LR
Lord Robertson
20quotes
Lord Robertson: A Life of Leadership and Vision
Full Name and Common Aliases
George Woodcock Robertson is commonly known as Lord Robertson of Port Ellen.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 12, 1946, in Glasgow, Scotland. No death date specified.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Scottish politician and public servant; served as the Secretary General of NATO from 1999 to 2004.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a modest household, Lord Robertson's early life was shaped by his parents' values of hard work and service. His father, a shopkeeper, instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and community engagement. Robertson attended the Glasgow Academy before studying at the University of Strathclyde, where he earned a degree in Economics.
Major Accomplishments
Secretary General of NATO (1999-2004): Lord Robertson played a pivotal role in shaping NATO's response to global security challenges, including the Balkan conflicts and the rise of terrorism. He was instrumental in building partnerships with non-NATO countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
Leader of the Labour Party (1997-1999): As leader of the opposition, Robertson led the party through a period of significant change, introducing modernizing reforms that helped Labour win three consecutive general elections.
Notable Works or Actions
Lord Robertson has written several articles and speeches on international security, globalization, and politics. His notable works include:
"The Role of NATO in Modern Security Challenges": A speech delivered at the NATO Summit in 2001, outlining his vision for a strengthened alliance.
"Europe: The Future We Want": An article published in _Foreign Affairs_ (2013), advocating for European integration and cooperation.
Impact and Legacy
Lord Robertson's tenure as Secretary General of NATO is often credited with revitalizing the alliance, making it more effective in addressing global security threats. His leadership also fostered greater cooperation between NATO member states and partners worldwide.
As a politician, he is remembered for his commitment to public service and his efforts to modernize the Labour Party.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lord Robertson's impact on international relations, particularly in the post-Cold War era, has left a lasting legacy. His vision for a more collaborative and effective NATO continues to shape global security policies. As a seasoned politician, he is widely quoted for his insights on leadership, politics, and diplomacy.
Throughout his career, Lord Robertson has demonstrated a commitment to public service, international cooperation, and the promotion of peace and stability. His contributions as Secretary General of NATO have had far-reaching consequences, shaping the course of global security in the 21st century.
Quotes by Lord Robertson
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An aggressor needs to know that it will not simply be when he crosses a border or when he attacks to kill that something will happen.
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And I'm glad that Kosovo is well on the way now to being a functioning democracy where different ethnic groups can live in peace.
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I also said that we wanted to learn the lesson of the Balkans to win not the just the military campaign about Kosovo, but to win the peace as well.
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Well, if the NATO countries don't make more of their troops usable and don't get the equipment to get them fast where the action is, then the organisation will suffer and will increasingly become irrelevant.
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And most countries are now reducing the number of conscripts and increasing the professionals that are available because they're available on short notice.
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What I will remember most from my time in NATO is meeting children in the countries where I've gone to, to Moscow and to Kiev, I've met school children.
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But we acted pre-emptively in Kosovo in 1999 to stop Milosevic from doing what he was doing and increasingly doing the ethnic cleansing in a systematic way.
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You've got to be able to act when it's necessary to act. And you've got to be able to act where the threat is.
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For years, we have heard warnings that Europe needs to contribute more to NATO's capability.
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In sum, as we enter the 21st century, the Euro-Atlantic community - North America and Europe together - has to face some tough challenges when it comes to improving our capability.
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