AI: the morality, the mechanics and the motivation in the war space
Join our two informed and engaging speakers for a panel discussion with a difference.
Demystifying the world of Artificial Intelligence as it impacts on war fighting, war training and conflict resolution. Samantha North and Dr Lily Hamourtziadou are no strangers to the DSC.
One online from the Iberian peninsula and the other in person - an evening to ask your questions and a chance to get clarity of answers. You don’t need to understand AI fully to see that it is a huge player in preparations, policies and practice.
Arrivals from 17:30 and session from 18:00. Free and fearless dialogue.
Register via contact by email to Noel on chair@defencesecuritycircle.org
Trafalgar Night with the DSC Whitehall London
Save the date - our annual “Black Tie with Decorations” dinner in the David Lloyd George Room of the National Liberal Club, Whitehall London. The signature event of the DSC.
First class meal in a heritage setting. Robust guest speaker to be advised closer to the date. Great company and ideal opportunity to book a full table. Hearty sea chanties, tough questions and modern patriotic ambience. A modern celebration of our Royal Navy and the demanding new technology war fighting it may be faced with by fresh threats and traditional adversaries.
£99 per non-member, £93 per member purchased tickets - go to Events - National Liberal Club to get your tickets. Two thirds of the 120 places have already been purchased! Do not miss out.
The Undersea War - briefing and book launch
At the National Liberal Club, 1 Whitehall Place London
Delegation to Berlin Security Conference
If you wish to join a delegation to the Berlin Security Conference, please contact Noel on chair@defencesecuritycircle.org by 30 September 2026. Numbers are limited and selection will apply.
Held annually in Berlin’s eastern suburbs, at a secure site, this is a practitioner driven exercise with over 2,500 delegates from industry, military , government, security, tech and civil society sectors.
We will be attending as part of a wider European Defence network contribution. You will be able to enjoy latest military technology exhibits, robust panel discussions, keynote presentations by senior figures from both Germany and its key allies. You will also be able to meet and engage with young professionals in early career roles.
We will be hosting a free drinks event in central Berlin as part of the DSC’s outreach.
This is an excellent example of pan-European collaboration with many delegates from Central, Nordic and Baltic nations in attendance.
We recommend travelling on Sunday 1 November and returning the evening of Wednesday 4 November
Currently no further registrations possible - this appears to be a sell out conference.
Operation Icebreaker: a chat with the author
Join the Defence & Security Circle to hear from author Humphrey Hawksley on the exciting new book (Operation Icebreaker due October 2026) from his fascinating Rake Ozenna thriller series. Geopolitics, drama, vital great power rivalry and critical minerals making for a good read.
Postponed - date to be advised.
Altruism, attitude, adventure and activation with Lt Col Georgina Symonds
Join us on 11 November 2026 to listen to Lt Col Georgina Symonds, Head of the Chief of General Staff’s Army Reserve Engagement Team and former Commanding Officer of 165 Port and Maritime Regiment British Army - the men and women who are responsible for moving military freight, vehicles and equipment by sea. Real life lessons with candour.
Georgina will draw on her long term British Army reserve experience, CEO insights and public engagement expertise to look at Service in all its complex characteristics. The people aspect of preparedness, productivity and professionalism. A fitting reminder that those at the tip of the sword require a logistics and support eco system that allows them to fight with confidence, deploy capability and close with the enemy successfully.
Free to attend, arrivals from 1730, session commences 1800.
Register by contacting Noel via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org
The Resilience Imperative: the UK under attack
The Defence & Security Circle has always been “cross party” and we are thrilled to welcome Lady Olga Maitland for a fiercely independent fire side chat on a key topic. Lady Olga is a former Conservative MP who has, over a period of many years, championed the civil society dialogue which we at the DSC value. Fearless, fact driven and forceful. Her think tank, the Defence Security Forum is well regarded and has initiated numerous policy debates.
Arrivals from 5:30pm, Session 6:00pm to 7:00pm.
Free to attend, limit of 60 participants. The Lounge, at the National Liberal Club.
A dinner (cost £75 per person, maximum capacity 28) follows the talk from 7:15pm in the Lady Violet Room at the NLC. Those booking and paying for dinner, secure a place at the 6:00pm session.
To register your interest or save a seat - contact Noel via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org
Oxbridge Debate: back at the NLC
Join the Oxford and Cambridge debaters for our annual contest at the NLC.
In the Lounge with a suitable defence / security topic chosen.
