Lessons in the North Atlantic: IS Student Harry Gibson Enters NATO Field School

Written by Harry Gibson

From early May to late June, 41 other students and I had the incredible opportunity to travel through Europe as part of the 2026 NATO Field School, the program’s ninth edition. As a cohort, we travelled through Estonia, Latvia, Germany, Italy, and Belgium, with day trips to Finland and the Netherlands, visiting key institutions responsible for upholding security and defence across the Alliance. This included, but was not limited to, JFC (Joint Force Command) Naples, JFC Brunssum, the Canadian-led Multinational Brigade Latvia, SHAPE, NATO HQ, CR14, national Ministries of Defence, and the NATO Defense College.

As an International Studies student concentrating in International Development, my degree focuses on understanding complex global challenges – from disparities in wealth and poverty to the ways governments and international organizations work to improve outcomes for those affected. The NATO Field School completely transformed my perspective on these subjects and introduced me to topics that I have since become deeply passionate about. The opportunity to speak directly with policymakers, military officers, diplomats, and NATO international staff gave me a far deeper understanding of this international environment than I ever could have imagined.

Although previous NATO Field School cohorts had visited Germany on day trips, our cohort was the first to spend several days in the country, reflecting the program’s commitment to continually broadening its engagement across the Alliance. Visiting the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) and the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) was among the highlights of my experience. I have always been fascinated by space, and being able to combine some of my most passionate topics at the ESOC was really engaging. NSATU was equally fascinating. Meeting those responsible for supplying assistance and military training to soldiers on the ground was my first real exposure to the war in Ukraine. It was incredible to see so many countries working together with a shared purpose: to enhance the unity of effort in support of Ukraine.

The final four weeks of the program shifted from observation to participation through two intensive simulations. At the NATO Defense College in Rome, we participated in the Negotiation, Mediation, and Decision-Making Exercise. With the brilliant mentorship of Søren Knudsen, Ted Whiteside, and Patrick Andrews, we responded to a fictional international crisis that required us to think critically, negotiate effectively, and collaborate under pressure. We then travelled to NATO Headquarters in Brussels to participate in the NATO Summit Simulation, based on the 2026 Ankara Summit. At the time of this simulation, the real, highly anticipated Ankara Summit was only days away, making the simulation feel especially relevant. The 2026 Ankara Summit was one of the Alliance’s most consequential in recent years, with mounting pressure on Allies to demonstrate unity in the face of an increasingly complex and uncertain global security environment.

This experience demonstrated just how difficult consensus-building truly is, but also the enormous benefits that come when consensus is achieved. While alliance cooperation, interoperability, and consensus-based decision-making are extremely difficult to achieve, the message of unity they present when they work effectively is incredibly powerful.

Next, it is important to recognize that the value I gained from this program did not solely come from the professionals we met. My peers – the other 41 students I had the privilege of experiencing this journey alongside – were equally influential in shaping my learning.

Representing 14 different nations, our cohort brought together diverse academic backgrounds, professional experiences, and perspectives. Our conversations covered international law, human rights, international relations, economics, finance, military affairs, and diplomacy. Living and learning together for 7 weeks created an environment where knowledge was shared just as often over meals and bus rides as it was during lectures and institutional visits. Every conversation became an opportunity to learn from one another. The guidance and advice I received throughout this program are unparalleled by anything I have experienced during my studies. On the final night of the program, Dr. Moens, the Director of the NATO Field School, said:

While I still do not know exactly where my career will lead, I certainly have an idea of where I want to venture. This experience has not only confirmed that I want to continue exploring questions surrounding state power and influence, security and conflict, peacebuilding, international cooperation, and global development, but has also given me the tools to navigate these fields with greater confidence and purpose.

Thank you to Dr. Alexander Moens, Director of the NATO Field School, for creating such a powerful and influential program, and to Julia Reinhard for guiding us through this complex environment. Without your dedication, this experience would not have had the same lasting impact on all of us.

Finally, thank you to the School for International Studies for the generous support that helped make this experience possible.