Retired Major General Dr. Saleh Al-Ma’aytah delivered a lecture on Monday to students of the Military Science course at the University of Jordan, titled “Intellectual Security: The First Line of Defense.”

The lecture addressed the importance of reinforcing the concepts of intellectual security among youth as the first line of defense in safeguarding society, by developing their ability to distinguish between reliable and misleading information, and by strengthening students’ critical thinking when engaging with ideas or content encountered on digital platforms. It also highlighted the pivotal role of young people in preserving national identity and countering attempts to undermine their awareness through rumors or extremist narratives.

Dr. Al-Ma’aytah emphasized that intellectual security constitutes a fundamental pillar in confronting extremist ideologies and attempts to influence the consciousness of future generations, noting that students’ awareness and security culture represent an important component of the national framework for maintaining societal stability. He stressed the need to reinforce national belonging, verify information sources, and uphold Jordanian values rooted in moderation and centrism.

The lecture witnessed active participation from the students, who raised a range of questions and remarks regarding modern security challenges and methods of safeguarding public awareness against rumors and misleading ideas.