George Robertson

George Robertson served as NATO’s 10th Secretary General from October 1999 to December 2003. During his tenure, he was at the forefront of major international security events, including the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He notably presided over the Alliance’s first-ever invocation of Article 5. Prior to this, he held the position of Defence Secretary of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 1999, where he focused on increasing Allied defence spending and military capabilities. His career reflects a sustained engagement with national and international security policy at a high level.

Robertson’s leadership at NATO involved navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. He supported the late President Trajkovski in preventing civil war in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and maintained consensus within NATO during discussions surrounding Iraq. A significant operational milestone during his leadership was guiding the Alliance to assume command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan in August 2003, marking the Alliance’s largest operational commitment to that date. His efforts were recognized when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States for his leadership during the post-9/11 period.

Throughout his career, Robertson was known for his direct approach and engagement with staff and colleagues. He emphasized the importance of adaptability within NATO to meet evolving security challenges. His tenure as Secretary General concluded with a focus on “Capabilities, capabilities, capabilities,” underscoring his belief in strengthening the military readiness of member states. After leaving NATO, Lord Robertson has continued to be involved in discussions on global security and defense.