The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: What the ‘Kids’ Think of NATO with Rachel Rizzo
6 snips
Sep 14, 2025 
Rachel Rizzo, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, dives into the perspectives of Gen Z and Millennials on NATO. She discusses insights from the recent NATO Youth Summit and contrasts younger generations' views on foreign policy with those of older cohorts. Topics include the shifting priorities towards climate change and human security, and how NATO can better engage youth through innovative social media strategies. Rizzo even touches on pop culture, linking Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo to modern geopolitical dialogue.
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Youth Influence Is Real Power
- Gen Z and millennials wield large influence through social media and activism.
- Rachel Rizzo argues NATO must engage them because their voices shape political outcomes.
Security Definitions Have Broadened
- Younger generations are less militaristic and broaden security priorities beyond traditional defense.
- Rachel Rizzo highlights climate, sustainability, human security, and tech as top concerns.
Why Young People Question Military Power
- Life experiences (24-hour news, tech, failed wars, economic crises, COVID) shaped youth skepticism toward military-led solutions.
- Rizzo links those experiences to different views on U.S. power and engagement.