Have a drink, support the arguments, ask the hard questions and enjoy the fearsome debate.
Start time is scheduled for 7pm - but of course subject to British Rail …
Register with Noel via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org
Young Professionals in Foreign Policy
Unpacking the work of diplomacy, narrative making, dialogue and personal relationships across national and institutional boundaries. There are no permanent alliances, only interests.
What does it take to do the job?
Join us for a workshop / open forum with a difference.
Free to attend. Register via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org
DSC Christmas Drinks and 2027 Forward Planning
Join the DSC as we celebrate the conclusion of a very hectic year. More than thirty events and delegations. More than 1100 participants. With planning for 2027.
Be part of our future. First drink *free , but also bring your ideas.
Thank you for your support since 2020 - we have come a long way.
DSC delegation to the ISRM Global Conference London
Our strategic partners the Institute of Strategic Risk Management are holding a free to attend London conference. A full day of captivating discussions and common sense dialogue.
To be conducted at Google Headquarters London.
Further details as to how to register will be provided in due course.
Keynes Society - an evening of conversation.
Join the Keynes Society (associated with Cambridge University) and enjoy an evening of conversation, discussion and networking. Liberal thoughts for a challenging era of geopolitical contest, breakdowns in the rules based order, technology threats to freedoms and harsher economic conditions. An important evening to tackle some of the wider issues impacting on our defence, security and social cohesion policies.
To register to attend this event, contact Noel via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org
Women in the Fight: Securing our Britain
As part of the wider International Women’s Week program in Whitehall, enjoy a briefing by the Founder and CEO of the International Security Professionals Association Satia Rai.
Understanding how the security industry in the UK is contributing to the national interest.
Women on the frontline, in the back office and at the strategy top table.
Young NATO - understanding the next war
Our colleagues from YATA (the ~Young Professionals network of NATO) are joining us again.
A chance to socialise (drinks from 17:00), workshop a hot topic (from 17:30) and dine (from 19:00).
The next war is the conflict we are in now: grey zone aggression, a land war in Ukraine, global hotspots across the Middle East plus the drone incursions and sabotage that make cinema.
Free to attend and perfect to host. Join us as we support our guests on their busy 72 hours in London.
Drinks and Debrief on Warsaw Security Forum
A Polish Government selected delegation of UK stakeholders, including a number of DSC members, will have attended the Warsaw Security Forum and other relevant appointments between Monday 12 - Wednesday 14 October. WSF is a key date on the broader European defence/security calendar.
Several thousand delegates from across Poland, the Baltics, the Nordics, Germany and various allies - military leaders, defence science boffins, political players and national resilience contributors.
Over a drink in a casual setting, join Noel Hadjimichael, Chair of the DSC, who will debrief on what were the key discussions, hot topics and biggest challenges identified.
RSVP direct to Noel on chair@defencesecuritycircle.org for confirmations.
Free to attend. Buy a drink, catch up with DSC colleagues and be part of the conversation.
Drinks with the Author: Humphrey Hawksley
Join the Defence & Security Circle as we support, praise and promote the work of a very good friend of the DSC who has written a “must buy” page turner on the cold, harsh, competitive and geopolitically sensitive topic that is Greenland, the High North and all things Arctic.
A chance to hear the author. An opportunity to question the framework of assumptions and hard truths being exposed. A handy pre Christmas chance to buy the book.
This event is FULLY BOOKED with respect to the DSC - apologies no further registrations
Death in Dubai - Investigative Journalism in a complex region
It takes a network to catch a network.
What does it take to investigate the world’s most complex and demanding issues, stories and problems? Find out at this fascinating free session.
An exclusive evening behind the scenes with the founders of Thread Studios with previews of their upcoming projects. National security, global stability and social values intersect.
We are now fully subscribed for this event. No further registrations.
Strategic Decision-Making in an uncertain World: ISRM & DSC free breakfast briefing
Our fourth in the series of Risk, Resilience and Roundtable dialogues on matters that impact on corporates, government agencies, compliance professionals, civil society leaders and media players.
Join us from 08:00 for a fantastic opportunity to meet peers, make new contacts and mobilise strategic partnerships. Session start time of 08:30 and session activities conclude by 10:30.
We are delighted to welcome an exceptional panel of senior leaders for an exclusive discussion on Strategic Decision-Making in an Uncertain World, sharing insights into how leaders can make better decisions amid growing uncertainty.
