From 9 to 19 December 2024, Senior Officers and Officials of the NATO Defense College (NDC) Senior Course 145, travelled to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and Romania for their third Field Study programme, aimed at understanding the strategic importance of the South Caucasus and Black Sea regions for security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Course Members engaged in high-level discussions with leading practitioners to explore the dynamics shaping these regions. These interactions provided insights into each country’s regional interests, security challenges, and cooperation with NATO.
On Security Dynamics in the South Caucasus:
In Armenia, Course Members were welcomed to the Ministry of Defence by MGEN Arthur Yeroyan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Briefings by representatives from the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Office of the Security Council, covered Armenia’s defence and security priorities. Discussions centred on ongoing defence sector reforms, regional foreign policy dynamics, and foreign policy challenges. Relationships with neighbouring countries such as Türkiye, Russia, and Azerbaijan were also highlighted, along with its growing ties with the United States and the European Union. The briefings highlighted Armenia’s aspirations for lasting peace in the South Caucasus, acknowledging the challenges and complexities involved in this endeavour.
In Azerbaijan, Course Members met with senior officials, including Mr Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, and representatives from the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, at ADA University in Baku. The discussions addressed Azerbaijan’s foreign and security policies, energy strategy, and defence modernization efforts. Additionally, the briefings emphasized Azerbaijan’s areas of cooperation with NATO, showcasing the country’s commitment to enhancing interoperability and regional security.
Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have been partners of NATO for 30 years through the Partnership for Peace programme. During the visits, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to this cooperation and their shared interest in fostering peace and security in the South Caucasus. These discussions underscored the critical role that understanding the dynamics of the South Caucasus plays in addressing broader regional challenges.
On Security Dynamics in the Black Sea:
Positioned on NATO’s Eastern Flank and bordering the Black Sea, both Bulgaria and Romania play a key role in strengthening collective defence and deterring aggression in the region. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and heightened Black Sea tensions, both countries have adapted their defence strategy in close cooperation with NATO. Course Members had the opportunity to engage with experts on these developments.
In Bulgaria, Course Members attended high-level briefings at the “Rakovski” National Defence College (RNDC) in Sofia and exchanged views with subject-matter experts and practitioners from the Ministry of Defence, the NATO Force Integration Units (NFIUs), and the Crisis Management and Disaster Response (CMDR) NATO Centre of Excellence.
The discussions focused on Bulgaria’s defence policy, the modernization programme for the armed forces and efforts to increase defence capabilities. The final briefing provided an overview of the mission and structure of the NATO Force Integration Unit, as well as the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence, both based in Sofia.
In Romania, the NDC delegation was welcomed by Major General Eugen Mavriș, Commandant (Rector) of “CAROL I” National Defense University (NDU).
Briefings focused on Romania’s national and global security challenges, its foreign and defence policies, and its strategic role on NATO’s Eastern Flank. Discussions highlighted the evolving security environment in the Black Sea region, including threats stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, energy security and efforts to enhance maritime safety. Romania reaffirmed its position as a strategic NATO pillar, emphasizing its historic commitment to defence, with a expenditures amounting to 2.5% of GDP, and its ambitious military modernization programme.
Added value of this Field Study:
Discussions in each country underscored the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding in fostering cooperation and cohesion among NATO Allies and partners. The briefings highlighted the various ways in which national and regional security challenges extend to the broader Euro-Atlantic area, showing that no single nation can address these issues alone. Interoperability and unity among nations were singled out as essential strategic advantages.
The aim of the Senior Course is to prepare future leaders in defence and security to address upcoming challenges. Achieving this requires international cooperation, grounded in a solid understanding of each nation’s perspectives and positions. The Field Study played a vital role in helping Course Members gain insights into these unique national perspectives and priorities, a crucial step in developing the strategic mindset and leadership skills needed to promote unity and interoperability in an increasingly interconnected world.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Sofia Carvalheiro, PRT C)
NATO Defense College