Name: UK Deterrence Alliance Annual Conference 2026: what are we learning?
Start: 2026-04-14T08:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-04-15T20:00:00+01:00
Location: Bush House Lecture Theatre 1 BH(S)1.01

UK Deterrence Alliance Annual Conference 2026: what are we learning?

UK Deterrence Alliance Annual Conference
About this Event

The 2026 Deterrence Alliance will be hosted at Bush House by Kings College London on 14th and 15th April. This conference intends to stimulate discussion on a range of deterrence related issues with a focus on representing the next generation of deterrence experts, across the UK, Europe and partner states.

Events of the last 12 years have thrust deterrence and related effects such as assurance and coercion back into current debate. The security situation in Europe demands immediate attention, NATO alliance is under strain from within and without, security dynamics are evolving in South Asia, the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific region, and a range of other challenges and issues are emerging. In the UK defence community, the notions of ‘raising the deterrence IQ’ and ‘raising the nuclear IQ’ are gaining traction. But in this context, who will be making sense of the security environment, and how much do established ideas persist in defining security strategies? What does ‘raising the IQ’ mean, how do we do it, who decides how or on what to focus, and where is the next generation of scholars and practitioners looking?

The DAAA seeks diversity of opinions in submissions and speakers. The conference is run in an inclusive manner with a culture that encourages constructive challenge. We encourage submissions from experts at any stage of their career, especially those just beginning careers in this increasingly important area of international security studies.

Initial agenda
14th April, 2026