Amanpour Former NATO Commander Rupert Smith
Dec 5, 2025
Rupert Smith, a former senior British military commander with extensive experience, shares gripping insights on the complexities of modern warfare. He discusses the parallels between the conflicts in Ukraine and Bosnia, emphasizing the critical need for stronger security guarantees. Smith also reflects on his experiences during the Dayton Agreement and the importance of achieving ceasefires. Meanwhile, renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz speaks about her new book, celebrating women's narratives through powerful portraits of iconic figures like Michelle Obama and Rihanna.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Force Enabled Diplomacy In Bosnia
- The Srebrenica massacre forced the West to shift from apathy to using force backed diplomacy.
- Rupert Smith credits a Rapid Reaction armoured force plus NATO air power for breaking Sarajevo's siege and enabling Dayton talks.
Breaking The Siege Of Sarajevo
- Rupert Smith recalled building a Rapid Reaction armoured force after Srebrenica and coordinating with NATO air power.
- He informed Richard Holbrooke before breaking Sarajevo's siege and Holbrooke told him to proceed without publicity.
Insist On A Ceasefire And Strong Guarantees
- A ceasefire must come before meaningful peace negotiations.
- Secure, copper-bottomed guarantees are needed to deter future invasions, stronger than the Budapest Memorandum.
