On July 8th, NAVI hosted General Hans-W. Wiermann (German Army, retired) and General Mehmet Yalinalp (Turkish Air Force, retired) for a webinar to reflect on the 75 years of NATO as well as to discuss the challenges that NATO faces today. NAVI’s Dr. Ibrahim Kocaman moderated the talk.
According to General Wiermann, NATO’s main purpose has fluctuated between collective defense during the Cold War, crisis management over the next twenty-five years, and a return to collective defense since Russia’s invasion of Crimea in 2014. The fact that NATO has survived and is still considered indispensable after the Cold War period speaks to NATO’s success, thanks to its ability to adapt and remain attractive to both members and partners. Also, with the exceptions of the Balkans in the 90s and Ukraine today, General Yalinalp stated that Europe and the transatlantic region have enjoyed a period of unprecedented peace and stability because NATO safeguarded the rules-based system of government.
However, NATO is facing a significant test with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In the wake of February 24, 2022, NATO has supported Ukraine’s defense and gained two new members. On the other hand, Genera Yalinalp stated that with a large amount of its territory currently under Russian control, Ukraine’s path toward eventual NATO membership remains difficult. Nevertheless, General Wiermann affirmed that Ukraine is fighting this war on behalf of NATO’s security, and it is important for NATO to continue its support.
Looking to the future, NATO must remain committed to its values and principles while also being flexible enough to respond to emerging threats and changing circumstances. For General Yalinalp, NATO’s Strategic Concept 2022 illustrates NATO’s ability to maintain cohesion among allies and adjust its plans and capabilities in an era of hybrid conflicts and “grey zone” crises. Additionally, General Wiermann explained that Europe must be prepared to see less American engagement on the continent if a conflict breaks out in Asia.
In conclusion, both generals agreed that NATO remains a vital organization for defending the common values and principles of democracies. Despite the external threats alongside internal risks from illiberalism and populism, NATO and organizations like NAVI can educate citizens about the values of democracy and what must be done to protect them now and in the future.
The NAVI Research Institute is the research division of NATO Veterans Initiative - NAVI that provides a unique perspective to transatlantic leaders and societies on peace and security through the lens of NATO's founding principles of rule of law, democracy, human rights, and individual liberties. The NAVI Research Institute was officially established by the NAVI Board on July 16th, 2023.
