As NATO continues to redefine its purpose, this hybrid workshop brings together leading scholars, policy practitioners, and emerging experts to critically assess the Alliance’s future. This includes the role of the UK within NATO to provide strategic foresight on upcoming challenges and opportunities. We emphasise the views of the next generation of thinkers, offering a timely contribution to the debates on transatlantic security.
With three thematic panels chaired by distinguished academics, participants will gain a multi-layered understanding of NATO’s trajectory in a rapidly shifting international order.
A buffet lunch will be provided from 12:30 to 13:00 in the main foyer.
Programme:
Welcome Lunch: 12:30 – 13:00
Opening Remarks: Professor Caroline Kennedy-Pipe (Loughborough University)
Time: 13:00 PM – 13:15
Key Note Session: The Future of NATO
Time: 13:15 – 14:30
Chair: Professor Caroline Kennedy-Pipe (Loughborough University)
Speakers:
- Professor Michael Cox (London School of Economics)
- Professor Neil Cooper (Kent State University)
- Dr Jamie Shea (Former Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges at NATO)
Abstract:
What lies ahead for NATO in an age of multipolarity, climate insecurity, and technological disruption? This high-level session will assess NATO’s strategic direction, institutional resilience, and readiness to adapt to emerging threats—including cyber warfare, great power competition, and internal political divisions. Speakers will discuss the future scope of NATO’s missions, its enlargement and partnerships, and whether the Alliance is fit for purpose in the 21st century.
Session II: Emerging Voices
Time: 14:45 – 15:45
Chair: Felix Auböck (Loughborough University)
Speakers:
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Marissa Martin (RAND Europe)
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Alexandra Ba-Tin (University of Edinburgh)
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Harry Macnamara (Loughborough University)
Abstract:
This session highlights the perspectives of early-career researchers and graduate students whose work interrogates NATO’s future from innovative and interdisciplinary angles. Topics may include NATO’s role in climate security, peacebuilding, gender and security policy, and disinformation resilience. The panel seeks to foster fresh insight and critical analysis, while creating space for new voices shaping the Alliance’s intellectual horizon.
Session III: NATO and Military Affairs
Time: 16:00 – 17:15
Chair: Hermionie Spencer (Loughborough University)
Speakers:
- Jonathan Bentham (International Institute for Strategic Studies)
- Dr James Patton Rogers (Cornell University)
- Ryan Feeley (University of Michigan)
- Martin Thorp (Loughborough University)
Abstract:
This session will explore the United Kingdom’s evolving position within NATO against the backdrop of Brexit, global defence realignment, and renewed tensions with Russia. It will assess the UK’s strategic priorities, military capabilities, and diplomatic influence within the Alliance, while also considering how the UK can continue to lead in transatlantic defence cooperation. The session aims to critically evaluate the UK's ability to serve as a bridge between North America and Europe in the new geopolitical era.
Conference Ends: 17:30
Concluding Remarks:
Dr Tim Oliver (Loughborough University London)
For more information please contact: w.jo2@lboro.ac.uk.
Registration for online participation will close two hours before the event begins. In-person registration is limited to 20 people.