Blind spots – Why the West must have the courage to alter its strategy towards Russia

Abstract: Abstract: Dr. Babst will talk about her main messages of her book 'Blind Spots' in particular, her plea for a robust and long-term containment strategy towards Russia, China and other authoritarian regimes; the need for NATO to prepare for extremely stormy political weather (in case of a Trump win) and bolster European military capabilities asap; why the Alliance should modernize and expand its nuclear posture and, more broadly, should self-critically reflect about its many blind spots.

Bio: Dr. Stefanie Babst has had a professional journey in NATO's International Staff over the course of 22 years. She held different positions in the Public Diplomacy Division which she was appointed to lead as NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General from 2006 to 2012. The post made her the highest-ranking German woman in the International Secretariat. From 2012 to 2020, Dr. Babst led NATO's Strategic Foresight Team - a fabulous civil-military team, advising the NATO Secretary General and Chairman of the Military Committee on strategic unknowns and potential upcoming crisis situations in geographical and functional areas of relevance to the Alliance.