From 26–28 October 2026, the Future of War Conference will take place in Amsterdam, a joint initiative of the Strategy, Statecraft, and Technology – Changing Character of War Centre of the University of Oxford and the Faculty of Military Sciences (FMW) of the Netherlands Defence Academy (NLDA).
Three days of exchange on the changing character of conflict will bring together senior military leaders, scholars, and practitioners, including experts from The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS). The key aim of the conference is to bring together scholars and practitioners from different academic disciplines, areas of expertise, and geographical backgrounds, to push the boundaries of the study of war.
On Monday, 26 October, HCSS research director Dr. Tim Sweijs will participate in a panel on “European Leadership”, together with Henrik Breitenbauch (Royal Danish Defence College) and Mauro Gilli (Hertie School). Sweijs will specifically discuss ‘Knowledge is Power: Developing the Infrastructure for European Defence and Security’.
On Day 2 of the conference, Tuesday, 27 October, HCSS strategic advisor Markus Iven will participate in the afternoon panel “Shaping the Battlefield: Land Power, Air Power, or Multi-Domain Operations”, discussing ‘The Future of Corps and Divisions’.
During the last day of the conference, Wednesday, 28 October, HCSS strategic analyst Davis Ellison will join the morning panel “Too Early or Too Late: Timing and Revolutions in Military Affairs”, where he will discuss the topic ‘Terminators or Paper Tigers? Force Design for the Era of Unmanned Systems Forces.’
In the afternoon, HCSS strategic analyst Friso Stevens will take part in the panel on “New Insights from the Russo-Ukraine War”, where his contribution will focus on ‘Room for Maneuver After Ukraine?’
About the Future of War Conference
The purpose of the Future of War Conference is to explore how conflict and war change, and what that means for policy, research, and military practice. From the very first edition in 2019 in Oxford, the goal has been to bring together researchers, practitioners, and academia to develop fresh perspectives on emerging challenges.
The partnership between the Faculty of Military Sciences and the University of Oxford is at the heart of this effort. Both institutions share a strong academic tradition in strategic studies and critical inquiry. By combining their expertise, the event provides a platform where developments in technology, geopolitics, and security can be examined with greater depth and clarity.
Over the years, Future of War has grown into a recurring meeting place for anyone concerned with the evolving character of conflict. The purpose remains constant: to foster sharp analysis, open debate, and meaningful dialogue, helping us prepare for the uncertainties that lie ahead.
More info, programme and speakers: https://futureofwarconference.com/programme-2026/
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