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ESS-S Focuses on Continental Perspectives on the War in Ukraine

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ESS-South Southern Flank Group Photo
Ukraine

ESS-S Focuses on Continental Perspectives on the War in Ukraine

The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, European Security Seminar – South (ESS-S) is holding a three-day roundtable event with over 20 participants from more than 10 countries at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Dec. 13-15.

The seminar is focused on exploring the reasons for differing positions that have emerged since Russia’s unprovoked and unlawful invasion of Ukraine – both between the continents and among the nations of each continent.

“This is an opportunity for us to think and talk together about the different reactions we have seen related to the war,” said Benjamin Nickels, course director for ESS-S. “Understanding the different views about the conflict may help reconcile some of the differences.”

The dialogue offers participants an opportunity to share their distinct views and identify discerning areas of existing agreement and where they can potentially overlap.

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ESS-South Southern Flank 22 Meeting
Participants of the European Security Seminar – South event listen to roundtable discussions at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Dec. 13-15. The seminar is focused on exploring the reasons for differing positions that have emerged since Russia’s unprovoked and unlawful invasion of Ukraine – both between the continents and among the nations of each continent.
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ESS-South Southern Flank Participant Discussions
Participants of the European Security Seminar – South event listen to roundtable discussions at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Dec. 13-15. The seminar is focused on exploring the reasons for differing positions that have emerged since Russia’s unprovoked and unlawful invasion of Ukraine – both between the continents and among the nations of each continent.
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ESS-South Southern Flank Group Photo
Over 20 participants from more than 10 countries met for the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, European Security Seminar – South (ESS-S) three-day roundtable event at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Dec. 13-15.
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ESS-South Southern Flank 22 Meeting Overview
Participants of the European Security Seminar – South event listen to roundtable discussions at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Dec. 13-15. The seminar is focused on exploring the reasons for differing positions that have emerged since Russia’s unprovoked and unlawful invasion of Ukraine – both between the continents and among the nations of each continent.


“We did not want to have a lecture. We wanted to have something that was very collaborative in nature,” said retired Brig. Gen. Tim McAteer, Deputy Director of the Marshall Center. “With such a group of distinguished policy makers and academics, it is important to encourage discussions among the participants on topics that include rising food and fuel costs, sanctions, and security agreements.”

“Events like ESS-S provide a chance to reframe and fully understand the problem,” said U.S. Army Col. Nicholas Dickson, Division Chief of Civil Affairs and Human Assistance Planning at U.S. Africa Command. “Sometimes we get six to 10 people in a room and we think we know what’s going on. But, we don’t, if we haven’t included divergent options.”  

ESS-S is an outreach event that focuses on security issues related to Europe’s Southern flank, including the impact of developments within Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East on European and Euro-Atlantic security. The seminar brings together mid- to senior level security practitioners to build a common understanding of emerging dynamics and to support comprehensive strategies that address regional challenges.