Strategic Advisors Group (SAG) members Harlan Ullman and Julian Lindley-French implore NATO to innovate and modernize its defense education construct in the latest SAG Issue Brief.
NATO must do more with less. The only way this can work is to exercise our intellects and brainpower. That leads to the absolute need for a continuous learning process in which knowledge and understanding are the goals. The complexity of the strategic environment demands no less. This applies to all ranks and services.
While we spend on education and training and often confuse the two, the fact is that much of this effort is not coordinated or integrated. If we are to achieve a “brains-based” approach to solving our key problems and challenges, we must invent a process and environment of continuous learning and education with knowledge and understanding as the goals. New knowledge communities will emerge both within and beyond the Alliance. NATO must exploit these communities in pursuit of cutting-edge education and effect.
Strategic Advisors Group:
To tackle the tough issues facing NATO and the transatlantic community, the Atlantic Council created the Strategic Advisors Group (SAG). Co-chaired by Atlantic Council Chairman Senator Chuck Hagel and Airbus CEO Tom Enders, the SAG is comprised of North American and European preeminent defense experts. Founded in 2007 by then-Atlantic Council Chairman General James L. Jones, General Brent Scowcroft, and former Norwegian Minister of Defense Kristin Krohn Devold, the SAG provides timely insights and analysis to policymakers and the public on strategic issues in the transatlantic security partnership through issuing policy briefs and reports, hosting strategy sessions for senior civilian and military officials, and providing informal expert advice to decision-makers.
Recent Atlantic Council NATO Publications:
- NATO, Terrorism and Irregular Threats
- STRATCON 2010: An Alliance for a Global Century
- Afghanistan, Pakistan and NATO’s Strategic Concept
- NATO Defense Capabilities: A Guide for Action
- NATO Initiatives for an Era of Global Competition
- NATO’s Nuclear Policy in 2010
- NATO Reform and Decision-Making
- Article 5 and Strategic Reassurance
- The U.S., NATO and the EU: Partnership in the Balance
- The Challenge: NATO Amidst Geopolitical Realities
- A New Transatlantic Compact for NATO
The SAG and its activities are generously sponsored by the Scowcroft Group, EADS North America, and Airbus.