Adapting for Peace: NATO's Transformation and Georgia's Aspirations - An Interview with David Quarrey

In this exclusive interview, we engage with David Quarrey CMG, the UK's Permanent Representative to NATO, to gain profound insights into NATO's pivotal role in promoting peace and stability, not only within Europe but also on the global stage. Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving security landscape, Mr. Quarry discusses NATO's comprehensive transformation efforts, driven by an array of challenges, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine. From expanding its membership to formulating new strategic concepts and addressing emerging security threats, the alliance's commitment to adaptability and resilience becomes evident. This interview also delves into the aspirations of Georgia to integrate into NATO, highlighting the nation's commitment to the Euro-Atlantic world and its efforts to secure a place within the alliance.

To begin, could you please share your thoughts on the role of NATO in promoting peace and stability, not only in Europe but also globally, and how the alliance continues to adapt to new security challenges?

NATO is going through what is really its biggest transformation since the end of the Cold War. And that is driven by changes in the global security environment, but particularly by what's happening in the Euro-Atlantic region at the moment, especially Russia's brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine. But it's a very impressive program of transformation that is underway at NATO. It's both on the political side and on the military side. We have seen Finland already joined the Alliance, and Sweden, hopefully, will join soon. We have seen a new strategic concept from the Madrid Summit last year, setting out NATO's view of the world and how the threats and challenges are increasing in some areas. And we've really seen the biggest program of change on the defense side, on the military side for 30 plus years with a new set of plans, new ways of organizing NATO's military forces, and lots of programs to anticipate some of the new challenges that we face in the world, such as cyber and hybrid threats.

Could you please share your observations from your current visit to Georgia? How do you assess Georgia's commitment to NATO integration and its progress in this regard?

So I've heard very positive messages during my visit, both from the government and also, interestingly, from a lot of young people that we met during the visit, about their desire to be part of the Euro-Atlantic world, seeing their future within NATO and the European Union. We had very good meetings with the government where I emphasized our support for Georgia's membership in NATO, but also the need for Georgia to press on with the reforms that will help achieve that membership. I got a very strong message back about the commitment of the government of Georgia to the Euro-Atlantic trajectory and to doing the work necessary. So we would like to see that move forward.

What additional steps or reforms are necessary for Georgia to move closer to NATO membership?

Well, I think there are several areas that need attention. Practical defense cooperation is important, and while NATO already conducts training and exercises with Georgia, there is more to be done in terms of building up defense capabilities. Additionally, measures to reinforce democracy in Georgia are essential. NATO is an alliance of democracies, and we want to see further measures to reduce political polarization and reinforce the independent mechanisms that provide the backbone of democracies.

Georgia's strategic location makes it a key player in regional security. How does NATO leverage Georgia's geostrategic importance in its broader security and defense strategy?

NATO and the UK value Georgia as a partner, both through NATO and nationally. The UK has extensive training programs with the Georgian military and a history of working together. Georgia has made important contributions to NATO, including its participation in Afghanistan. Georgia's strategic location in a sensitive and often difficult neighborhood allows it to provide valuable insights and capabilities. There is a lot of concern about stability and security in the Black Sea, and Georgia has much to offer in terms of understanding and capabilities.

From your current and previous roles, you have a unique perspective on the evolving security challenges. What are the main security threats and trends that NATO should be addressing in Eastern Europe?

In the strategic concept that NATO agreed upon at the Madrid Summit last year, it became clear that the most immediate present threat to the alliance is from Russia. NATO poses no threat to Russia; we are a defensive alliance. However, the actions that Russia has taken in Ukraine and elsewhere pose a grave threat to stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic region. We're also very concerned about the continuing threat of terrorism, which remains a significant challenge for all governments to deal with. NATO has a role there as well. An important aspect of the strategic concept was looking at the global picture and how that affects Euro-Atlantic security. China, for example, represents a challenge to our interests, security, and values, and NATO needs to make its own contribution to addressing those challenges.