Alliance & Coalition Warfare: Enduring Challenges in Multinational Campaigns

Kansas State University Department of History is proud to host our annual Flint Hills Military History Symposium for 2026. We are again partnering with the Dwight Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. This year’s conference will be held September 25-27, 2026. Events will be held at both the Kansas State University campus and at the Dwight Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.
Our theme this year is Alliance and Coalition Warfare. Coalition warfare has been around since ancient times. Understanding the dynamics of these relationships is crucial for any conception of warfare. Cooperation between allied nations or differing military branches can bring about success in military conflicts. Specifics on these dynamics have varied over time and in different contexts. Examination of the diplomatic, intelligence, military capabilities, and economic factors that have determined the outcome of military struggles broadens historians’ understandings of how cooperation has shaped military history. The inclusion of social science methods contributes to the expanded knowledge of the aspects of collaboration in war time.
 

Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Battlefield

The Kansas State University History Department, in partnership with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, is pleased to present the Flint Hills Military History Symposium 2026. This year’s theme, Alliance & Coalition Warfare: Enduring Challenges in Multinational Campaigns, will examine persistent issues such as mismatched capabilities, divergent national priorities, command complexities, burden-sharing disputes, and the challenge of building consensus across different military cultures and political motivations.

Last year’s symposium was a strong success despite the government shutdown, which required a last-minute move of our Friday venue from Abilene to Manhattan. We are especially grateful to K-State Hale Library for stepping in on short notice and helping create a meaningful experience for attendees. Participant feedback confirmed the symposium’s value as an affordable fall gathering at a time when fewer international history conferences are available.

Our goal is to bring together historians, military professionals, interdisciplinary scholars, and community members to network and share research in a focused and welcoming setting. Building on last year’s momentum, we look forward to expanding and enhancing the program in 2026. We cordially invite you to join us September 25–27, 2026, for the Flint Hills Military History Symposium.

25 September - at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum, Abilene KS (Limited Transportation Provided with Registration)

26 September - Kansas State University Student Union

27 September - Kansas State University Student Union

PRIOR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT

For Further Information, Questions, and Registering for the Event:

https://www.flinthillsmilitary.com/