During the week of 11-15 November, the NATO Defense College hosted the first part of the Generals, Flag Officers & Ambassadors’ Course (GFOAC 2019-2), with a further three days scheduled in Brussels from 18-20 November. The Course, entitled “NATO and the Euro-Atlantic Security Environment”, is being attended by a total of 47 senior military and civilian leaders, from 27 NATO nations and partner states.
The aim of the GFOAC is to improve participants’ understanding of current politico-military issues within the Alliance, and to provide a critical overview of established and emerging priorities. The Course also fosters discussion and professional interaction among participants.
Participants were welcomed by NDC Dean Dr Stephen Mariano (USA), Head of Academic Planning and Policy BGEN Rolf Wagner (DEU), and Course Coordinator COL Søren Knudsen (DNK). The first lecture, “Cultural Dialogue: the Western Encounter with the Rest”, was by Prof. Christopher Coker (GBR). In the afternoon, Prof. Sten Rynning (DNK) and GEN (ret) John Allen (USA) spoke on the transatlantic link.
The second day began with lectures on Russia by Dr Dmitry Suslov (RUS) and Mr Keir Giles (GBR), concluding with an afternoon talk by Mr Michael Rühle (DEU/NATO) on the subject of “NATO Strategic Guidance”. Wednesday was dedicated to China and the MENA region, with talks by Prof. Jonathan Holslag (BEL) and Prof. Mustapha Benchenane (FRA) respectively. On Thursday, there were again two major topics: the role of technology, covered by Prof. Holger Mey (DEU); and the future of NATO, with an afternoon lecture by Prof. Julian Lindley-French (GBR).
GFOAC 2019-2 concluded with a lecture entitled “A Strategic Commander’s perspectives on NATO and the Euro-Atlantic Security Environment”, by GEN (ret) John W. Nicholson Jr (USA). Closing remarks were given by NDC Commandant LGEN Chris Whitecross (CAN).
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Mr Matteo Acciaccarelli, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN