Former US ambassador to NATO to attend World Affairs Council forum

Retired Lieutenant General Douglas Lute, the former US Ambassador to NATO, will be the guest of a May 17 debatepresented by the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, on the future of the transatlantic alliance.

The discussion will be moderated by Victoria Holt, former deputy assistant secretary for international security in the Obama administration and currently director of the John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding in Dartmouth.

Nearly two months into the invasion of Ukraine, NATO has played a key role in supporting the Ukrainian military in the defense of its homeland, averting the breakup anticipated by Russia. However, many people blame NATO expansion for giving Russia a reason to invade, and still others question the need to provide security guarantees in Europe.

“Over the past few years, many people have questioned the value of NATO,” said Tim Horgan, WACNH

Victoria Holt

executive director. “With international peace at stake, it is important that Americans understand the value and the risks of this important alliance. Without this information, people are not equipped to make their political preferences known to

ensure that decisions made on their behalf reflect their values.

During the talk, which will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday May 17 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Manchester, Lute will give his views on the future of the alliance and the complex nature of peacekeeping in Europe, highlighting his successes. and chess as well as providing analysis on the next steps for the West.

Lute served as Ambassador to NATO from 2013 to 2017, covering the period of Russia’s first invasion of Ukraine in 2014. He retired from active service after a 35-year career, at which time President George W. Bush appointed him Deputy National Security. adviser specializing in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.