Theme: NATO at a Crossroads: Trans-Atlantic Defence in a Time of Renewed Great Power Competition<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n NORTH ATLANTIC COUNCIL (NAC)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More info:\u00a0https:\/\/www.nato.int\/cps\/en\/natohq\/topics_49763.htm<\/a><\/p>\n Background Guide: North Atlantic Council<\/a><\/p>\n MILITARY COMMITTEE (MC)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n The Military Committee is the senior military authority in NATO. It is\u00a0the principal source of military advice to NATO\u2019s decision-making\u00a0bodies \u2013 the NAC and the Nuclear Planning Group. It is also responsible for\u00a0giving guidance and direction to\u00a0NATO\u2019s two Strategic Commanders.<\/p>\n The Committee assists in developing overall Strategic\u00a0Concepts for the Alliance and\u00a0preparing an annual long-term assessment of the\u00a0strength and capabilities of countries and areas posing a risk to NATO\u2019s\u00a0interests.\u00a0The Military Committee makes recommendations on the use of military\u00a0force, the implication of contingency plans\u00a0and the development of appropriate\u00a0rules of engagement.<\/p>\n More info:\u00a0https:\/\/www.nato.int\/cps\/en\/natohq\/topics_49633.htm<\/a><\/p>\n Background Guide: Military Committee<\/a><\/p>\n Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More info: https:\/\/www.nato.int\/cps\/en\/natohq\/topics_49276.htm<\/a><\/p>\n