Carleton Model NATO 2026 Committees
Theme: NATO at a Crossroads: Trans-Atlantic Defence in a Time of Renewed Great Power Competition
In an era defined by shifting power dynamics and the resurgence of strategic rivalry, NATO faces a critical juncture. The alliance is navigating complex challenges: a revanchist Russia testing Europe’s eastern flank, an increasingly assertive China expanding its global influence, rapid technological change reshaping warfare, and internal political strains threatening trans-Atlantic cohesion. This conference theme explores NATO’s evolving role in safeguarding collective security amid these pressures. It invites participants to examine how the alliance can adapt its strategic posture, capabilities, and partnerships to respond effectively to renewed great power competition.
NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL (NAC)
The North Atlantic Council is the principal political decision-making body within NATO. It oversees the political and military process relating to security issues affecting the whole Alliance. It brings together high-level representatives of each member country to discuss policy or operational questions requiring collective decisions, providing a forum for wide-ranging consultation between members on all issues affecting their peace and security.
Policies decided in the NAC are the expression of the collective will of all member countries of the Alliance since decisions are made on the basis of unanimity and common accord.
More info: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_49763.htm
MILITARY COMMITTEE (MC)
The Military Committee is the senior military authority in NATO. It is the principal source of military advice to NATO’s decision-making bodies – the NAC and the Nuclear Planning Group. It is also responsible for giving guidance and direction to NATO’s two Strategic Commanders.
The Committee assists in developing overall Strategic Concepts for the Alliance and preparing an annual long-term assessment of the strength and capabilities of countries and areas posing a risk to NATO’s interests. The Military Committee makes recommendations on the use of military force, the implication of contingency plans and the development of appropriate rules of engagement.
More info: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_49633.htm
Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC)
The Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council is a multilateral forum for dialogue and consultation between NATO allies and 18 partner countries from Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
The EAPC provides the political framework for NATO’s cooperation with these partners, focusing on political and security-related issues such as crisis management, counter-terrorism, arms control, defence reform and civil preparedness. The activities of the EAPC are often linked with wider programs to facilitate practical, bilateral cooperation between NATO and its partners.
More info: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_49276.htm