On 4th of December 2019, the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) successfully concluded the Senior Leaders’ Course (SLC) 2019 focusing on topic “Deterrence on NATO “Eastern Flank”: Regional or Global Defence?” SLC 2019 took place from 27th of November to 4th of December in Tallinn, Estonia.

(All photos in this piece by Ardi Hallismaa)

SLC 2019 the participants had possibility to visit International Centre for Defence and Security (ISDC) where participated in a roundtable discussion with experts on topic `Multi-domain comprehensive allied defence and deterrence strategy in the Baltic region and beyond’. NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellency (CCDCOE) also was visited as part of course programme. Experts from CCDCOE introduced the centre and demonstrated its capabilities.

The concluding panel of SLC 2019 featured H.E. Grzegorz Kozłowski, Polish Ambassador, H.E. Christiane Hohmann, German Ambassador, Amb. Christian Dussey, Director of Geneva Centre for Security Policy and former Chief of Defence of Estonia GEN (ret) Riho Terras.

The panel was moderated by COL Jean Trudel, Chief of Staff of the Baltic Defence College. The graduation remarks were delivered by MG Andis Dilāns, Commandant of Baltic Defence College and Brigadier General Veiko Vello Palm, representing Chief of Defence of Estonia.

SLC 2019 has been an intense week of discussions, exchanges and reflections around strategic deterrence issues for flag officers and their civilian equivalents from 11 countries, from the Baltic region and beyond. The SLC programme provided food for thought and opportunities to debate the strategic options that either lie ahead or are to be created. Deterrence is a delicate political notion, it is a difficult measure, but it must be thought of carefully.

SLC participants also had the chance to discuss the wide implications of extended deterrence in the Alliance. They benefited from a diversified input from academics and officials alike in an inclusive approach.

The next SLC (2020) is planed to be held in Riga, capital of Latvia.