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Military Writers’ Symposium

Celebrating three decades of exceptional military writing.

MWS 30 Years

The Shadow Front: Unconventional Approaches to Warfare

Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont
October 27 to 28, 2025

The only program of its kind at an American university, the Norwich University 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.

Meet the Authors Dinner
Tuesday, October 28

Tickets required.

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.

C D'Este Colby
Carlo D’Este ’58 Military Writers’ Endowment

Give Now

The Carlo D’Este ’58 Military Writers’ Endowment provides funding in perpetuity to support the operating costs of the Norwich University 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

  1. Monday

    9-9:50 a.m. | Setting the Stage: The Definition of Irregular
    Mack Hall Auditorium 

    Welcome Remarks by Dr. Travis Morris, Director, NU Peace & War Center
     

    10-10:50 a.m. | Lawfare: International Law as a Weapon of War
    Mack Hall Auditorium 

    Student Moderator: Elizabeth Kim
    Author:

    11-11:50 a.m. | The New Rules of War
    Mack Hall Auditorium

    Student Moderators: 
    Panelists: 

    1-1:50 p.m. | Irregular Warfare: The Future Military Strategy For Small States
    Mack Hall Auditorium

    Student Moderators:
    Author:

    2-2:50 p.m. | Student Research Presentations
    Mack Hall Auditorium

    Discussion Moderators:
    Presentations by:

    7-8:30 p.m. | The Shadow Front: Unconventional Approaches to Warfare
    Plumley Armory

    Introduction by Dr. Karen F. Gaines, Provost & Dean of the Faculty, Norwich University
    Discussion Moderator:
    Panelists:

  1. Tuesday

    9:30-10:45 a.m. | Their Stories: Reporting from a War Zone
    Mack Hall Auditorium

    Student Moderators: 
    Author: 

    11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Modern Warfare & International Security
    Mack Hall Auditorium

    Remarks by: 

    1-1:50 p.m. | Colby Award Book Presentation
    Mack Hall Auditorium

    Student Moderator: 
    Author: 

    2-2:50 p.m. | Dennis E. Showalter Research Fellowship Presentation
    Mack Hall Auditorium

    Discussion Moderators: 
    Presentation by:

    6-9 p.m. | Meet the Authors Reception & Dinner (by invitation)
    Plumley Armory

    Dinner Remarks by: Dr. Karen F. Gaines, Provost & Dean of the Faculty, Norwich University

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. 

View Full List of Program Topics