Jens Stoltenberg Steps Down as NATO Secretary General
After over a decade at the helm of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg has stepped down as the alliance's Secretary General, marking the end of an era that saw a more dangerous world but a stronger NATO. Stoltenberg's final official visit to Norway took place on September 5 at Oslo City Hall, where he reflected on his time in office.
“It’s a time for everything, but leaving NATO is bittersweet,” Stoltenberg said during the event organized by the Norwegian Atlantic Committee. Despite the challenges, he looked forward to returning home, joking about his sabbatical from his role as a first consultant at Statistics Norway—a comment that brought laughter from the audience.
A Decade of Transformation: A Stronger NATO in a More Dangerous World
Stoltenberg’s tenure as NATO Secretary General began in January 2014, just as global tensions escalated. Reflecting on his time in office, Stoltenberg noted that the role evolved in unexpected ways, with the world becoming "more dangerous and unpredictable" during his leadership. However, he emphasized the positive developments as well, notably that NATO has become stronger.
Among Stoltenberg’s key achievements was a significant increase in the number of NATO member countries spending 2% of their GDP on defense, rising from just three nations at the start of his term to 23. Additionally, NATO expanded to include Finland and Sweden, bringing its total membership to 32 countries.
Ukraine: A Defining Challenge
Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 coincided with Stoltenberg’s start as Secretary General, and the conflict in Ukraine has remained central throughout his leadership. For the past two and a half years, the ongoing war in Ukraine has been a primary focus for NATO, with Stoltenberg and the alliance providing crucial support to Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression.
While Stoltenberg refrained from predicting the war’s outcome, he highlighted Ukraine’s resilience, noting that many, including Russia, had underestimated the country’s ability to defend itself. He underscored that Ukraine’s future as an independent democratic nation depends heavily on the continued support of NATO and its member countries.
Nuclear Threats and Global Alliances
Stoltenberg also addressed concerns about Russia’s nuclear rhetoric, noting that while the threats have been persistent, they have not materialized. He stressed the importance of rejecting a world where nuclear powers can use threats to dominate others, warning that this would lead to a far more dangerous international order.
Additionally, Stoltenberg discussed the deepening alliance between Russia and China, which he sees as a significant geopolitical shift. The two nations signed a partnership agreement shortly before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, suggesting that they may support each other in future conflicts, whether in Europe or Asia. This potential alliance, Stoltenberg warned, requires NATO to be prepared for new strategic challenges.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Relations with China
As Stoltenberg prepares to leave office, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre is set to visit China, underscoring the importance of maintaining dialogue with the Asian power. Stoltenberg emphasized that while it is essential not to be naive in dealing with China, isolating the country is not an option. Discussions with China must cover a range of issues, from security to climate change, recognizing that China is a significant global actor, but also a dictatorship.
Jens Stoltenberg's departure from NATO marks the end of a crucial chapter for the alliance—one that has seen NATO adapt to a more volatile world while reinforcing its collective strength and unity. As he returns to civilian life, the challenges he helped navigate will continue to shape the alliance's future.