NATO has been one of the most successful military alliances in history, and for over 75 years it has secured the peace and stability of Europe, a firm bedrock for freedom and economic growth. With renewed challenges from Russia, and a return to trans-Atlantic hesitancy from
Washington, the future of NATO and European security is a challenging problem.

Alan J. Carlson retired from the U.S. State Department after 25 years as a diplomat. He worked closely with European and NATO member states in Belgium, Bosnia, Montenegro, Geneva, and Denmark.