From 24 to 28 November, the NATO Defense College (NDC) conducted its Modular Short Course Partners Integrated (MSC PI 147-1) on “The Changing Character of War”, held in parallel with Senior Course 147. The course allowed participants to examine the complex and evolving security environment in which the Alliance operates and addressed how NATO must change and adapt to remain a relevant and effective force, both now and in the future.
During this one-week course, the NDC welcomed 15 senior officers and civilians from NATO and partner countries to take part in selected modules of the Senior Course. Introductory in nature, MSC PI enhanced participants’ understanding of NATO’s strategic environment and fostered multinational dialogue.
Comprising both lectures and committee work, MSC PI sessions navigated the multi-domain battlefield, covering land, air, maritime, space, and cyber domains, with in-depth discussions on strategic resource dependencies and their implications for Alliance planning. Participants analyzed NATO’s renewed focus on deterrence and defence since the first invasion of Ukraine in 2014, explored the impact of rapid technological developments on military capabilities, and considered approaches to strengthening societal resilience against emerging threats. Across these discussions, the course encouraged participants to reflect on how these issues shape NATO’s ability to adapt and remain effective in an increasingly complex strategic landscape.
This Modular Short Course Partners Integrated offered participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the changing warfighting domains and resource security, while engaging in insightful exchanges with their peers on matters critical to the Alliance and global security.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Britt Melinga, NLD C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN