The time when foreign invasions were impossible is over, former diplomats tell defence conference

The outbreak of the First World War marked a turning point in European history, as the continent plunged into chaos and conflict. Sir Edward Grey, Britain’s foreign secretary at the time, famously remarked that the lamps were going out all over Europe, and “we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.” This metaphor has since been used to describe the end of an era of peace and prosperity in Europe.

The recent invasion of Ukraine has once again brought this metaphor to mind, as former NATO secretary general Lord George Robertson and Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s former foreign minister, delivered sobering assessments of the current state of the world at the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries annual gathering in Ottawa.

While neither Robertson nor Landsbergis predicted an imminent war, they both emphasized the need for clear-eyed deterrence in the face of growing threats. Robertson pointed out that the post-Cold War era, where nations felt secure in their sovereignty and territorial defense, is over. He stressed the importance of NATO’s Article 5, which guarantees collective defense, as well as the lesser-known third article of the Washington Treaty, which requires members to have the capacity to resist an armed attack on their own.

Landsbergis was critical of European leaders for their lack of action following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. He welcomed the European Union’s ReArm Europe plan as a step in the right direction but emphasized the need for more decisive action and investment in defense capabilities. He highlighted the importance of not underestimating the threat of aggression and the need for European nations to be prepared to defend their homelands.

Both speakers called for a shift away from complacency and towards a more proactive approach to defense. They criticized the lack of urgency in European defense planning and the reluctance of defense contractors to invest in new technology and capabilities. Landsbergis, in particular, expressed frustration at the slow pace of support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, emphasizing the importance of timely and effective assistance in times of crisis.

Overall, the message from Robertson and Landsbergis was clear: the world is facing new and evolving threats, and it is essential for nations to adapt and strengthen their defense capabilities. The lessons of history must not be forgotten, and proactive measures must be taken to ensure peace and security in an increasingly uncertain world.