By Shane Eric-Eugene Hensinger
MA candidate, International Security
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Climate change and cyber attacks are forcing NATO to rethink its mission in building alliances among nations and developing strategies for peace, according to a top NATO official who spoke recently at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies.

From its roots in the Cold War era after World War II as a response to the threat of Soviet domination, to its role in the new political landscape created with the election of President Barack Obama, the alliance's responsibilities continue to evolve as new conflicts arise in places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Europe, said Michael Stopford, NATO deputy assistant secretary general for strategic communication services.

NATO's viability depends on its ability to respond to new, evolving threats to the security of its member nations, Stopford said.

Stopford said the popularity of President Obama among member nations in Europe bodes well for NATO.

But globalization, the Internet and the spread of social media like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter will provide opportunities for peace as well as new threats to world security, Stopford said, using as an example the cyber attacks against NATO menbers Estonia and Lithania in 2007 and 2008.

NATO's future will pivot on interpreting a provision mandating that an attack on one of its members shall be considered an attack on all, Stopford said. That's because, as new threats emerge, NATO will need to redefine what constitutes an attack.

A new strategic concept for NATO is being developed by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright, the daughter of Josef Korbel, with extensive input from academics, corporations, politicians, parliaments and others in the NATO community. Stopford said he is hopeful that the wide range of viewpoints will lead to lead to a stronger NATO.

Questions from Josef Korbel students touched on issues including the ongoing conflict between the countries of Georgia and Russia. Stopford indulged his audience with advice on getting jobs and internships in NATO.

Stopford joined NATO in 2008 after working for international corporations including The Coca-Cola Co., Syngenta and Exxon-Mobile. Stopford has held adjunct professorships at Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University and American University and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Oxford University.