Tag: Edinburgh Union

Is NATO failing? Experts to clash at the Edinburgh Union as Iran, Russia and Trump challenge the alliance

As US commitment wavers and conflicts rage in Ukraine and the Middle East, leading foreign affairs experts face students to ask: IS THE HISTORIC ALLIANCE STILL FIT FOR PURPOSE?

On Monday 16 March at 7pm, the Edinburgh Union will host a critical international affairs debate on the motion: This House Has No Confidence in NATO to Solve Modern Security Challenges.

Against the backdrop of the protracted war in Ukraine, an emboldened Russia, and the rapidly escalating war involving Iran, this debate will scrutinise the purpose, efficacy, and future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

With the historic military alliance’s resources, strategic unity, and diplomatic influence being severely tested on multiple fronts, speakers will examine whether NATO remains equipped to handle today’s complex geopolitical landscape.

The event brings together leading voices in foreign policy, academia, and the anti-war movement to debate the motion and put their arguments directly to the audience.

The distinguished panel of guest speakers includes Mary Dejevsky, Independent foreign affairs correspondent; Dr Leyla Alijeva, Oxford academic specialising in Russia; Sophie Johnson, Secretary of Stop the War Scotland; and Dr Benjamin Martill, Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh.

Alongside these experts, student speakers from across Edinburgh’s universities will also take opposing sides in the debate.Taking place in Rainy Hall, New College, this event continues the Edinburgh Union’s term programme.

Following a series of highly successful events, the Union continues its mission to provide a platform for open, rigorous debate on contemporary global, political, and cultural issues in Scotland’s capital.

Finn Tyson, President of the Edinburgh Union, said: “We are excited to be hosting such an incredible calibre of speakers for this timely debate and giving students at the University of Edinburgh the opportunity speak alongside experts in this field.

“The global security landscape is constantly evolving, and the role of international institutions such as NATO is increasingly part of ongoing public debate.

“By engaging with multiple perspectives, this debate aims to provide a platform at Edinburgh University for the rigorous debate this topic needs.”

Scottish politicians to clash over independence in inaugural debate of the Edinburgh Union

The Edinburgh Union will host its inaugural debate on Monday 22 September, with a panel of senior Scottish politicians debating the motion: This House Believes Scotland Should Be Independent.

The debate will feature Fergus Ewing MSP and Ben Macpherson MSP, representing the case for independence, opposite Baroness Annabel Goldie, former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, and Daniel Johnson MSP, representing the case against. 

Adding to the politicians, two student speakers will join the debate, taking opposing sides on the motion, and bringing the perspectives of Edinburgh’s student body directly into the discussion. 

The debate, taking place just months ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections, promises to be a lively and timely discussion on one of the most contested questions in Scottish politics.

Founded in 2025, the Edinburgh Union, which is part of the Edinburgh Political Union, is the University of Edinburgh’s newest debating society.

It seeks to provide an apolitical platform dedicated to debate and open dialogue. With political and social conversations growing increasingly polarised, the Union’s mission is to develop an environment where ideas can be challenged constructively and where participants from all backgrounds feel empowered to engage in discussion.

This semester, the Union will host fortnightly debates in Edinburgh’s iconic Rainy Hall at New College, bringing together speakers from across the political spectrum. Upcoming motions include This House Welcomes the Legalisation of Assisted Dying and This House Believes Traditional Masculinity is Damaging to Men and Society.

Each debate will offer audience members, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh with the opportunity to debate and challenge guest speakers from across the political spectrum. 

President Finn Tyson said: ““The Edinburgh Union seeks to spark open dialogue in the capital, in a way that is not seen anywhere else in Scotland.

“We want to give students and staff the chance to engage in-person with big ideas, challenge perspectives, and form their own views through reasoned debate – all in away that reflects the diversity and voice of Scotland’s student population.

“More than a decade after the Better Together campaign’s victory in 2014, public opinion on Scottish independence remains deeply divided. That’s why we’re bringing in outstanding speakers from across the political spectrum to debate the issue – and to give our students the chance to question them directly.”