ALL EYES ON WASHINGTON: WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE 2024 NATO SUMMIT - This year’s NATO Summit taking place in Washington, DC, marks seventy-five years of the world’s strongest military alliance. Heads of state and government descending upon Washington will have much to celebrate. Finland and Sweden’s accession added two highly-capable militaries to NATO’s roster. Allies bolstered NATO’s regional force posture and readiness with the adoption of a new suite of defense plans in Vilnius. And after decades of underinvestment, NATO’s European allies have ramped up defense spending in support of Ukraine and in recognition of the Russian threat.

However, securing NATO’s next seventy-five years will require this year’s Summit to be one of implementation. NATO will be expected to deliver on a “bridge to NATO membership” for Ukraine and demonstrate executability of the defense plans while also preparing for a new slate of challenges cutting across domains and beyond the military alliance’s traditional area of responsibility.

Why is this NATO Summit important and what can we expect from the proceedings? Join the Atlantic Council to hear from Atlantic Council President and CEO Fred Kempe, NATO Head of Policy Planning Benedetta Berti, and Ambassador Michael Carpenter, senior director for Europe at the US National Security Council.

This event is part of the Transatlantic Security Initiative’s 2024 NATO Washington Summit campaign. For more information and updates on future events and publications, follow @ACScowcroft.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 07/08/2024