Tania Carvalho, Founder, Powerhouse Consulting
Rina Singh, Head of Business Resilience, Smart DCC
Pat Parker, UK Country Manager, Clew
Moderated by Richard Brooks, Vice-Chair London Chapter
Register via Noel by chair@defencesecuritycirle.org
Fully subscribed - no further seats available. Audience capacity of 70 reached.
Bytes on the Battlefield: UK-Ukraine tech
The DSC are collaborating with industry partners and the Embassy of Ukraine for this invitation only event styled Bytes on the Battlefield: UK–Ukraine Data Intelligence & Defence Tech on Wednesday 23 September.
As UK–Ukraine defence and technology cooperation accelerates, so does the complexity — compliance frameworks, export controls, and supply chains without established playbooks. The evening brings together policy, industry, and diplomatic perspectives on the practical realities of that cooperation, including Noel Hadjimichael FRSA (Chair, Defence & Security Circle Whitehall London), Nataliia Chornohub (CEO, YC World), Ashley Thomson (British Army Veteran and OSINT expert), and Denys Demko from the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom.
The event is hosted by YC World, a due diligence and investigations platform used by compliance, security, and defence teams to trace corporate ownership and risk across jurisdictions, with particular depth in Eastern European networks.
This is a closed event with limited numbers. You can apply to attend via the following link: Bytes on the Battlefield: UK–Ukraine Data Intelligence & Defence Tech · Luma
Event is now FULLY BOOKED - it has reached capacity - no further registrations
Private Sector Intelligence: Book Launch and Discussion.
The DSC is attracting the support and collaboration of a number of strategic partners.
Valinor Intelligence, a market driven community enabled open-source intelligence organisation will feature at this event. We are proud to support this worthwhile exercise.
We are celebrating and giving visibility to the publication of Private Sector Intelligence: How Corporations Navigate Geopolitical and Security Risk by Lewis Sage-Passant, Maria Robson-Morrow and Angela Lewis-Miller. The evening will include a discussion with Lewis on some of the key themes from the book, followed by drinks and the opportunity to connect with others from across the intelligence, security and risk community.
OSINT is now recognised at the highest levels of government, the national security community and law enforcement agencies. It is essential in the current geopolitical circumstances. It is powerful due to the shortened intelligence gathering / analytical cycle. It is timely due to the emerging tech.
The evening will include a discussion with Lewis on some of the key themes from the book, followed by drinks and the opportunity to connect with others from across the intelligence, security and risk community.
This is a closed event with limited availability.
Event is FULLY BOOKED - it has reached capacity - no further registrations
Wargaming with the Polish Army on NATO's frontline
Contact the Chair of the DSC, Noel Hadjimichael, to discuss joining a small handpicked delegation to southern Poland, visiting the General Tadeusz KościuszkoMilitary University of Land Forces. Participating with experts, strategists and relevant academics in the field of battlefield science at an important conference. Three days - Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September.
A chance to show our support to our allies and extend the existing DSC track record of active engagement in locations as diverse as Berlin, Canberra, Manchester and Prague.
If interested - deadline to RSVP (see below) is Tuesday 21 July 2026.
Email Noel via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org
The Warrior's Return: from return to reintegration
Attend a powerful and practical free briefing showcasing a panel of key players.
The demands placed on serving personnel, their families and communities are significant. The impact is often the more acute after the first 15 days - as individuals come back from the “operational” mindset and start dealing with the “here and now” of regular duties, home life, other priorities and self care.
Join Rear Admiral Andrew Rose OBE: Naval Secretary and Director People & Training, Royal Navy
Professor Gerardine (Gerri) Matthews-Smith PhD, CAL Senior Fellow: Director, Centre for Armed Forces Research, Education & Public Engagement, Edinburgh Napier University | Senior Research Fellow, 🇬🇧 Centre for Army Leadership and
Dr Sachi Patel: Theologian | Multi-Faith Coordinator, SOAS University of London | Hindu Chaplain, King's College London
Chaired by Nihal Arthanayake - all voices are needed in this vital conversation - defence, academia, industry, community, and beyond.
To register and attend this event, please contact Noel via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org or : https://luma.com/rhunqnvh
Ukraine War: war crimes workshop
The Ethical Support Alliance - a strategic partner of the DSC - is holding a workshop with exchange students associated with the Ukrainian Police. Limited number of seats to attend. Free event that will touch on serious and explicit war crime subject matter.
Important to support our allies in their efforts.
Contact Noel via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org or David Lewis on 07940074737.
