This event has reached in-person registration capacity.
To watch the event virtually, please view the livestream linked below.

Please join the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security’s Transatlantic Security Initiative, in partnership with the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense, for the upcoming hybrid conference Priorities for the NATO Summit and Security in Europe. This public event will take place Monday, May 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Atlantic Council’s Headquarters in Washington, DC (1030 15th St NW, 20005).

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has upended the European security order and opened a new era of strategic confrontation on the continent. In response, the United States and its transatlantic allies are implementing extensive sanctions against Russia, supplying the Ukrainian military with needed equipment and weapons, and adapting their force posture in Eastern Europe for enhanced defense and deterrence. As the war continues and NATO leaders prepare for the upcoming Madrid Summit, now is the time to assess where NATO allies should focus their efforts at adapting the alliance to the new strategic reality and consider how the United States can maintain its leadership in organizing a transatlantic response to Russian aggression. With this in mind, this conference is a unique opportunity to discuss how the Alliance can adapt and suggest tangible recommendations at a critical time for the transatlantic community.

This conversation will take place in person and will be broadcast on YouTubeTwitterFacebook, and LinkedInTo receive the event information, please register below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to attend or watch the event.

Submit your questions for the panelists

Agenda

Welcome remarks

Barry Pavel
Senior Vice President and Director, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security
Atlantic Council

Keynote remarks

H.E. Arvydas Anušauskas
Minister of National Defense
Republic of Lithuania

Priorities for the NATO 2022 Summit

With the Madrid NATO Summit fast approaching, the Alliance finds itself at a critical juncture as it looks to launch its new Strategic Concept amid the largest security crisis in Europe in decades. As NATO leaders prepare to gather in Spain, what priorities should be at the top of the agenda and how can the Alliance work to maintain unity of purpose as the war in Ukraine continues on?

Celeste Wallander
Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs
US Department of Defense

Alexander Vershbow
Distinguished Fellow, Eurasia Center; Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security
Atlantic Council
Former Deputy Secretary General
NATO

Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, USAF (Ret.)
Former Supreme Allied Commander Europe
NATO
Former Commander
US European Command

Moderated by:
Leah Scheunemann
Deputy Director, Transatlantic Security Initiative, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security
Atlantic Council

Lessons learned from the war in Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has revealed how Russia actually conducts its forces during a major war, revealing weaknesses as well as strengths. As NATO moves to adapt its deterrence and defense posture, what key lessons should military planners take away from the war in Ukraine, and what pitfalls should they look to avoid in their planning?

Mara Karlin
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities
US Department of Defense

Gen James E. Cartwright, USMC (Ret.)
Former Vice Chairman
US Joint Chiefs of Staff
Board Director
Atlantic Council

Michael Kofman
Research Program Director, Russia Studies Program
CNA Corporation

Moderated by:
Catherine Sendak
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Transatlantic Security Initiative, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security
Atlantic Council

The US role in facing the Russia challenge

US leadership has been paramount in rallying a globe-spanning coalition of opposition to Russia and support for Ukraine. As the war in Ukraine continues, what role does the United States have to play in keeping up the current momentum and how else can US leadership be exercised to confront Russia across domains?

The Hon. Chris Murphy
Senator from Connecticut
US Senate

The Hon. Thom Tillis
Senator from North Carolina
US Senate

Moderated by:
Amy MacKinnon
National Security and Intelligence Reporter
Foreign Policy

The Transatlantic Security Initiative, in the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, shapes and influences the debate on the greatest security challenges facing the North Atlantic Alliance and its key partners.