Enhancing NATO’s Collective Deterrence: A Conversation with Former Supreme Allied Commanders Europe

The Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Security Initiative, part of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, and the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center host the public event on Enhancing NATO’s collective Deterrence on Friday, January 28th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. ET via Zoom. Featuring two former Supreme Allied Commanders Europe, this conversation will examine opportunities for NATO to improve its collective defense posture as Russia continues threatening to up-end the security order in Europe over increased aggression towards Ukraine.

As the Moscow-generated crisis in eastern Europe unfolds, it has become clear that the Kremlin hopes to leverage the crisis to renegotiate the architecture of Atlantic security on terms favorable to Russia and is willing to escalate militarily against Ukraine in order to achieve these goals. In response to Russia’s troop build-up, NATO has strengthened certain aspects of its defense and deterrence posture, including increasing the readiness of certain units and adding naval assets and aircraft to NATO missions. Yet to further respond to and prepare for Russian escalation in Ukraine, there is more NATO could do militarily to strengthen defense and deterrence.

To discuss NATO’s military role in maintaining collective security in the Euro-Atlantic area and potential options for strengthening NATO’s posture and readiness to respond to Russian escalation or a potential new invasion, the Atlantic Council is honored to be joined by two former SACEURs, General Philip M. Breedlove, USAF (Ret.) and General Wesley K. Clark, USA (Ret.). General Breedlove and General Clark will discuss what options are available to the Alliance and the United States to stand up to Kremlin aggression and ensure the security of our allies.

Register for what promises to be an engaging event on a critical topic for the Alliance. Join the conversation on Twitter with #StrongerWithAllies as we consider how NATO can face this critical challenge.

Featuring a discussion with: General Philip M. Breedlove, USAF (Ret.) Former Supreme Allied Commander Europe NATO General Wesley K. Clark, USA (Ret.) Former Supreme Allied Commander Europe NATO  Moderated by: Leah Scheunemann Deputy Director, Transatlantic Security Initiative, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Atlantic Council This invitation is transferable and open to the public. This event is on the record and open to the press.