Thinking about what awaits us around the next corner could be called a barren exercise. Mostly, we are taking educated guesses, working on hunches, or frankly taking shots in the dark.
Even Albert Einstein, one of the greatest thinkers of the last century, was frank enough to recognise that getting it wrong is part of getting it right. He once said: ‘I think and think for months and years. Ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right.’
And it is in that spirit that we requested some security predictions for this year from four people well qualified to give their insights. We also asked them this year (which seemed a fairer question) what surprised them about how events had unfolded last year. Both sets of answers make for interesting reading.
Thinking about what awaits us around the next corner could be called a barren exercise. Mostly, we are taking educated guesses, working on hunches, or frankly taking shots in the dark.
Even Albert Einstein, one of the greatest thinkers of the last century, was frank enough to recognise that getting it wrong is part of getting it right. He once said: ‘I think and think for months and years. Ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right.’
And it is in that spirit that we requested some security predictions for this year from four people well qualified to give their insights. We also asked them this year (which seemed a fairer question) what surprised them about how events had unfolded last year. Both sets of answers make for interesting reading.
Looking ahead, and what the future holds for NATO, we have a contributor who posits the idea of the Alliance playing a greater, more structured role in the Sahel region of Africa. It’s an area which lies on Europe’s doorstep and where recent events (for example in Algeria, Libya, Mali) have raised questions about its future security status. Till now, NATO has clearly said it has no role there. But Paul Pryce asks ‘What if…?’.
Finally, we will be adding the forthcoming Annual Report from NATO’s Secretary General to the website as soon as it is published. It outlines the challenges and progress the Alliance saw in 2012 and how it plans to respond.
And so NATO Review starts 2013 with a mix of appreciating lessons from the past and seeking insights into the possible future – something we will aim to do for the rest of the year. And if you feel you have something to add in either of these areas, feel free to contact us and we’ll take on board any suggestions.
