News

On 14 June, Senior Course 144 Course Members explored the current security challenges and opportunities in the South Caucasus and the Black Sea. Taking a closer look into the region’s main sources of instability and conflict, Course Members engaged in animated discussions on possible developments and the role of international players in the South Caucasus.

On 13 June, Senior Course 144 delved into the complex political and security landscape of the Western Balkans. Guest lecturers Dr Marilena Koppa and Mr Gerald Knaus provided a strategic overview of the region's past and present security challenges and opportunities. After an insightful Q&A session, Course Members engaged in in-depth committee discussions.

• NDC Insight 03-2024: How to write a strategy , by Christopher M. Schnaubelt *

From 11-12 June, Senior Course 144 participated in the Middle East Seminar, attending insightful lectures by subject matter experts, followed by engaging Q&A and brainstorming sessions within Working Groups. This seminar provided Course Members with a deeper understanding of the region’s political, geopolitical, military, and security-related issues, as well as of the current conflicts affecting the area.

The NATO Defense College (NDC) embarked on a historic visit to Japan, marking a first for the institution. This visit aimed to enhance Course Members’ understanding of Japan's national and defence strategies, including defence build-up programmes, and provided insights into Japan's strategic countermeasures and proactive defence posture. Discussions highlighted Japan's robust support for Ukraine and its role in implementing international sanctions against Russia, while emphasizing Japan’s increased diplomacy and strategic cooperation as pivotal elements of its national security strategy. Additionally, the visit offered a unique opportunity for interactions with members of the Joint Staff College (JSC).

This Field Study marked the NATO Defense College's first visit to the Indo-Pacific/East Asia region, reflecting its significance as outlined in NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept. The Strategic Concept identifies China as an emerging strategic challenge and a significant regional and global power, emphasizing the need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with regional partners to enhance global security, with an increased focus on the Indo-Pacific.

In a significant step to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s strategic priorities and its pivotal role within NATO, the NATO Defense College (NDC) and its Commandant, Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen, embarked on an insightful Field Study to Türkiye. This visit was meticulously designed to enhance the Course Members’ awareness of Türkiye’s national security strategy, NATO priorities and its influential stance on regional and global security dynamics.

The NATO Defense College (NDC) hosted the Anciens' Conference and Seminar from May 22 to 24, 2024, welcoming former Course Members who have attended the College since its founding. This event provided an opportunity for the Anciens to reconnect with their peers, as well as with faculty and staff from their time at the NDC.

• NDC Outlook 04-2024: The new NATO Force Model: ready for launch?, by John R. Deni *

From 20 to 22 May 2024, Senior Course 144 participated in the China Seminar, delving into China’s political, military, and economic ambitions, and reflecting on its policies and challenges.