Military Writers’ Symposium
Celebrating three decades of exceptional military writing.
The Shadow Front: Unconventional Approaches to Warfare
ÂÜÀò¼ÒÔ°, Northfield, Vermont
October 27 to 28, 2025
The only program of its kind at an American university, the ÂÜÀò¼ÒÔ° Military Writers’ Symposium convenes authors and experts in the fields of military history, intelligence, and current affairs to offer important perspectives on pressing global concerns.
This year's theme explores the murky, often hidden dimensions of conflict where traditional rules of engagement are abandoned in favor of subversion, innovation, and psychological manipulation. This theme delves into the evolving landscape of warfare—where espionage, cyber attacks, guerrilla tactics, disinformation campaigns, proxy wars, and asymmetric strategies redefine the battlefield.
Rather than focusing on brute strength or conventional military might, The Shadow Front highlights the power of intelligence, influence, and disruption. It examines how state and non-state actors alike exploit shadows — political ambiguity, technological gaps, cultural divides, and societal unrest — to undermine adversaries from within and without.
The theme invites discussion and analysis of historical precedents, present-day conflicts, and speculative futures where unconventional warfare is not the exception, but the norm. Whether through silent sabotage, digital battlefields, or ideological insurgency, The Shadow Front reveals a world where victory belongs not always to the strongest, but to the most adaptable and unseen.
Meet the Authors Dinner
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
The symposium will conclude with this not-to-be-missed dinner. Ask any former attendee and they will tell you that this dinner is a one-of-a-kind experience. Join Norwich leadership, our special guests, alumni, and students as we eat great food, engage in exciting conversation, and make lasting connections.
Give Now
The Carlo D’Este ’58 Military Writers’ Endowment provides funding in perpetuity to support the operating costs of the ÂÜÀò¼ÒÔ° Military Writers' Symposium, the William E. Colby Award, and year-round student enrichment opportunities on military history and current affairs. It also honors the legacy of Carlo D’Este, a 1958 Norwich graduate, beloved co-founder of the Military Writers’ Symposium, decorated U.S. Army colonel and renowned military historian. Carlo passed away on November 21, 2020 at the age of 84.
Agenda
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Monday
9-9:50 a.m. | Setting the Stage: The Definition of Irregular
Welcome Remarks: Dr. Travis Morris, Director, NU Peace & War Center
10-10:50 a.m. | Lawfare: International Law as a Weapon of War
Student Moderator: Elizabeth Kim
Author:11-11:50 a.m. | The New Rules of War
Student Moderators:
Panelists:1-1:50 p.m. | Irregular Warfare: The Future Military Strategy For Small States
Student Moderators:
Author: Sandor Fabian, Ph.D.2-2:50 p.m. | Student Research Presentations
Discussion Moderators:
Presentations by:7-8:30 p.m. | The Shadow Front: Unconventional Approaches to Warfare
Introduction:
Discussion Moderator:
Panelists:
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Tuesday
9:30-10:45 a.m. | Their Stories: Reporting from a War Zone
Student Moderators:
Author:11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Modern Warfare & International Security
Remarks:
1-1:50 p.m. | Colby Award Book Presentation "The Showman: Inside the Invasion That Shook the World and Made a Leader of Volodymyr Zelensky"
Student Moderator:
Author: Simon Shuster, TIME Magazine Correspondent2-2:50 p.m. | Dennis E. Showalter Research Fellowship Presentation
Discussion Moderators:
Presenter: Oliver Groom, M'256-9 p.m. | Meet the Authors Reception & Dinner (by invitation)
Dinner Remarks: Dr. Karen F. Gaines, Provost & Dean of the Faculty, ÂÜÀò¼ÒÔ°
Past Programs
For three decades, the Norwich Military Writers’ Symposium has brought well over 100 military writers, historians, journalists and biographers to campus, giving NU residential and online students the opportunity to meet some of the most prominent military writers and historians of our time, and to gain a better understanding of the world through their eyes.