We are all on the Frontline now
Dr Paul Wood, CEO of Emerging Risk Global, a Fellow of the Security Institute and Associate Lecturer at Portsmouth University in Risk, Crisis and Resilience. A fireside chat and presentation on cognitive warfare, the urgency to formally recognise a resilience profession and the nature of hostile state escalation (think Leipzig Airport drones, parcel bombs or alleged assassinations).
Arrivals from 1730 and the session is held 1800-1900.
Afterwards, a chance to share a drink and have dialogue on the state of play.
Limited seats - contact Noel via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org
London Security Conference
High level international forum examining the strategic, security and resilience challenges facing Europe’s most exposed regions. Dealing with Russia, resilience, NATO, European preparedness and many other key topics. Be part of the conversation. Delegates and speakers from across Europe.
Organised by our friends from Liberal International and a number of respected partners, this will tackle the key issues via five thematic panels and an interactive workshop.
Free to register. Register via this link:
https://liberal-international.org/london-security-conference-2026/
Contact Noel to discuss any questions via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org
Film Afternoon: De Gaulle Resistance
Join the DSC as we attend a film session at the Cine Lumiere 17 Queensbury Place London.
Meet up at 13:00 at the NLC for a drink. Travel to the cinema and attend the 14:30 session.
Book your ticket for the film via the Institut Francais on www.institut-francais.org.uk
What a better way to remember the strategic partnership and alliance of September 1939.
More information, contact Noel on chair@defencesecuritycircle.org
DSC Summer Drinks - a brew or maybe a beer
Join the DSC as we see the August UK summer depart. At the National Liberal Club, an informal catch up before the much awaited Bank Holiday long weekend.
Starting at 1700, feel comfortable to join a few (or many) of the DSC community for a tea or something stronger. Meet up at the Bar, we may later find ourselves in the Smoking Room or on the Terrace.
Nothing specific planned. But an important and relaxed opportunity to catch up with colleagues. We will discuss the upcoming program: numerous events in September and October (film afternoon, briefings, invitation only sessions and our annual black tie dinner for Trafalgar Night).
A casual and free (buy your own drink) event to welcome the long weekend.
Defeating Online Hate: national interest reasons
A hybrid event - attend in person or join us online - for a briefing that specifies the national interest values, priorities and pressures present in our societies when it comes to online hate.
Islamophobia, antisemitism, racially driven appeals to disrupt social cohesion, extremist populism.
Join us to consider the way ahead - at a time when our nation and its allies are under attack from both hostile states and hostile ideologies.
Free to attend.
Register to Noel via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org
Cyber Nerd, Army Officer, CEO: today's battlefield warrior
Join the Defence & Security Circle for a fascinating free and fearless conversation with Major Edward Farrell. Army Officer, self-confessed cyber nerd, CEO and informed warrior.
A morning session over maybe a coffee when we listen to stories from the frontline of cyber operations, from Australia’s environment with hostile regional players demanding attention.
Register via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org or by contact with our DSC Chair, Noel Hadjimichael on +44 7599 890 134
Washington Insider: Irina Tsukerman
Back to the United Kingdom from her New York and Washington duties as a commentator, analyst, critic and agent of provocation, Irina Tsukerman.
All things dramatic: the Middle East, the US Capitol, the new New York Mayoral administration, global information warfare and propaganda from hostile states.
Join us for a drink, a dialogue and demanding fireside chat as we assess Irina’s take on Trump, Terror and Tehran … plus many more topics.
Contact Noel via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org to secure a seat for a limited audience session - off the record but on the key hot topics that require answers.
Putting the national interest first: Glen's story.
A personal story of service, from cadets to university … from the civil service to the RAF Reserve. Join us.
Battleground Taiwan
Assess, debate and strategically “game” the various scenarios arising from a mainland blockade, siege or invasion of Taiwan. What can the West do? How can allies and friends help? Will the invader be defeated or resisted with success? Is preparation within our resources?
Online MasterClass - Resilience in an Age of Uncertainty
New! Senior Visiting Fellows Masterclasses | 1️⃣Total Defence- Building National Resilience in an Era of Persistent Uncertainty 🗣️
Join us for the first of an exciting Senior Visiting Fellow Masterclasses…. a collaboration with the DSC … Total Defence- Building National Resilience in an Era of Persistent Uncertainty, Elisabeth Braw
This masterclass explores how Total Defence can strengthen national resilience in an era of persistent uncertainty, drawing on lessons from Nordic and Baltic countries that have successfully embedded resilience across society.
