By Justin Malone, Local News Editor

Last Tuesday, Ambassador Julianne Smith, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), spoke with Xavier students in Gallagher Student Center Theater about the future of the security alliance and current developments in international relations. 

Smith’s visit to Xavier was especially significant, as she graduated from the university in 1991 with dual degrees in French and communication studies. On campus, Smith met with students and stopped into classrooms before the discussion.  

Smith’s visit to Xavier was part of a multi-day tour where she met with local officials and spoke to media about the upcoming 75th anniversary of NATO, which was created by the U.S., Canada, and several Western European nations in 1949 to deter expansion from the Soviet Union and encourage European political integration following World War II. 

During the discussion panel, Smith answered questions from five student panelists — three from Xavier and two from the University of Cincinnati — along with students, faculty, staff, community members and military members who were in attendance.  

Smith began her talk by discussing NATO’s significance amidst the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and with changing landscapes in other significant international issues, like cybersecurity and technology. She noted that NATO remains extremely prevalent to the nation’s security, as she believed that the organization has enjoyed support from the American people and that Americans intuitively understand the importance of NATO as an alliance.  

She expressed how she values and emphasizes cooperation between the 31 member states of NATO to address defense and security-related issues, especially since each state has their own stances on problems and methods of creating solutions. This process is especially significant because all NATO decisions are made by consensus after discussion and consultation among all member states, as outlined by Article four of the North Atlantic Treaty which governs the alliance, so objects can deter the decision-making process.  

In highlighting the importance of cooperation, Smith specifically emphasized the relations between the U.S. and Germany in the alliance, who have worked together to provide aid to Ukraine. After Russia declared war in Ukraine in 2022, Germany dropped their traditional pacifist stance to become the second-highest supplier of military aid to Ukraine, following the U.S.  

She stated that, while NATO did not directly supply non-alliance members with military aid, she enjoyed working with German ambassadors in the organization to support countries efforts to supply the nation with an array of armaments, including artillery and armored vehicles.  

In the latter part of her talk, Smith discussed the recent ascensions of Finland and Sweden into NATO, noting the significance of having states that represent security interests in the Nordic region and capable armed forces within the alliance. She said that she was especially impressed by Sweden’s diligence and willingness to work on problems affecting the organization, since the nation only joined NATO in early March.  

Smith also spoke on the significance of developing technology in the alliance, especially since cybersecurity issues present new threats that are transnational and can affect both the military and civil society. She said that innovative technologies, while potentially posing dangers, have provided newfound opportunities for NATO to become more effective in their ability to provide aid and make decisions on security issues. 

Smith concluded her discussion by encouraging students to use what they learn at Xavier to do something they are passionate about and to consider pursuing careers in the fields of public service and public policy. She noted that many aspects of these fields work off Capitol Hill and that organizations like NATO need the perspectives and ideas of younger generations to continue to be able to work towards creating effective solutions.