Established 1936 – John A. Collins, President

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON, GRAND RAPIDS DOWNTOWN

Big E's Sports Grille

710 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2025 – 7:15 AM

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, was established in the aftermath of World War II. NATO has played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and security across the Atlantic for over seven decades. Its supporters believe NATO remains a cornerstone of global security, adapting to new challenges while maintaining its core mission of collective defense and cooperation among its members. However, NATO's detractors believe that the alliance faces significant complexities and challenges that may undermine its relevance and effectiveness in the rapidly evolving global security landscape.

Our speaker, Professor Emeritus Paul Chardoul, will examine the creation of NATO, its connection to the European Union, and the role the United States might play in the next few years. Although some of this presentation will include the conflict in Ukraine, our February 26th speaker, Professor Jason Duncan, will cover this topic in more detail when he presents on the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

Invocation: Eric Nelson
Introduction: Jeff Kissinger

NATO

1. "NATO was constructed on the - with the reason, whether one believes it or not, that it was going to defend Western Europe from Russian assault. Once the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union was beginning to collapse, that reason was gone. So, first question: why does NATO exist?" ~ Noam Chomsky
2. "Today, hundreds of millions dwell in freedom, from the Baltic to the Adriatic, from the Western Approaches to the Aegean. And while we must never take this for granted, the first purpose of the European Union - to secure peace - has been achieved and we should pay tribute to all those in the EU, alongside NATO, who made that happen."
   ~ David Cameron
3. "For years, we have heard warnings that Europe needs to contribute more to NATO’s capability." ~ Lord Robertson
4. "NATO and the EU have also agreed on permanent arrangements on consultation and cooperation between themselves." ~ Lord Robertson