Marshall Center subject matter experts (SME) are meeting in Hammersbach, Germany this week to discuss implications and responses to the larger question of strategic competition as part of the Strategic Competition Seminar Series (SCSS). This is a hybrid annual workshop—with this iteration focused on Russia and China and exploring the nature of the relationship between the two nations - aligned or an alliance?

The workshop aims at providing rapid analytical insights into Russian-Chinese interactions in selected key military-strategic theaters and charting strategic behavior in the current, fast-evolving crisis. Furthermore, discussions seek to highlight any change or continuity in Russian-Chinese strategic interactions, including the formulation and manipulation of red lines—providing a further understanding of strategic competition and power shifts.

The two-day event further assesses and seeks to advance strategic relations between the United States and Germany, as well expanding and strengthening the security network through friends and allies.

The workshop precedes a monthly seminar on “Guidance for Development of Alliances and Partnerships” (GPCSS). This GPCSS identifies the implications of wider Russian and Chinese global and functional interaction for the U.S., Germany, friends and allies in order to build capacity and resilience in partner nations.

In line with “Guidance for Development of Alliances and Partnerships” and the German Guidance to the Marshall Center, this event supports program goals by seeking to help practitioners and policy-makers bridge the space between evidence-based academic conclusions and policy considerations.