Lawfare Archive: An Address by NATO's Secretary General
Jul 14, 2024
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Former Secretary General of NATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, discusses NATO's evolving role in addressing security challenges, emphasizing the importance of the transatlantic alliance. Topics include NATO's response to Russian aggressions, enlargement issues, and discussions on concerns of Russian intervention extending beyond Crimea. The podcast also covers reflections on D-Day, NATO's mission, sacrifices for freedom, and NATO's nuclear policy and missile defense capabilities.
NATO emphasizes importance of defense spending in Europe for security.
Rasmussen condemns Russian aggression in Ukraine, calls for NATO expansion and European defense investment.
Deep dives
NATO's Commitment to Collective Defense and Ukraine
NATO allies met in Washington, DC, marking the 75th anniversary of the alliance, with a focus on Ukraine. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasized the summit goals of long-term commitment to Ukraine and highlighting the value of defense spending in Europe.
Secretary General of NATO on Transatlantic Alliance
Anders Fogh Rasmussen addressed the transatlantic alliance at the Brookings Institution, discussing NATO's evolving role in security amidst Russia's actions in Crimea. Rasmussen emphasized the need for European countries to invest more in defense and stressed the importance of NATO expansion.
Russian Aggression and NATO's Response
Rasmussen highlighted Russian military aggression in Ukraine as a breach of international commitments and a violation of sovereignty. He emphasized that NATO condemned Russia's actions and stood in support of the government in Kiev, leading to consequences for President Putin's decisions.
NATO's Readiness and Strategic Importance
In response to security challenges, NATO maintained its commitment through political legitimacy and military strength. Rasmussen emphasized NATO's unique military capabilities and contributions, highlighting the alliance's role in global security and the necessity for Europe and North America to stand together.
From March 22, 2014: On March 19, the Center on the United States and Europe (CUSE) hosted NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen for a Statesman’s Forum address on the importance of the transatlantic alliance and how the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is evolving to address new common security challenges. As the crisis in Ukraine shows that security in the Euro-Atlantic area cannot be taken for granted, the secretary-general discussed NATO’s essential role in an unpredictable world. He outlined the agenda for the September NATO summit in Wales as a critical opportunity to ensure that the alliance has the military capabilities necessary to deal with the threats it now faces, to consider how NATO members can better share the collective burden of defense and to engage constructively with partners around the world.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen took office as North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s 12th secretary-general in August 2009. Previously, he served in numerous positions in the Danish government and opposition throughout his political career, including as prime minister of Denmark from November 2001 to April 2009.
Brookings Senior Fellow and CUSE Director Fiona Hill provided introductory remarks and moderated the discussion.