LECTURES & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Michael O. Slobodchikoff regularly delivers lectures and keynote addresses on international security, Russian foreign policy, alliance dynamics, and great power competition. His presentations draw on research on institutions, treaty networks, and strategic behavior to provide clear, analytically grounded insight into contemporary global challenges.

He has spoken at academic conferences, policy forums, military institutions, and public events across the United States and internationally. His talks focus on explaining the strategic logic behind state behavior and the evolving structure of global order. He has delivered invited lectures at institutions including the University of Idaho, Daemen University, the Air Command and Staff College, and international conferences in Europe and Africa.

Selected Speaking Engagements

Keynote Speaker
Slovenian Social Science Conference — Ljubljana, Slovenia (2023)

Distinguished Guest (Invited Participant)
Lomé Peace and Security Forum — Lomé, Togo (2025)

Invited Speaker
Idaho Society of Fellows, University of Idaho (2026)

Invited Speaker
Daemen University — Buffalo, New York

Invited Speaker
Air Command and Staff College — Montgomery, Alabama (2024)

Invited Speaker
Great Power Competition Conference — Tampa, Florida (2022)

Speaking Topics

  • Russian foreign policy and strategy

  • U.S.–Russia relations

  • NATO and alliance politics

  • Great power competition

  • The war in Ukraine and European security

  • International institutions and global order

  • Diplomacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution

Signature Talks

Selected talks frequently requested for conferences, policy forums, and invited lectures include:

Russia, Ukraine, and the Return of Great Power Competition

Examines the war in Ukraine as part of a broader shift toward great power rivalry, highlighting Russia’s strategic objectives and the implications for NATO, European security, and the global balance of power.

How States Use Alliances and Institutions to Compete

Explains how states use alliances and international institutions not only to cooperate, but to gain leverage and shape outcomes in competition, drawing on research on treaty networks and institutional design.

NATO and the Future of the Atlantic Alliance

Analyzes the evolving role of NATO in an era of renewed great power competition, focusing on alliance cohesion, strategic challenges, and the future of collective defense.

The Strategic Logic of Russian Foreign Policy

Explores how Russia uses diplomacy, military power, and institutional tools to pursue its objectives, emphasizing the role of signaling, perception, and timing in strategic decision-making.

India as a Strategic Pivot in the Global Order

Examines India’s role as a key balancing power in a changing international system and its growing influence in shaping global dynamics.

Speaking Formats

Formats can be adapted for academic conferences, policy forums, military institutions, and public audiences.

Michael O. Slobodchikoff delivers presentations that provide clear, analytically grounded insight tailored to the goals and structure of each event.

Keynote Addresses

Designed for conferences and major events, keynote talks provide a broad, strategic overview of developments in international politics, synthesizing research and real-world analysis.

Panels & Roundtables

Provides focused analysis on specific issues, emphasizing engagement, discussion, and real-time interpretation of complex international developments.

Workshops & Guest Lectures

Offers in-depth exploration of specific topics, tailored to course material, institutional priorities, or professional development needs.

Booking & Inquiries

For speaking engagements, panel participation, or invited lectures, please visit the Contact page.