On January 15, 16, and 17, NATO Secretary General, Mr Jens Stoltenberg, will attend the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Mr Stoltenberg will participate in a plenary session. In the margins of the event, he will have bilateral meetings with other international leaders.
16 January 2024 – 13:00 (CET), Plenary Session: Securing an Insecure World. A panel discussion with the NATO Secretary General and other leaders.
The panel discussion will be streamed live on the NATO website and the WEF’s website. A transcript of the Secretary General’s remarks, as well as pictures, will be made available on the NATO website.
George and your fellow Shed crew…… Please slow down with all the new Post’s…. we are missing some really great articles and It’s hard to spot them after they leave the main Headings….. 😁
Let us hope he can convince this group of the vital need to stay firm and resolute on Ukraine and attempt to cool both China and Iran’s ambitions through a robust international dialogue. I get the impression the support for Ukraine has become a bit fuzzy in recent months, which if true, would be crass. Russia may have lost considerable military material but it still retains a desire to continue the current campaign come what may.
No doubt the overlords will be discussing the collapse of globalisation. This present world resembles pre WW1 Europe. And we know where it is going.
You are right John. The World is spiralling downwards into greater instability but why do I get the impression from the Government that the situation though serious is still containable? My interpretation of containable is making defence commitments that are measured against the threat. Today there does not appear to be any outward sign that the situation requires a change of current military planning. Okay, what we give Ukraine counts as defence spending but sovereign dependence must also be addressed. Unpopular policies such as conscription and one-off tax hauls may not be too far ahead if further global instability continues. The ratio between rising RN commitments and manning levels is out of sync so much so, that two vital landing ships are at risk. A limited super recruitment programme (cash incentives) may be the answer but failing that, conscription could be on the table.
I feel the Poles, Baltics, Sweden and Finland realise this and are acting accordingly. Of course we historically have dithered and never seem to learn. We sent two armies to Europe with little hope, and the outcomes are well documented. I agree with you on conscription, and yes a cash incentive would attract many. Also a faster recruitment system. Capita are not fit for purpose. I know one lad who was desperate to join REME, it took thirteen months. We also neglect our reserve forces, the TA was an excellent outlet for many civilians and veterans in its day. Glad I am of a certain age now. I actually dread the future unless we find some true leaders amongst the present political dross.
Conscription would really mean that WW3 has started.
Long overdue to highlight that economy depends on security in all domains.
That’s not a call for virtuous platitudes.
It’s a call to action for a war economy that mobilises the capability that we have and builds what we still need.
It’s time to stop faffing about and prepare seriously. There’s a significant chance that we will be without USA support and there’s no time to adjust after that happens.
Action this day!