Ukraine Foundation
Inspiring Change, Driving Impact
William Dixon is a global risk and security leader bringing 20 years of experience working at the forefront of security, risk and technology.
William Dixon serves as a Senior Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) -the world’s oldest think tank focused on defense and security- where he specializes in cyber and international security issues. He is a Senior Executive at a world-leading and multi-award winning global cyber intelligence corporation, whose team was drawn from intelligence services, military, law enforcement, and private threat intelligence companies in nearly every continent. He is also an Executive Advisor to a bespoke cyber venture investment firm.
William Dixon started his career in the UK Intelligence Community. He was an operational and strategic lead for a range of national security and cyber programs for Her Majesty’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). This included major experience working on a number of high-profile international cybercrime investigations.
After leaving Government he was the Head of Future Networks and Technology at the World Economic Forum, where he remains an agenda contributor on cyber and technology. He was also an executive at Barclays where he was the Global Head of Intelligence, and a working group member of the European Union’s Agency for Cyber Security (ENISA).
He is the author and contributor to a number of publications and has a Master’s degree from King’s College London’s War Studies Department in Intelligence and International Security.
Lviv: Ukraine Foundation’s Senior Fellow for Technology and Cybersecurity, William Dixon, Delivers Keynote at ITARENA, Europe’s Largest Cyber Gathering
On September 26, our Senior Fellow, Cybersecurity and Technology, William Dixon was offered to deliver one of the keynote speeches – following the First Deputy Prime Minister Mikhailo Fedorov.
His keynote “Cyber Victim to Cyber Power, How Ukraine Is Shaping NATO’s Future” featured many insights derived from his research with Ukraine Foundation on modern cyber resilience and the role of civilians in digital conflicts, he recently published in Ukrainian Policymaker.
London: Ukraine Foundation’s Senior Fellow for Technology and Cybersecurity, William Dixon, Published Commentary With RUSI.
On September 5, our Senior Fellow, Cybersecurity and Technology, William Dixon published an article with the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) examining how the United Kingdom can strengthen its institutional response to hostile disinformation campaigns. Drawing on his expertise in hybrid threats and information warfare, Dixon situates the issue within the broader context of national resilience, reflecting on the lessons of past reforms in UK cyber security as well as the experiences of close international partners.
In his article, William Dixon argues that the UK must move beyond fragmented approaches and establish a dedicated National Disinformation Agency with the mandate and capacity to integrate intelligence, coordinate responses, and engage society at large. He highlights examples from Ukraine, France, and the United States to show how allied nations are already embedding cognitive defence into their security architectures, while underscoring the urgency of a similar step for the UK. You can read the full article on RUSI’s platform [here].
At Ukraine Foundation, we strongly embrace this type of forward-looking research in the field of information warfare. Strengthening cognitive resilience is not only a matter of national security for individual states but also a shared imperative for Ukraine and its partners. By engaging with leading research and analysis, we aim to contribute to the development of innovative strategies that can confront disinformation as an integral part of modern conflict.
Ukraine Foundation’s Senior Fellow for Technology and Cybersecurity, William Dixon, Published in the Latest Edition of the Peer-Reviewed Ukrainian Policymaker Journal.
His article “Ukraine as the Cyber Spanish Civil War” offers an original contribution by applying Thomas Rid’s triad of cyber functions -espionage, sabotage, and subversion- to assess the evolving nature of cyber warfare in Ukraine, showing how each has transitioned from strategic theory to tactical implementation in an ongoing, high-stakes conflict.
Drawing parallels to the Spanish Civil War’s role as a proving ground for innovation, the article positions the Russo-Ukrainian war as a live-fire lab for cyber integration, where cyber capabilities only reach strategic effect when synchronized with kinetic operations -much like how tanks and aircraft in the 1930s only revolutionized warfare when used in coordination. Ultimately, the article argues that Ukraine’s success stems less from technical superiority and more from organizational agility, public-private fusion, and horizontal integration, marking a transformative model of cyber conflict with lessons far beyond the battlefield.
In the coming months, Ukraine Foundation‘s research will continue exploring how cyber operations evolve into a key element of combined arms tactics.
Check out William Dixon’s latest publications and media appearances
William Dixon in Today with Nic Roberston, BBC Radio 4, April 25, 2024 (starts at 17.19)
Geneva and Kyiv: On June 12, the Professional Government Association of Ukraine and Ukraine Foundation successfully launched their joint Espresso Speaker Series with a presentation by William Dixon, who shared his latest research findings titled “Ukraine as the Cyber Spanish War.”
William Dixon serves as Ukraine Foundation’s Senior Fellow for Technology and Cybersecurity Affairs, and as a Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) -the world’s oldest defense and security think tank- where he specializes in cyber and international security issues.
