Superpower rivalry, terrorism, and cybercrime are the main challenges currently facing NATO allies and their allies. This view was expressed by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg during his speech during his visit to New Zealand. The speech of the Secretary-General was published by the NATO press service.

As a primary threat, Stoltenberg noted the increased competition of major powers such as Russia and China. He noted that Russia’s military build-up “jeopardizes the order established by the rules” and is an indicator of the intensification of the struggle for global supremacy. As an example of Russia’s alleged “aggressive” actions, the Secretary-General cited Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia’s withdrawal from the INF Treaty on August 2, as well as the alleged interference in “democratic processes” in other countries.

The second global challenge, from Stoltenberg’s point of view, is terrorism. The Secretary-General recalled the attacks on two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch on March 15, which killed 51 people and injured 50 others, as well as the terrorist attacks in Oslo and a camp on the island Wight in 2011, when he was Prime Minister of Norway. “We must condemn terrorism and extremism regardless of their form and appearance,” he said.

Another threat Stoltenberg considers the development of cyber technology and related crime. “We have come to understand that cyber attacks are as dangerous as conventional attacks,” he said, adding that NATO is actively working to protect its institutions in the network space.

In conclusion, Stoltenberg called on NATO allies to strengthen cooperation to cope with the “uncertainty and unpredictability with which we face in today’s international environment.”