Dayton Debates Allied or Alone? The Great NATO Debate

Описание: A panel discussion about the US involvement in NATO
“Is NATO Protecting Us, or Provoking Conflict?”
A community conversation as a warm up to the Spring 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly which is coming to Dayton Ohio May 23- 26.
Hear both sides from our panelists.
Find out more at www.daytondebates.org
David Esrati – Pro-NATO

David Esrati is a first-generation American, Army veteran, and relentless advocate for democracy. A frequent candidate in OH-10, he’s challenged the political establishment for decades—so much so that Rep. Mike Turner had him arrested for a silent solo protest at a public meeting. Esrati won in court. Through his long-running blog, Esrati.com, he’s practiced fearless citizen journalism—showing up, speaking out, and fighting for an accountable America.
Michael Harbaugh – Anti-NATO

Michael Harbaugh is an independent political candidate and small business owner from Kettering, Ohio. He ran for Ohio’s 10th Congressional District in 2024, focusing on grassroots movements and advocating for reduced military spending. Harbaugh’s platform includes anti-war positions and government reform, reflecting his skepticism toward international military alliances like NATO. His campaign emphasized representing working-class citizens and challenging the existing political establishment.
Dr. Grant Neeley – Pro-NATO

Captain Grant Neeley is Reserve Director of Public Affairs at U.S. European Command and a Navy Public Affairs Officer with deployments supporting NATO in Afghanistan and Europe. He is also a Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Cybersecurity & Data Intelligence at the University of Dayton. Neeley brings both academic and operational insight to U.S. and NATO strategic communications.
Dr. Verb Washington – Pro-NATO

Dr. Verb Washington is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and Assistant Dean at the University of Dayton’s College of Arts and Sciences. A combat veteran of the Gulf and Iraq Wars, he brings deep military and academic insight. He specializes in African American military history and teaches in the History Department. Dr. Washington previously taught at West Point and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
Dr. Jonathan Maffay – Anti-NATO

Dr. Jonathan Maffay is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and existential psychotherapist based in Athens, Ohio. He has worked in community mental health for decades and served as clinical supervisor for the Athens Photo Project. A longtime peace activist, he collaborated with Middle East advocates Art and Peggy Gish, served on the Appalachian Peace & Justice Network board, and founded The Peace Patriot during the Iraq War.
Geoff Young – Anti-NATO

Geoff Young is a seasoned political activist and perennial candidate from Kentucky. He has run for various offices, including multiple bids for the U.S. House and gubernatorial races. Young holds degrees from MIT and the University of Kentucky. A staunch anti-war advocate, he has called for significant cuts to defense spending and the abolition of the CIA. His positions have often sparked debate within political circles.
Moderator: Dr. Nicholas Ostrum

Dr. Nicholas Ostrum is the director of the Lyman L. Lemnitzer Center for NATO and European Union Studies and an assistant professor of history at Kent State University. He has taught at colleges and universities across New York, Ohio, and Louisiana and has published in various print and online publications. His current research investigates West Germany’s relations with petrostates in the Global South, most prominently Syria and Libya.

Find out more at www.daytondebates.org