“Defending every inch” is a cornerstone of NATO policy regarding its member states. In recent months, due to the war in Ukraine, the practical questions associated with the policy have been of heightened relevance: Where to deploy troops? How many, for how long? What sort of equipment to purchase? Is the West currently on the right track?
In this discussion, panelists Dr Artis Pabriks (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Republic of Latvia), Patrick Turner (Former Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning, NATO) and Andrew Michta (Dean of the College of International and Security Studies at Marshall Center) discuss:
-How should allied forces be deployed & how should they look like, if preparing for a protracted conflict?
-Is NATO on the right trajectory?
-Does NATO have the right priorities?
-Does NATO have the resources to sustain a prolonged conflict?
-Rethinking the “Nuclear Card”
-The European Missile Defense System
-Can Europe pivot to provide the bulk of its own deterrence? Can mindsets be changed?
-The European defense industry
-How should communicating with the public about the importance of security be coordinated?
-Supply-chain issues in delivering defense capabilities
Moderator: Mr. Jim Townsend, Adjunct Senior Fellow, CNAS
00:00 Introducing the panel & topics
2:53 When preparing for a protracted conflict with Russia, how should allied forces be constituted and where should they be deployed? Does NATO have the right priorities?
10:12 Can NATO sustain its current direction?
16:49 The European Missile Defense System – what is the lag-time for delivery of defense capabilities? Supply-chain issues. Russia’s reaction.
24:40 Can Europe rise to the occasion if US forces leave Europe to focus on the Indo-Pacific? Changing mindsets – how to prepare?
29:40 European defense industry & perception of threats
33:40 Whose job is it to communicate with the public on security issues? National vs. international?
36:00 Has NATO’s position on the “Nuclear Card” be reconsidered, since it is now on the table? Do we have adequate nuclear deterrence? 40:30 If Putin uses a tactical nuclear weapon, how should NATO react?
48:42 What role does PESCO play in securing Europe?
51:00 Concluding remarks & summarizing takeaways