Defense Writers Group
3 June 2024
Moderator: Good morning everyone, and welcome to this very special Defense Writers Group with Ambassador Julianne Smith, the U.S. Perm Rep to NATO. Just because of my family background in Central and Eastern Europe, I was born with the NATO gene. So I actually think you have the best job in government. While I don’t do audiovisuals, I am wearing my tie with Baltic architecture.
Ambassador Smith: Well done.
Moderator: The ground rules, as always, we’re on the record. Please record for accuracy of quotes, but there’s no rebroadcast of audio or video. I’ll ask the first question. Seven of you emailed in advance to get on the list. We’ll do those and then as much time as is left for all of the others.
Madame Ambassador, every NATO summit that we’ve all covered for decades is the most important coming out of most dangerous --
Ambassador Smith: Transformative.
Moderator: Transformative, right. I think that’s actually true this year. So help us understand in the run-up to the summit what to you does success look like? And what are your biggest worries?
Ambassador Smith: Thanks so much for hosting this today. I like to always joke with you that we both have the NATO gene. Maybe Midwestern roots. I don’t know.
The summit. What would a successful summit look like? I think I’d have maybe 3.5 answers for you on that.
