Wednesday 10 September 2025
An Evening of Theater with Former Top NATO Military Officer, Rob Bauer.
Rob Bauer experienced the Russian invasion of Ukraine from NATO’s headquarters. As the alliance’s highest-ranking military officer at the time, he understood better than anyone that this marked the beginning of a new era. How can we safeguard peace in an increasingly hostile world? And what does that demand from all of us?
During the evening If You Want Peace, Prepare for War, Rob Bauer powerfully illustrates how preparing for war is necessary in the service of peace. Through personal stories and sharp analyses, the admiral makes clear how much needs to change in order to preserve our current freedom.
From NATO’s engine room to the boardroom, every part of society must realize that peace is no longer a given. How can we prepare society for that reality? Rob Bauer offers concrete lessons on how we can once again collectively defend ourselves. If You Want Peace, Prepare for War is an evening for anyone who wants to understand what it takes to safeguard peace and security in this new era.
Rob Bauer is a lieutenant admiral. Until earlier this year, he was NATO’s top military officer and previously served as the Chief of Defence in the Netherlands.
Eleonora Russell, who will present the evening, was a strategic communications advisor to NATO’s military leadership, is an award-winning speechwriter, and currently co-authoring the book If You Want Peace, Prepare for War with Bauer.
The book will be available in bookstores from mid-June.
This evening is produced by Haagsch College.