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Security and Defence is a flagship conference bringing together policymakers, senior military leaders, defence industry executives, investors, technology specialists, academics, business decision-makers and civil society experts to examine how governments and institutions can navigate an increasingly contested international environment. Hosted at Chatham House in London, the event provides a forum for informed debate on changing alliances, rising defence expenditure, strategic uncertainty and the evolving character of conflict. Its audience extends across the United Kingdom and Nigeria, while its perspective is international, addressing security challenges affecting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North America and other regions.The programme focuses on the future shape of NATO and the implications of a more European-led alliance, including burden-sharing, nuclear deterrence, defence industrial capacity, military supply chains and the reliability of the United States security commitment. Sessions also explore defence investment and strategic resilience, including private capital, procurement reform, national investment plans and multilateral financing. Civil defence and societal resilience are examined through lessons from Finland and Sweden, with attention to energy security, critical infrastructure, supply-chain continuity, public engagement and countering online disinformation.
Emerging technologies form a central theme. Discussions address the impact of artificial intelligence, data, software, cyber operations, space capabilities and autonomous systems on military decision-making and future battlefields. Speakers consider how human-AI cooperation should be governed, how organisations can build trust and accountability into technology adoption, and how governments, armed forces and industry can maintain an operational advantage in a software-defined security environment. Space security and governance are also considered, including commercial space assets, international rules and the risks created by growing dependence on orbital infrastructure.
The conference examines contested geographies and shifting power balances, including China’s influence, the strategic importance of the Taiwan Strait, relations between China and its neighbours, and the risks of miscalculation between China, the United States and its allies. Additional sessions assess the changing Middle Eastern security environment, regional power competition, maritime chokepoints, proxy groups and the consequences of conflict involving Iran. Keynote addresses and high-level panels feature senior military figures including Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, General Sir Richard Barrons and Lieutenant General Chun In-bum, alongside diplomats, government officials, researchers, financial-sector leaders and specialists from international security, technology, defence and resilience organisations. Selected discussions follow the Chatham House Rule, enabling candid and substantive exchange among participants.
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Event venue
Chatham House, 10 St James's Square, London SW1Y 4LE, UK, London, United Kingdom
Tickets
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