Coffee and Conversation with David Cattler
July 19, 2022
On Thursday, July 19th, David Cattler, Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security at NATO joined INSA’s Executive Vice President John Doyon for a virtual conversation that addressed the security and strategic advancements of the Alliance, intelligence sharing amongst allies, Russia’s assault on Ukraine, as well as the recent NATO Strategic Concept outlined in Madrid last month. Mr. Cattler provided critical insight on the priorities of the alliance, as well as the mission function NATO serves to ensure security in the Atlantic.
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine extends into its fifth month, Cattler addressed the nature of Russian aggression in Europe, including false flag operations and attempted subversion. The Alliance had been preparing for Russia’s invasion since 2014 and has taken initiative to show continued support to Ukraine. When asked if Putin underestimated the strength of the Alliance, Mr. Cattler indicated that it was in fact the strength of the Ukrainian people and their desire to preserve their sovereignty that Putin failed to account for.
Last month, NATO allies agreed to Accession Protocols that would, once ratified by NATO states’ legislatures, admit Finland and Sweden as the two newest member nations in the Alliance. The accession of these nations is of preeminent importance to the Baltic region in particular. Finland and Sweden both contribute advanced weapons systems, as well as excellent intelligence and security structures. NATO’s expansion will further surround the Russian Federation with allied member states.
