Strategic Cultures and International Security: Russia, China and NATO

The Academic Conference “Strategic Cultures and International Security: Russia, China and NATO” has been organized by IAI, University of Bologna and NATO Allied Command Transformation, in Bertinoro (Forlì) on 28-30 September 2026.

The conference has been kicked-off by a plenary session to set the scene by unpacking the concept of strategic culture, its features, evolution and utility. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing international security environment, the first Working Group focused on Russia and the way its strategic culture influences its aggressive posture against Europe; the second Working Group discussed the various elements and actors shaping the Chinese strategic culture; the third one addressed those norms and beliefs developed by allies within NATO on defence issues and the use of force. Finally, a concluding plenary shared the main findings of the respective Working Groups, dealt with the implications for NATO and discussed the way ahead.

Around 45 representatives from academia, think tanks, NATO agencies and commands, have participated in the event. It is the 10th edition of the of the Academic Conferences series started in 2011 in Bologna.

The papers presented during the event and the Working Groups’ reports will be finalized and released through an ad hoc publication by 2027.