To register: Login - Checkout or
Visiting Fellows - UK Resilience Academy
The role of governments, industry, academia, and citizens in preparing for and responding to crises, highlighting the importance of mobilising societal capabilities before emergencies occur.
The session also considers how international Total Defence models can be adapted to the UK context, fostering a whole-of-society approach to security, preparedness, and national resilience.
👤Who? Senior Visiting Fellow, Elisabeth Braw - find out more: https://lnkd.in/e2ctGCqK
📍Where? Online
📆When? 15th July, 9.30am to 11am
Risk, resilience and rational steps.
ISRM, The OSINT Group and The Defence & Security Circle are delighted to host an Exclusive Breakfast Briefing at the National Liberal Club.
This exclusive, invitation-only, executive forum brings together a select group of C-Suite leaders, Chief Risk Officers, Chief Resilience Officers and senior decision-makers responsible for navigating strategic uncertainty and organisational resilience.
The programme will begin with a private networking breakfast, followed by a keynote briefing and executive discussion examining the evolving landscape of high-impact risks and disruptions.
Participants will then engage in confidential, facilitated roundtable conversations, exchanging insights and practical strategies for anticipating emerging threats, strengthening resilience capabilities and enhancing organisational preparedness.
This forum is designed to foster meaningful peer-to-peer dialogue among senior leaders facing similar challenges, while providing valuable opportunities to expand professional networks and gain fresh perspectives from fellow executives.
Free to register: use the link here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/isrm-breakfast-briefing-july-2026-tickets-1992436516255?aff=oddtdtcreator
Proud to Serve: the national security story
Join a free conversation and celebration of Pride in the national security sector. All serve, all respected.
If crisis or war comes: lessons from Sweden
Join a panel discussion on lessons to be drawn from our friend and ally Sweden. Free talk, forceful conclusions. Cash bar from 1730. Session 1800-1900.
Defeating the Adversary with Tess Butler
Join Tess Butler to investigate, interrogate and challenge the ideas about military education, gaming, training, simulation design. A specialist in bridging the gap between industry, academia and the military, Tess offers a superb “insiders” perspective. A degree in Russian & Soviet Studies, hands on experience with the Royal Navy, specialised work with the British Army’s Armoured Fighting Vehicle project and time as a independent military consultant in the Middle East. Be in the room for the session or online. Free and fearless dialogue. Register via chair@defencesecuritycircle.org
Sabotage and Influence on our shores
Apply to join an “off the record” session on hostile state action within the UK. The strategies, tactics and challenges arising from new trends in economic, political and social “active measures”. Email chair@defencesecuritycircle.org Limited seats.
Drinks with the Kings College London Experts
Drinks on Tuesday 12 May - your chance to meet the experts.
Strategic simulation: defending the Baltics
A free two part session: join us at 1630 to wargame an attack on the Baltics and/or join us at 1800 to discuss the lessons to be identified from both strategic simulation and how this actual risk scenario played out. Meet the designer and challenge the assumptions. You can maybe also answer the question: can NATO hold? Cash bar and plenty of hard hitting dialogue.
Breakfast Briefing
A free breakfast briefing for C-suite and relevant risk, policy and strategic participants. Tackling the issues posed by contemporary global, commercial and sovereign risks. Register via this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/isrm-toro-solutions-breakfast-briefing-tickets-1983092284406
German Delegation to Whitehall and the DSC
Arrivals at 1730 with cash bar. Dialogue session between 1800-1915
Promoting the steadfast relationship between the United Kingdom and Germany in the key sectors of defence collaboration, strategic diplomacy, military science innovation and civil society resilience.
A non-political and non-partisan collaborative environment to listen to key speakers, gain fresh insights and establish new contacts.
Opportunity to dine at the NLC at 1930 at £65 per person.
Defending Democracy: Disinformation, Russia, and the Battle for UK Public Opinion.
Join a conversation about the reconstruction challenges facing Ukraine. What is the road map for this and how will resilience factors play a role. Free event (cash bar at 1730 and discussion from 1800). Panel discussion with Dr Olha Mukha, Steven Lacey and Thomas Brayford.
Young NATO Workshop
Meet the visiting delegation from Young NATO and workshop some of the key issues facing the alliance, its member countries and our wider security challenges. Cash bar from 1700 with plenty of time to network. Formal workshop session commencing 1800 until 1915. An “off the record” robust examination of the geopolitical pressure points that are impacting on member countries and their populations in the context of grey zone warfare, hostile state sabotage and global social movements.
Free to attend.