Brussels Forum 2020 // Defending the New Normal: Security after the Coronavirus

The coronavirus crisis has taken a tragic toll on the Euro-Atlantic community. As the pandemic’s impact spread, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underscored the importance of making sure “the health crisis doesn't become a security crisis.” Since, NATO—alongside the EU and bilateral coordination—has played a more active role in helping allies and partners address the pandemic through the shipment of medical supplies by coordinating logistics. Yet, the current crisis reveals a lack of preparation for emerging security challenges—on the part of the transatlantic community and its institutions. Moreover, it raises important questions about how NATO, as well as the broader transatlantic community, thinks about security. Unfortunately, this unpreparedness has also exacerbated existing political tensions, including fears about the role of U.S. leadership. This discussion will focus on key questions that the Alliance has to address against the background of the COVID-19 crisis.