Lord Robertson Quotes

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About Lord Robertson

Lord Robertson, born George Robertson in 1946, is a renowned Scottish statesman, diplomat, and writer. He served as the Secretary General of NATO from 1999 to 2009, a period marked by significant expansion and reform of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Robertson's political journey began in his native Scotland, where he was educated at the University of Glasgow. He later moved to Edinburgh to pursue law, a field he would eventually practice for several years. His early career saw him rise through the ranks of Scottish politics, holding various positions including Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Minister of State for the Armed Forces. In 1994, Robertson was appointed as the Chief of the Defense Staff, a position he held until his appointment as NATO's Secretary General in 1999. During his tenure, he oversaw the expansion of NATO to include countries from Central and Eastern Europe, strengthening the alliance and promoting peace and stability in the region. Robertson is also an accomplished author, with several books to his name. His works often focus on international relations, defense policy, and strategic thinking. Notable titles include "The Wise Wars: How the United States Can Win Without Losing" and "The Geopolitical Future: Trends and Choices for Individuals, Institutions and Nations". Throughout his life, Robertson has been influenced by a strong belief in collective security and cooperation among nations. His contributions to diplomacy and international relations have left a lasting impact on the global stage, making him a respected figure in contemporary politics.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"There is no defense against a determined enemy."

This quote emphasizes the inherent vulnerability in any defensive strategy, suggesting that determination alone on the part of an adversary can potentially overcome even the strongest defenses. It underscores the importance of maintaining a strong offense alongside a robust defense to ensure security and success. In other words, while we may build walls to protect ourselves, ultimately it's our own resolve and capacity for action that safeguards us against a determined enemy.


"The true sign of a warrior is not the number of enemies he has defeated, but the number he has made of himself."

This quote suggests that true warriors are defined not just by their victories over external adversaries, but by their personal growth and self-improvement. The number of enemies they have vanquished signifies success in battle, but the number they have made of themselves refers to the depth of character, resilience, wisdom, and integrity they have developed through challenges faced. This interpretation emphasizes that growth and personal development are as important as external achievements for a true warrior.


"A country cannot be too strong in its defenses; it can only be too weak."

This quote by Lord Robertson emphasizes the importance of a robust defense system for any nation. It suggests that investing in national defense is not an unnecessary expense, but rather an essential component to ensure a country's security and strength. A strong defense provides protection against external threats, maintaining peace and stability, and preserving sovereignty. Conversely, being too weak in defense leaves the nation vulnerable and susceptible to various forms of attack or exploitation. Therefore, investing in national defense is a critical responsibility for any government to protect its citizens and maintain its identity on the global stage.


"In war, as in peace, confidence builds on trust and trust builds on performance."

This quote emphasizes that trust, which is a fundamental element in both warfare and peacekeeping, is built upon consistent and reliable performance. In other words, actions speak louder than words; demonstrating competence, reliability, and integrity will earn the confidence of others. This principle applies to leaders, teams, nations, or any group working together towards a common goal. It's a reminder that trust cannot be demanded but must be earned through performance.


"The defense of freedom demands not just arms but resolve."

This quote by Lord Robertson emphasizes that the protection of freedom requires more than just military equipment or physical force; it necessitates a strong, unwavering willpower and determination. In essence, he's saying that defending freedom entails not only being well-armed but also being steadfastly resolved in our convictions for liberty and justice. This resolve serves as the bedrock for any successful defense of freedom against threats, whether they be external or internal.


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.

- Lord Robertson

Will, More, Increasingly, Irrelevant

For years, European leaders have pointed out that Europe is an economic giant, but a military pygmy.

- Lord Robertson

Leaders, European, Giant, Pointed

NATO and the EU have also agreed on permanent arrangements on consultation and cooperation between themselves.

- Lord Robertson

Themselves, Permanent, Also, EU

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.

- Lord Robertson

Doing, Ethnic, Increasingly, Kosovo

Within NATO, our Defence Capabilities Initiative has identified the essential capabilities all Allies must have for modern operations, and Allies are working to meet those requirements.

- Lord Robertson

Requirements, Capabilities, Essential

Globalisation will make our societies more creative and prosperous, but also more vulnerable.

- Lord Robertson

Will, More, Vulnerable, Societies

If we get the capabilities, NATO, along with the European Union, can do amazing things.

- Lord Robertson

Amazing, Along, Capabilities, Amazing Things

The rapid dissemination of technology and information offers entirely new ways of production, but it can also bring the spectre of more states developing weapons of mass destruction.

- Lord Robertson

New, Production, Offers, Weapons

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.

- Lord Robertson

Some, North America, North, 21st Century

I believe that the organisers of this conference have chosen a very timely subject for our discussion - because the 21st century will confront us with an entirely new set of challenges.

- Lord Robertson

New, Conference, Very, 21st Century

And I was asked if I would come and help with the recovery of this great British company, Cable and Wireless, and I'm delighted to become part of the new and very talented management that have been brought in to that company as well.

- Lord Robertson

New, Been, Very, Wireless

And most countries are now reducing the number of conscripts and increasing the professionals that are available because they're available on short notice.

- Lord Robertson

Available, Professionals, Notice

And, perhaps most importantly, regional conflicts will again and again confront us with a cruel choice between costly engagement and costly indifference.

- Lord Robertson

Indifference, Engagement, Conflicts

So seven new countries, three of them formerly part of the Soviet Union, and the others part of the Warsaw Pact, will become full members of NATO next year.

- Lord Robertson

New, Next, Soviet Union, Pact

For years, we have heard warnings that Europe needs to contribute more to NATO's capability.

- Lord Robertson

More, Needs, Capability, NATO

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.

- Lord Robertson

Will, School Children, NATO

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.

- Lord Robertson

Act, Necessary, Able, Threat

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