Military Writers’ Symposium
Celebrating three decades of exceptional military writing.
The Shadow Front: Unconventional Approaches to Warfare
ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ, Northfield, Vermont
October 27 to 28, 2025
The only program of its kind at an American university, the ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ Military Writers’ Symposium convenes authors and experts in the fields of military history, intelligence, and current affairs to offer important perspectives on pressing global concerns.
Meet the Authors Dinner
Tuesday, October 28
Tickets required.
The symposium will conclude with this not-to-be-missed dinner. Ask any former attendee and they will tell you that this dinner is a one-of-a-kind experience. Join ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ leadership, our special guests, alumni, and students as we eat great food, engage in exciting conversation, and make lasting connections.
Give Now
The Carlo D’Este ’58 Military Writers’ Endowment provides funding in perpetuity to support the operating costs of the ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ Military Writers' Symposium, the William E. Colby Award, and year-round student enrichment opportunities on military history and current affairs. It also honors the legacy of Carlo D’Este, a 1958 ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ graduate, beloved co-founder of the Military Writers’ Symposium, decorated U.S. Army colonel and renowned military historian. Carlo passed away on November 21, 2020 at the age of 84.
Agenda
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Monday
9-9:50 a.m. | Setting the Stage: The Definition of Irregular
Welcome Remarks by Dr. Travis Morris, Director, NU Peace & War Center
10-10:50 a.m. | Lawfare: International Law as a Weapon of War
Student Moderator: Elizabeth Kim
Author:11-11:50 a.m. | The New Rules of War
Student Moderators:
Panelists:1-1:50 p.m. | Irregular Warfare: The Future Military Strategy For Small States
Student Moderators:
Author:2-2:50 p.m. | Student Research Presentations
Discussion Moderators:
Presentations by:7-8:30 p.m. | The Shadow Front: Unconventional Approaches to Warfare
Introduction by Dr. Karen F. Gaines, Provost & Dean of the Faculty, ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ
Discussion Moderator:
Panelists:
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Tuesday
9:30-10:45 a.m. | Their Stories: Reporting from a War Zone
Student Moderators:
Author:11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Modern Warfare & International Security
Remarks by:
1-1:50 p.m. | Colby Award Book Presentation
Student Moderator:
Author:2-2:50 p.m. | Dennis E. Showalter Research Fellowship Presentation
Discussion Moderators:
Presentation by:6-9 p.m. | Meet the Authors Reception & Dinner (by invitation)
Dinner Remarks by: Dr. Karen F. Gaines, Provost & Dean of the Faculty, ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ
Past Programs
For three decades, the ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ Military Writers’ Symposium has brought well over 100 military writers, historians, journalists and biographers to campus, giving NU residential and online students the opportunity to meet some of the most prominent military writers and historians of our time, and to gain a better understanding of the world through their eyes.
