From 20 to 24 February 2023, the NDC hosted the first Modular Short Course (MSC 142-1) of the year, which is run in conjunction with Senior Course 142. The MSC 142-1 took part in Study Period B of the academic curriculum, entitled “Contemporary NATO”, an overview of some of the global security challenges facing the Alliance.
Designed to analyze the complex, challenging and evolving environment in which NATO operates, and how the Alliance adapts to remain relevant and effective in the future, MSC 142-1 was attended by 20 military officers and civilian officials from various NATO nations.
On Day 1, Course Members were welcomed by the NDC Commandant, Lieutenant-General Olivier Rittimann, and proceeded to their respective Committee rooms for introductory Committee work with their Faculty Advisers, COL Jörg Prescher and COL Zsolt Mikusi. The NDC Commandant once again addressed participants in the Main Auditorium to deliver the first part of a lecture called “NATO in the New Multipolar Order”. The second part was delivered remotely by Professor Charles Kupchan. Both lectures were followed by a Q&A session.
Day 2 continued with Committee discussions to prepare the lecture of the day, focusing on “The Transatlantic Link – The Cornerstone of the Alliance” presented by Professor Sten Rynning and by Dr John R Deni, via remote means. The lecture was also followed by a Q&A session.
The next day was composed of Committee preparatory discussions, followed by two lectures delivered respectively by Loïc Simonet and Edoardo Baldaro on “The Role of Regional Security and Cooperation Organizations”, a Q&A session, and a consolidation session.
Day 4 was dedicated to the topic of “The Security of Europe from a NATO Perspective”, presented by Professor Serhat Güvenç, Mr Ian Bond (who participated virtually) and Dr Dimitar Bechev. The day followed the same format as previous days with Committee preparatory and consolidatory work and a Q&A session after the lectures.
The final day of MSC 142-1 was dedicated to the topic of “NATO’s Deterrence and Defense”. Course Members discussed the topic prior to attending the lectures by Dr William Alberque and Professor Keir Lieber. The presentations were followed by a Q&A session. Course Members were then conferred their certificates of completion by the NDC Commandant, marking the conclusion of the Modular Short Course 142-1.
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(Prepared by Ms Sofia Carvalheiro, PRT C)
NATO Defense College