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Seventy-five years after the end of the Second World War, what is the role of NATO in the 21st century? Does it still have an important place on the world stage? Our panelists think so. North Macedonian Minister of Defense Radmila Shekerinska stated there is value in sharing an alliance, even with countries you are sometimes in disagreement with. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchinson believes that the very power of NATO lies in the ability of democratic countries to work together and support one another. There is value in using dialogue to overcome fundamental differences, General Rajmund Andrzejczak added, and NATO provides a vital forum for multilateralism amongst democratic countries.
But there are cracks in the alliance, and Michael Auslin believes that China sees an opportunity because of it. Secretary General Jens Stoltenburg stated emphatically that NATO, as a regional alliance, needs a more global approach to global challenges like space, cybersecurity and space. In the face of Russian aggression, former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko felt there needs to be a higher price to pay for threatening behaviour on the world stage.
The NATO alliance has been shaken in recent years and will continue to be tested in an uncertain world. NATO allies must remain committed to the hard work of complex dialogue if the alliance is to live up to its full potential.
After four years of “America First” under President Trump, will the Biden administration be able to restore American leadership in the world? How can America and its allies work to uphold the rules-based international order during these turbulent times? Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna believes that the Biden administration will be most effective in support of the trans-atlantic Alliance. Gen (Ret.) John Allen expects the new President-elect to articulate a strong commitment to international human rights.
Meanwhile, Admiral Rob Bauer hopes the Biden administration understands the power of strong alliances and the importance of ensuring predictability on the world stage. Mark Green and Senator Tim Kaine think that the U.S. will recommit to alliances moving forward in order to address global challenges, including from climate change to great power tensions. Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar represents a country that hopes to benefit from a return to stable dialogue and international engagement.
While Joe Biden’s move to the White House may restore hope to many American allies, he will confront a tense global security environment and numerous questions about his country’s role in the world. Biden will have to work hard to re-establish America’s place in international diplomacy and to re-assert leadership on the world stage.
