LONDON- The Course Members of Senior Course 117 enjoyed an exceptional visit to the United Kingdom, 23-25 September 2010, adding first-hand British perspectives to the SC117 European Security field study. The visit also enabled spouses and Course Members to enjoy many of the cultural and historical sites available in magnificent London. After a series of informative briefings and discussions, Lieutenant General Wolf-Dieter LOESER, Commandant of the NATO Defense College, also recognised Professor Christopher COKER for his significant contributions to the College, conferring upon him the designation of Honorary Ancien of the College.
The opening address was provided by Mrs. Gloria CRAIG, Director of International Security Policy for the Ministry of Defence. Her remarks provided unique and valuable perspectives on a broad range of issues, such as the dynamics of the UK’s coalition government, the priority of Afghanistan, the importance of NATO’s new strategic concept, the development of the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy, ongoing efforts to counter piracy, and strengthening relations with both regional partners and Allies.
Her briefing was followed by Dr. Roger HUTTON (Head of Strategy Development) and his discussion on the UK’s ongoing Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). After outlining the priorities and framework guiding the assessment, Dr. HUTTON explained how the strategy will inform a national posture articulated in defence strategies and military tasks. Given the current financial climate across the Alliance, the discussion emphasised the challenges of harmonising affordability and policy, citing the intricate balance between current commitments (such as ISAF), with procurement of desired, future capabilities.
The subsequent briefing focused on the European Union’s CSDP, and was delivered by Mr. Sandy JOHNSTON, Assistant Head (EU and France), NATO and Europe Policy. Mr. JOHNSTON demonstrated why multilateral cooperation and the development of European capabilities are clearly in the best interest of the member states of both NATO and the EU. The theme of cooperation continued to the later briefing on the UK’s developmental approach to conflict and instability, provided by Mr. Phil MARKER, Head of Conflict, Humanitarian and Security Department at the Department for International Development (DFID).
Mr. MARKER emphasised the importance of “investing upstream” to reduce poverty, conflict and instability in the world’s most fragile states. Achieving development goals requires close cooperation across the government, and the UK has realised this comprehensive approach in its Stabilisation Unit. The approach enables the MoD, DFID, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to plan and fund strategies for projecting development and stability.
The final briefing was delivered by Mr. Chris HOLTBY, Deputy Head of the Security Policy Group at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Mr. HOLTBY provided keen insight into the priorities, methods, and factors influencing British foreign and security policy. He discussed the policy broadly, covering the role of the National Security Council, the importance of the transatlantic link to the UK and the Alliance, the importance of UK relations with other multilateral institutions, the UK’s global reach and societal values, and the need to reform institutions to produce desired effects.
The lectures were followed by an extensive discussion period, during which the Course Members of SC 117 presented challenging and relevant questions to their veteran hosts. In addition to the aforementioned panelists, the forum was joined by Brigadier Tim RADFORD (Head of Overseas Operations) and Group Captain James LINTER (Assistant Head Counterterrorism and Global Commitments Operations, both of whom offered valuable contributions and British perspectives. Concluding the rewarding dialogue, Lieutenant General LOESER thanked all of the participants for taking time from their valuable schedules and for making the visit such a constructive and memorable experience.
Lieutenant General LOESER also leveraged the opportunity to pay tribute to Professor Christopher COKER for his substantial contributions to the College, conferring upon him the prestigious title of Honorary Ancien of the College. In addition to serving as Head of the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics, Professor COKER is a visiting professor at the Norwegian Defence and Staff College, an extensively published scholar, and a highly regarded visiting lecturer at institutions such as the Royal College of Defence Studies (London), the Centre for International Security (Geneva), the National Institute for Defence Studies (Tokyo), and at various institutes in Western Europe, North America, Australia and South-east Asia. Professor COKER is also a frequent and esteemed lecturer at the NATO Defense College, in Rome, Italy.
In fact, Professor COKER gave his first lecture at the College on 28 September 1998, to Senior Course 93, and he has lectured at the College on no fewer than 28 occasions. Indeed, over the past 12 years his lectures, without exception, have become a highlight of the curriculum and a favorite of the Course Members. After discussing the importance of these contributions to the College, Lieutenant General LOESER presented the honour of Honarary Ancien to Professor COKER, stating:
“This certificate now formalises the recognition of the efforts you have devoted to the College. I present it on behalf of the Anciens of the NATO Defense College, who take great pleasure in extending their association with Professor Christopher COKER, by welcoming him as the newest Ancien.”
The ceremony was a particularly appropriate conclusion to the SC 117 visit to the United Kingdom, as Professor COKER was honoured in front of the same Course Members to whom he presented his most recent lecture at the NDC, on 7 September 2010, titled “Strategic Thinking.”
The next stage of the European Field Study takes the Course to Berlin, followed by Copenhagen, and Sarajevo, before returning home to Rome.
More about the Field Study:
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN 
