News

• NDC Outlook 03-2025: Playing the long game - Russia in the Mediterranean, by Giangiuseppe Pili, Alessio Armenzoni, Gary C. Kessler and Diane M. Zorri

The NATO Defense College (NDC) celebrated the graduation of the 145th cohort of its Senior Course during a graduation ceremony held on 31 January 2025. The six-month intensive program culminated in the recognition of 78 senior military and civilian officials from 36 NATO Allied and partner nations, poised to become the next generation of the Alliance’s leaders.

NDC’s Senior Course 145 recently concluded its final week with the two-day Strategic Leadership Programme. The programme focused on the significance of effective leadership and its impact on organizations, particularly in a multinational and multicultural context such as NATO.

Outgoing Dean Dr Christopher Schnaubelt reflects on his time at the NDC

• NDC Outlook 02-2025: NATO’s future: a history, by Bruno Tertrais *

Over the course of three days, Senior Course 145 participated in the Strategy Challenge wargaming exercise, a simulation exercise designed to enhance their skills in strategic analysis, escalation response and decision-making during a political and security crisis. Divided into Committees, each acted as a national security council, providing strategic advice to their assigned country’s highest executive authority.

Admiral Rob Bauer, took command as the Chair of the NATO Military Committee (CMC) on 15 June 2021, becoming NATO’s most senior military officer and military advisor to the Secretary General and to the North Atlantic Council. In this capacity, he also presides the NATO Defense College’s Academic Advisory Board, which gives strategic advice to enhance the College's operations and activities.

• NDC Outlook 01-2025: Nuclear NATO: how to make it credible and efficient, by Karl-Heinz Kamp*

From 8 to 10 January 2025, Senior Course 145 engaged in the China Seminar, examining China’s political, military and economic ambitions, and discussing their impact on global security and implications for NATO.

As we approach the end of the year, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to the entire NATO Defense College community. This season is a time to reflect on our collective accomplishments and to express gratitude for the dedication and cooperation that make our work truly impactful.