He presented insights from his soon-to-be-published research in Ukrainian Policymaker, offering a compelling analysis of Ukraine’s role in the evolving global cyber landscape.
This was a timely conversation, as Ukraine’s advancements in cyber capabilities—including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Counter-Electronic Warfare (CEW), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)—coupled with strategic planning and strict operational security, have recently drawn the attention of global policymakers and defense strategists.
The discussion was moderated by Dr. Anna Mysyshyn, a global expert in AI ethics, cybersecurity, and digital governance, and founder of the Institute of Innovative Governance. Her thoughtful guidance sparked a lively exchange with our engaged audience.
About William Dixon
William Dixon began his career in the UK Intelligence Community, serving as an operational and strategic lead for various national security and cyber programs within Her Majesty’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). After leaving government service, he held the role of Head of Future Networks and Technology at the World Economic Forum. He also served as Global Head of Intelligence at Barclays. He is a published author and contributor to numerous publications and holds a Master’s degree in Intelligence and International Security from the War Studies Department at King’s College London.
About Dr. Anna Mysyshyn
Dr. Mysyshyn’s expertise has been sought by leading international institutions including the United Nations, UNDP, FCDO, U.S. Department of State, and the German Marshall Fund. She has played a pivotal role in shaping global regulatory frameworks and cybersecurity strategies. A recognized thought leader and policy advisor, Dr. Mysyshyn has lectured in over 20 countries. She holds a PhD in Law and three LL.M. degrees from prestigious Russell Group universities.
Looking Ahead
Our next Espresso Conversation will feature Dr. Mariya Heletiy, the Ukraine Foundation’s Non-Resident Senior Fellow for Peace Processes and Conflict Resolution, who will discuss: “Lessons Learned from the Balkans and Nagorno-Karabakh Conflicts for the Future of Ukraine.”
On 12 June 2025, Ukraine Foundation and the Professional Government Association of Ukraine co-hosted a high-level Expresso online briefing with William Dixon, the Foundation’s Vice President for Innovation and Senior Fellow for Technology and Cybersecurity. The session, moderated by Dr. Anna Mysyshyn, explored the fast-evolving challenges and opportunities at the intersection of emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and Ukraine’s defense.
William Dixon, an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), brought deep expertise from his career in the UK Intelligence Community, where he led operational and strategic cyber programs for GCHQ and was involved in major international cybercrime investigations. His subsequent leadership roles as Head of Future Networks and Technology at the World Economic Forum and Global Head of Intelligence at Barclays have given him a unique perspective on both public and private sector approaches to cyber resilience.
The briefing examined the technological frontlines of the hybrid war, from cybersecurity and information integrity to the role of innovation in ensuring Ukraine’s long-term security. Dr. Mysyshyn, a global authority on AI ethics and digital governance, steered the conversation toward the policy implications of emerging technologies and the importance of building trusted digital ecosystems in times of conflict.
The interactive discussion reaffirmed Ukraine Foundation’s role as a platform for connecting global expertise with Ukraine’s most urgent strategic needs—ensuring that insights from cybersecurity and technology leaders like William Dixon inform the country’s path to security, resilience, and innovation.
FAQs
What is the focus of Ukraine Foundation’s work?
Ukraine Foundation is an independent, mission-driven research and impact organization dedicated to advancing peace, resilience, and innovation in Ukraine. Our work combines rigorous policy research with practical initiatives that strengthen Ukraine’s international partnerships, support innovation and technology, and promote cultural resilience amid the ongoing war.
How does the Foundation turn research into impact?
We believe research should lead to real-world change. Our policy programs —Ukraine in Europe, China in Ukraine, and Ukraine in the Global South— produce insights that shape international dialogue and policy. At the same time, our impact initiatives foster cooperation between governments, businesses, academia, and civil society, ensuring that ideas translate into action for Ukraine’s security, prosperity, and influence.
How can individuals and organizations engage with the Foundation?
Engagement is central to our mission. Partners, experts, and supporters can collaborate through joint research projects, public events, and strategic initiatives in innovation and culture. We also welcome contributions to our programs that amplify Ukraine’s voice globally and strengthen its resilience at home.
How can I support Ukraine Foundation?
You can support our mission by contributing financially, partnering on research or impact projects, or amplifying our work through your professional networks. Every contribution -whether funding, expertise, or visibility- helps us strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and global partnerships.
Does Ukraine Foundation accept volunteers or research fellows?
Yes. We welcome dedicated professionals, researchers, and students who want to contribute to our policy and impact agenda. Opportunities range from short-term projects and fellowships to longer-term engagement with our programs and initiatives.
How can organizations collaborate with the Foundation?
We actively partner with think tanks, universities, governments, businesses, and NGOs to co-develop research, host events, and implement projects that drive meaningful change. Organizations interested in collaboration can reach out to us directly to explore tailored partnerships.
