The Generals, Flag Officers & Ambassadors’ Course (GFOAC 2018-1), entitled “NATO: leading up to the 2018 Brussels Summit”, ran during the week of 11-15 June at the NATO Defense College. It was attended by a total of 44 senior military and civilian leaders, from major NATO nations and partner states.
With the aim of enhancing the understanding of the latest politico-military issues within the Alliance, the GFOAC is designed to present strategic issues to senior leaders and to foster discussion and professional interaction among the Course Members.
On Monday, the Head of the NDC Academic Planning and Policy Division BrigGen Heinz-Josef Feldmann (DEU A) and Col James Huber (USA A) paved the way for the discussions by introducing the Course. NDC Dean BrigGen (ret.) František Mičánek delivered the traditional welcoming remarks. The morning lecture, entitled “Cultural Dialogue: The Western Encounter with the Rest”, was by Professor Christopher Coker (GBR). In the afternoon, Mr Michael Ruehle (DEU) spoke about “NATO Strategic Guidance”.
On the second day, the morning lecture on “EU-NATO Cooperation” was by LtGen Esa Pulkkinen (FIN); the afternoon speaker was Prof. Mustapha Benchenane (FRA), who offered an in-depth perspective on the Middle East and North Africa.
Wednesday morning was dedicated to “The Security Implications of the Rise of China”, with a lecture by Prof. Jonathan Holslag (BEL). The afternoon programme comprised lectures on Russia, with Dr Dimitry Suslov (RUS) examining foreign policy.
On Thursday, there was a video teleconference link enabling Course Members to receive an update from Gen. John W. Nicholson (USA) on NATO’s Resolute Support Mission Afghanistan. The afternoon topic was “The Future of NATO”, addressed by Prof. Julian Lindley-French (GBR)
The last day of the Course featured another highly relevant video conference, when Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller (USA) addressed “The Transatlantic Link: The Cornerstone of the Alliance”. Closing remarks were given by BrigGen Feldmann.
Each of the various sessions during the week was followed by a question and answer session, affording Course Members a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussion with the speakers.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Ilaria Latorre, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN