On 18 and 19 November, Course Members of Senior Course 137 took part in a “blended ” version of the Russia Seminar at the NATO Defense College.
On day one, a panel of six experts (BGEN Schwalb (DEU, Ret.), Dr Suchkov (RUS), Professor Braun (CAN), Dr Connolly (GBR), Dr Suslov (RUS) and Mr Giles (GBR), delivered their briefings virtually to Course Members, who attended the Seminar from home.
Day one also coincided with the Defence Attachés’ Day at the NDC. A delegation of several Defence Attachés based in Rome visited the College and attended the second part of the morning session. They also listened to the second panel of the day.
Issues such as Russia’s domestic and foreign policy, Russia-China relations, Russia in the Middle East, Russia partners, the Russian Economy, COVID-related issues, and Russian military development, were discussed during the afternoon question and answer session.
Course Members were provided a wide array of perspectives on this most fascinating country. The discussions prepared and placed them in good stead for the working groups’ discussions that took place the day after, with the assistance of the same six mentors, who rotated among the groups.
The final exercise consisted of a feedback session on working groups’ discussions and mentors’ comments. The exercise concluded this 2020 edition of the Russia Seminar, a significant academic event at the NDC.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Nancy Vellone, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN