The panel discussion, the Ukraine war and the future of NATO, was held on Monday 5 May 2025. It featured H.E. Darius Degutis, the Lithuanian Ambassador to Australia; Associate Professor Iskren Ivanov, a visiting scholar from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski and Associate Professor Lavina Lee from the School of International Studies as moderator.

The panel explored geopolitical shifts reshaping Europe, NATO, and US global strategy. The Ambassador outlined how Lithuania's threat perception of Russia is based on his historical memory of invasion and Soviet rule during the Cold War, that Lithuanian identity is firmly embedded in Europe and its people have a deep will to fight for their independence. Professor Ivanov explained the continued importance of the US commitment to NATO as the key to withstanding Russian nuclear coercion, and outlined the impact of Russian disinformation and political interference within Eastern European countries on NATO unity.

This event reflects the school's commitment to providing students and staff with opportunities to engage critically with pressing global issues, connect with leading experts, and contribute to informed public dialogue.