Details:
- Miami University Luxembourg Foundation (MULF) is organising a presentation by Jim Townsend, former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy, entitled "The New Transatlantic Relationship: Will It Work?" on Monday 16 November 2026, from 18:30 to 20:30, at Banque de Luxembourg in Luxembourg City.
The event forms part of the foundation's IMPACT 20/20 Speaker Series and will mark the second instalment of the series.
During the presentation, Jim Townsend will address the results of the US midterm elections and share his perspective on their impact on transatlantic security, the policies and future of NATO, Ukraine, the Iran war and the Gulf region. He will also address policy issues related to Europe and defence readiness.
Jim Townsend completed eight years as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy on 20 January 2017, concluding 34 years of working in defence and foreign policy, mostly on European and NATO issues. His work spanned the last decade of the Cold War, post-Cold War political reconstruction in Europe and Europe's new challenges, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the rise of China.
Through his work, he helped execute US military engagements in almost every conflict from the Gulf War to the reintroduction of US forces into Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He also played critical roles in NATO enlargement, NATO reform and helping to build bilateral defence relations with the new European democracies emerging from the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Jim Townsend has been decorated by eleven European nations, including with the French Legion of Honour, and multiple times by the US Department of Defense for his work, including a Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive.
He has lectured in the US and overseas at academic institutions, War Colleges, the National Defense University, the Air Force Academy, the Foreign Service Institute and think tanks. He also provides commentary in the international press, on television, radio and in newspapers.
The presentation will take place in English and will be followed by a reception.
For further information and registration, visit miamiluxfoundation.lu or email contact.mulf@gmail.com.
Venue: Banque de Luxembourg (14 Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg)
Organiser: MULF
Price: n/a
Reservations: See above
