of 50 of the most influential women in security.

The NSN Top 50 Women in Security List is a celebration of the exceptional contribution made by women across national security. 

The past 20 years have seen a seismic shift in the national security landscape, with women increasingly playing a vital role in global decision making.

Despite this rise in female representation, however, their role has largely gone unnoticed. The NSN Top 50 Women in Security List highlights the importance of gender diversity, aims to inspire future leaders, and promotes a more inclusive approach to addressing global security challenges.

Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is named as the most influential woman working in security today.

Her relentless diplomacy with allies around the globe preserved a united front in support of Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. 

Vice President Harris has also shown that she clearly understands the reality of American military deterrence, and has promised to preserve the American military’s status as the most “lethal” force in the world.

The NSN list looked at 10 separate categories which included: StrategistsAlliesTruth SeekersWarriorsInnovatorsGuardiansFinanciersBuildersPeacemakers, and Planet keepers.

Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, has been named as the most influential women in security in the ‘Allies’ category for her unwavering support for Ukraine.

Prime Minister Meloni has repeatedly stated that her government would never backtrack on its support for Ukraine. She said the decision was not just morally right but also in the national interest given it was aimed at safeguarding rules designed to protect a country’s national integrity.

Sean Rayment is the Defence and Security Editor for National Security News. He is also a best selling author, broadcaster and award-winning defence and security journalist. He has also previously served as an officer in Parachute Regiment Officer. He has reported from war zones around the world including Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans, Africa, and Northern Ireland and is one of the few British journalists to twice visit the US detention centre at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. He has written for virtually all British national newspapers and specialises in security, intelligence, and defence reporting, with a specific interest in mental health issues in the military community. Sean is also the author of Bomb Hunters and Tales from the Special Forces Club. He also co-wrote the international bestselling Painting the Sand with Kim Hughes GC and Endurance with former SAS operator Louis Rudd.