Over the past decade, major players on the world political stage have undergone frequent changes, from the United States** to the British Prime Minister. However, at the heart of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), the position of secretary general exhibits an extraordinary stability, and behind this stability lies deep political games and complex international relations.
Stoltenberg's successive "reappointments" not only reveal the cautiousness of NATO's leadership selection and the balance of interests among its members, but also reflect the delicate relationship between NATO member states and the United States. While Stoltenberg's leadership is widely recognized, his multiple extensions also highlight NATO's dilemma in the face of leadership change.
When discussing the choice of NATO's next secretary general, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas are among the high-profile candidates. They are in the spotlight not only for their political affiliation and hardline attitude towards Russia, but also for their gender and the political correctness of their representatives. However, it is precisely these qualities that have made them the focus of controversy.
Von der Leyen's exclusion and Kallas's exclusion reflect the fact that NATO member states are choosing their leaders not only for their personal competence and political stance, but also for their possible impact on the organization's internal and external relations. Especially in the current complex international political environment, NATO's leaders need to be able to balance the relationship between member states while maintaining a firm but flexible stance on foreign policy.
Kallas is wanted by Russia for her staunch anti-Russian stance and unequivocal support for Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which adds to her international profile but also makes her a controversial candidate. Representatives of NATO member states generally agree that the selection of her as secretary-general could exacerbate tensions with Russia and could even drag the alliance into a broader conflict.
In the search for NATO's next secretary general, European member states have demonstrated their independence and stubbornness in international defense policy. They have to consider not only the candidate's political affiliation and personal capabilities, but also their possible impact on intra-NATO unity and international relations. This process is not only a test of the change of NATO leadership, but also a manifestation of Europe's independence and influence in the international arena.
In the future, NATO's leadership choice will continue to be an important issue in international politics. As the international situation continues to change, NATO member states need to find a way to maintain internal unity while also responding to external challenges. This requires not only a Secretary-General who can be widely recognized, but also consensus and cooperation among all Member States.