Dr. James Lindsay, executive director of the Strauss Center for International Security and Law, introduced Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, describing his work experience, achievements, interests, and honors. Lt. Gen. Eikenberry began the lecture by outlining the charter of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and noting that NATO was found as a means of addressing the Soviet threat and bringing lasting peace to Western Europe. After providing a general overview of NATO’s functions, Lt. Gen. Eikenberry then described the alliance’s structure, stating that each member of the alliance is required to be a democratic form of government that demonstrates respect for human rights, adherence to the rule of international law, and the desire for peaceful resolution of disputes.
Lt. Gen. Eikenberry then turned to NATO’s strategy in Afghanistan, noting that success in that nation is currently the alliance’s top operational priority. There are three primary tasks NATO has undertaken in Afghanistan: to help the government expand its control; to help the government build army and police to maintain control; and to help establish a framework for developing economic infrastructure. Lt. Gen. Eikenberry provided various metrics demonstrating the progress that has been made in Afghanistan as a result of US and NATO action.
According to Lt. Gen. Eikenberry, the most challenging problems facing NATO in Afghanistan are currently the drug trade and a resurgent Taliban. Regarding NATO’s operational performance in Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Eikenberry described how the alliance has successfully provided a framework for carrying out strategic operations, provided support for local army and police, assisted economic development and reconstruction efforts, and worked to counter the effects of extremist propaganda. Addressing some of NATO’s other operational objectives, Lt. Gen. Eikenberry described how the alliance currently takes on piracy and maritime counter-terrorism, supports the Iraqi army, and maintains security and stability in Kosovo.
Lt. Gen. Eikenberry then fielded questions from the audience. In response to a question regarding France’s position with respect to NATO, Lt. Gen. Eikenberry expressed optimism that France would militarily reintegrate into NATO’s command structure. Asked about Russia, the Lt. Gen. stated that the invasion of Georgia introduced a new phase in NATO’s relationship with Russia, and the debate about how to respond to Russian aggression is ongoing. Lt. Gen. Eikenberry also had a lively exchange with an audience member regarding the evocation of genocide to justify military intervention. Lt. Gen. Eikenberry concluded the event by expressing optimism in NATO’s ability to achieve its operational objectives in the future.