Join us for a compelling discussion on the evolving role of Special Operations Forces (SOF) in addressing 21st-century security challenges. As threats grow more dynamic—from cyber warfare and terrorism to great-power competition—SOF continues to adapt to maintain its strategic relevance. Our speakers will explore the unique capabilities that make SOF integral in asymmetric warfare, counterinsurgency, and counterterrorism. The talk will also address how technological advancements, hybrid warfare tactics, and shifting global alliances are reshaping operational priorities. Drawing on real-world case studies, this session will examine SOF’s ability to operate in complex environments, its contributions to interagency coordination, and its role in advancing national security objectives. Whether you are a defense professional, academic, or security enthusiast, this talk provides a thought-provoking look at how SOF remains at the forefront of global security in an era of uncertainty and rapid change. Don’t miss this opportunity for insight and discussion!
Dr H. Christian Breede is a Research Analyst with the Department of National Defence working at the Canadian Defence Academy. A Canadian Army veteran of 25 years, Christian served with the Royal Canadian Regiment, with deployments to Haiti (2004) and Afghanistan (2008-09), rising to the rank of Major. From 2014 to 2022, he served as part of the Military Faculty at the Royal Military College of Canada, obtaining an appointment to Associate Professor of Political Science in 2018. During this time, Christian was also a cross-appointed Professor of Political Science at Queen’s University, deputy director for the Centre for International and Defence Policy (where he is now a non-resident fellow) and an Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University’s Terrorism, Risk, and Security Studies Program (from 2021-2023). In 2024, concurrent with his work in DND, Christian became an Honourary Research Associate at the University of New Brunswick. Christian’s research is focused on the interaction between social cohesion, military culture, and technology. He has published over 30 articles, edited volumes, chapters, and monographs on these topics. Christian holds a PhD in War Studies from RMC.
Dr. Kevin D. Stringer, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired), is a Visiting Associate Professor at the General Jonas Zemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, Lecturer at the University of Northwestern Switzerland, and a Subject Matter Expert for the Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Center. With 30 years of commissioned military service, he was a Eurasian foreign area officer and strategist assigned to the U.S. special operations community. Career highlights include assignments as Director, Strategy, Plans, and Policy Directorate (J5), Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) and Director, Plans and Strategy (J5) for a combined joint special operations task force in the Middle East. In 2021, he served as a military faculty member at the U.S. Army War College. He is the holder of the Estonian Defence Forces Meritorious Service Cross for his work on resistance initiatives in that country.
Dr. Stringer earned a Ph.D. in International Affairs from the University of Zurich, an M.A. in International Relations from Boston University, an M.S.S. from the U.S. Army War College, and a B.Sc. from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. His applied research focuses on irregular warfare, special operations, Russian indirect action, and multinational operations.
Dr H. Christian Breede is a Research Analyst with the Department of National Defence working at the Canadian Defence Academy. A Canadian Army veteran of 25 years, Christian served with the Royal Canadian Regiment, with deployments to Haiti (2004) and Afghanistan (2008-09), rising to the rank of Major. From 2014 to 2022, he served as part of the Military Faculty at the Royal Military College of Canada, obtaining an appointment to Associate Professor of Political Science in 2018. During this time, Christian was also a cross-appointed Professor of Political Science at Queen’s University, deputy director for the Centre for International and Defence Policy (where he is now a non-resident fellow) and an Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University’s Terrorism, Risk, and Security Studies Program (from 2021-2023). In 2024, concurrent with his work in DND, Christian became an Honourary Research Associate at the University of New Brunswick. Christian’s research is focused on the interaction between social cohesion, military culture, and technology. He has published over 30 articles, edited volumes, chapters, and monographs on these topics. Christian holds a PhD in War Studies from RMC.
Dr. Kevin D. Stringer, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired), is a Visiting Associate Professor at the General Jonas Zemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, Lecturer at the University of Northwestern Switzerland, and a Subject Matter Expert for the Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Center. With 30 years of commissioned military service, he was a Eurasian foreign area officer and strategist assigned to the U.S. special operations community. Career highlights include assignments as Director, Strategy, Plans, and Policy Directorate (J5), Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) and Director, Plans and Strategy (J5) for a combined joint special operations task force in the Middle East. In 2021, he served as a military faculty member at the U.S. Army War College. He is the holder of the Estonian Defence Forces Meritorious Service Cross for his work on resistance initiatives in that country.
Dr. Stringer earned a Ph.D. in International Affairs from the University of Zurich, an M.A. in International Relations from Boston University, an M.S.S. from the U.S. Army War College, and a B.Sc. from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. His applied research focuses on irregular warfare, special operations, Russian indirect action, and multinational operations.