Date: 20th May 2024, 16:00

Location: Lecture Theatre 1, Floor 1, South Wing, Floor 1, Bush House, Kings College London, 30 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BG

On 12 March 1999, Czechia, Hungary and Poland became the first members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation from the former Eastern bloc. This move not only brought new military capabilities and strategic options and opened the Alliance's doors to other former Warsaw Pact countries, but also provoked significant opposition from Russia. How has the Alliance's eastward enlargement changed NATO, what benefits and challenges has it brought to security in Europe, and what are the organisation's prospects in the current security situation? Join our debate to find out.

About the Speaker:

Ian Clarke served as a Warfare Officer in the Royal Navy for 32 years. He commanded several warships, including the Type 45 destroyer HMS DIAMOND, carrying out maritime security operations worldwide. He completed senior posts as a staff officer and as the British Defence Attaché in Madrid. From 2016 to 2018, he served as Special Advisor in the Outer Officer of the Chair of the NATO Military Committee General Petr Pavel, the first Eastern European to hold the position. Since June 2023, he has continued to support safety and security at sea through the application of AI technology to enhance maritime surveillance as the Director Business Development and Client Relations in Sirius Insight.

You can register to the event at 25 Years of NATO Eastern Enlargement - Benefits, Challenges and Prospects | Eventbrite