Michael Ryan served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NATO Policy following a distinguished 40-year career in the U.S. Air Force and the Senior Executive Service. While performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, he oversaw defense policy regarding Russia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere. An Air Force Academy graduate, Colonel Ryan flew the A-10 in Europe during the Cold War. Later, he served at NATO headquarters, the U.S. Mission to the European Union, U.S. European Command headquarters, and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He is a graduate of the French War College in Paris and was a National Defense Fellow at the U.S. Congress.
He holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations and lectures extensively in Europe and the United States. His latest articles on world affairs appeared recently in The National Interest.
Lecture Title - Brief Synopsis
1. France in World Affairs: A Global Power?
Attracting friends and persuading enemies, France plays a unique role in world affairs.
For an excerpt from this presentation, please click this link >>
https://youtu.be/D-I4jjV7vVs 2. NATO -- Cold War Relic or A Rising Phoenix?
Adapting rapidly, NATO went from Cold War relic to a bulwark of freedom in a short thirty years.
3. European Union: Visions of Sugarplums or the Future of Europe?
The European Union is many things to many people but what is it really and what can it become?
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https://youtu.be/JHorFxme1oU 4. The United States and Europe: Sibling Rivalry or Doomed Marriage?
Lasting peace in the world hinges on Europe and the United States, but can those two get along?
5. Ukraine: Inevitable War or Avoidable Tragedy? And What’s Next?
Fighting for national survival, Ukraine’s valiant defense was well prepared. Why was it necessary?
6. Mediterranean Trek: The Forgotten Frontier?
Encompassing three continents and diverse civilizations, the region is complex and compelling.
7. The Pacific Rim or the Ring of Fire: Trade, Treaties, or Tempest?
The vast expanse of the Pacific is home to many cultures. Can they all get along?
8. South America in World Affairs: Amazon.Competition
Is the Monroe Doctrine dead? Learn how the forgotten continent is now on the global stage.
9. Greece in World Affairs: Classic!
Playing their cards well, Greece is a classic example of a nation working hard in a changing world.
10 Jordan in World Affairs: A Modern Jewel in an Ancient Ring
Blending ancient ways with modern imperatives the Kings of Jordan embrace reality for their people.
11. The Middle East in World Affairs: Crossroads of Competition
Unraveling the Middle East’s tapestry of cultures, religions, and rivalries reveals both issues and opportunities.
12. Taming the Dragon and the Bear? Democracy on the Defensive
Bridging the East and West divide is more difficult than anyone imagined.
13. Singapore: A Model for Our Future World?
Dealing with multiple challenges well, is Singapore a model for our future hot, flat, crowded world?
14. Working in World Affairs: From the Cockpit to the Front Office
Experience the life of a aviator-diplomat by seeing international relations from an insider’s perspective.
15. Australia in World Affairs: Life Down Under Is Not Far Removed from the World
Standing up for democracy in a tough neighborhood is never easy, but Australia stands firm.
16. Southeast Asia in China's Shadow: Gulliver’s Travels in the Middle Kingdom
Living in the shadow of China, Southeast Asian nations are masters of co-existence, but will it work now?
17. Vietnam: From Ideology to Pragmatism, Can Vietnam Escape the War Years?
Dynamism, ingenuity, and guile are helping Vietnam build a future; can they succeed?
18. World Peace: Are we up to the task?
Winning the Peace requires a different approach to conflict. Can we learn how before it’s too late?
19. The World in South America: Amazon.competition
Growing a continent, South America‘s role on the world stage is becoming more complex.
20. Brazil in World Affairs: Another BRIC in the Wall?
Rising powers, the BRICs, Brazil, Russia, India, and China, are the ones to watch, so where is Brazil?
21. Argentina in World Affairs: Peron, Politics, and Prosperity.
Struggling for stability, Argentina may finally be getting out of its own way.
22. Chile in World Affairs: A Stable Anchor or a Lonesome Dove?
Promoting stability, human rights, and sustainable development, Chile is a model.
23. India: The Pivotal Power of the 21st Century.
Rising rapidly among the great powers, India can play a decisive global role.
24. The Race to the Arctic.
Melting ice and clashing interests are generating competition in the Arctic for better or worse.
I completed fourteen highly successful cruise enrichment speaking tours: Six on Viking, three on Crystal, one on SeaDream, and four on Azamara. I have lectured and taught regularly at university level, publicly, and professionally for 24 years, and I appear on television as a national security consultant.
Past Cruises
Line Ship Dates Itinerary
Viking Sky July 21-August 4, 2018 Bergen - London
Crystal Symphony March 7-23, 2019 Papeete - Auckland
Crystal Serenity May 11-23, 2019 Rome - Barcelona
Viking Sea July 11-21, 2021 Malta - Greek Islands
Viking Jupiter Nov 14-Dec 5, 2021 Barcelona - Buenos Aires
Viking Orion Jan 5-Feb 6, 2022 Los Angeles - Grand Polynesia
Seadream II April 24-May 8, 2022 San Juan - Barcelona
Azamara Quest Oct 29-Nov 15, 2022 Athens - Dubai
Viking Neptune Feb 16-Mar 16, 2023. Sydney - Singapore
Viking Star Oct 10-Oct 24, 2023 Montreal - Fort Lauderdale
Azamara Quest Nov 18-Dec 10, 2023 Barbados - Buenos Aires (Amazon Intensive)
Azamara Quest Jan 22-Feb 6, 2024 Santiago - Buenos Aires
Crystal Symphony Mar 12-27, 2024 Singapore - Mumbai
Azamara Journey Apr 18-May 3, 2024 Tokyo - Singapore
Michael Ryan was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO culminating a 40-year defense career. He served in Washington, Brussels, and Paris as well as in Britain and Germany. Michael is now a national security commentator, defense consultant, entrepreneur, and lecturer.
The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.