Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, emphasized the enduring strength of NATO during a speech at the Truman Library Institute event, marking the 75th anniversary of the Washington Treaty. The event, held at the National Archives, highlighted NATO’s foundational principle: “We are stronger together.”
“NATO was born in 1949 from the simplest premise,” Brown stated. He reflected on President Harry S. Truman’s vision, noting that if NATO had existed earlier, it could have prevented the acts of aggression that led to two world wars.
Brown remarked that NATO emerged from the devastation of past conflicts, founded on hope and a commitment to peace and stability. He praised the alliance’s role in deterring aggression, promoting prosperity, and providing global strength over the past 75 years.
Today, NATO faces significant challenges from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and violent extremism, Brown noted. He highlighted China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Iran’s regional influence, North Korea’s missile tests, and persistent violent extremism as interconnected threats.
Despite these challenges, Brown reaffirmed NATO’s foundational strength: the relationships and collaboration among its 32 member nations. He stressed the importance of true integration and joint exercises to adapt to dynamic situations and shape crises rather than merely respond to them.
Brown pointed to the alliance’s response to the Ukraine conflict as a testament to its unity and effectiveness. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, including all NATO members, has coordinated significant support for Ukraine, demonstrating the power of collective action.
Looking forward, Brown outlined his expectations for NATO: prioritizing warfighting skills, modernizing and operationalizing new concepts, and maintaining trust as the foundation of the military profession. He emphasized that NATO’s strength lies in credible deterrence and the trust built through shared values and sacrifices.
As NATO continues to navigate global challenges, Brown concluded with a hopeful vision: “We are stronger together.” He expressed confidence in NATO’s enduring role as a beacon of freedom and peace for the next 75 years.–News Desk