The individual in question serves as Senior Vice President at the German Marshall Fund.
In a recent speech at the Munich Security Conference, Dr. Claudia Major, the Senior Vice President for Transatlantic Security Initiatives with the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), emphasized the need for a stronger transatlantic partnership and a more proactive European security policy in response to global challenges.
Dr. Major underlined the importance of engaging more with Europe's neighbours to build a more stable regional security architecture. She also called for closer cooperation between NATO and the European Union on security matters, and suggested that Europe should strengthen its military capabilities to counter potential threats.
The political scientist, who has previously worked for the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich and the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), expressed concern over the potential threats posed by China and Russia to European security. She urged European countries to work together to address common security challenges and strengthen their collective defense.
Since taking on her role at the GMF in March, Dr. Major has been actively involved in fostering cooperation and understanding between the United States and European partners to address evolving security challenges. This includes facilitating discussions among policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to enhance NATO's role and strengthen the broader European security framework.
As Senior Vice President at the GMF, Dr. Major plays a leading role in transatlantic policy initiatives that aim to adapt NATO and European defense architecture to contemporary threats such as geopolitical competition, cyber threats, and defense modernization. She contributes to shaping policy responses that promote cohesive transatlantic relations, tackling divisions within Europe and between Europe and the U.S., and supporting resilience in democratic institutions against external pressures.
Dr. Major's leadership at the GMF signifies a central position in the effort to sustain and evolve the transatlantic partnership amid changing global security dynamics. She participates in high-level conferences and policy forums, including the 2025 Young Leaders Conference, to engage emerging leaders and decision-makers on these topics.
Dr. Major's focus areas include transatlantic relations, NATO, and European security architecture. Her significant influence on the security policy debate in Germany and Europe, particularly in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is evident in her contributions to shaping policy responses that promote stability and security in the region.
Prior to her current role, Dr. Major headed the International Security department at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). Her expertise in international security and defense policy has been instrumental in her work at the GMF.
In summary, Dr. Claudia Major advances transatlantic security by guiding initiatives that strengthen NATO and European security cooperation, fostering dialogue on strategic challenges, and supporting policy innovation through her leadership at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
Dr. Major advocated for a more proactive European security policy in light of war-and-conflicts, emphasizing the need to engage with Europe's neighbours and strengthen military capabilities to counter potential threats. As a key figure in policy-and-legislation related to transatlantic security, she suggested closer cooperation between NATO and the European Union on security matters, and contributed to shaping policy responses that promote cohesive transatlantic relations. In the general-news sphere, her focus areas and influence, particularly regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have shaped discussions on European security architecture.
