Meaning: Lord Robertson, a British diplomat, delivered this quote during his time as the Secretary General of NATO, highlighting the challenges facing the Euro-Atlantic community as it entered the 21st century. The Euro-Atlantic community refers to the partnership between North America and Europe, which has been a cornerstone of global security and prosperity since the end of World War II.

At the turn of the century, the Euro-Atlantic community was confronted with a complex and rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. The end of the Cold War had ushered in a period of unprecedented change, with new security threats and challenges emerging on a global scale. Lord Robertson's quote underscores the need for the Euro-Atlantic community to confront these challenges head-on and enhance its capability to address them effectively.

One of the key challenges facing the Euro-Atlantic community at the time was the need to adapt to a post-Cold War security environment. Traditional notions of security were being redefined, with the rise of non-state actors, transnational terrorism, and asymmetric threats posing new and unpredictable risks. The community had to reassess its military, diplomatic, and intelligence capabilities to effectively counter these emerging threats.

Additionally, the Euro-Atlantic community faced the task of managing the integration of Central and Eastern European countries into the Euro-Atlantic institutions, such as NATO and the European Union. The expansion of these institutions to include former Warsaw Pact members required a concerted effort to strengthen the security and stability of the entire region while maintaining the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Lord Robertson's emphasis on improving capability also speaks to the need for the Euro-Atlantic community to enhance its collective defense and crisis management capabilities. This included investing in modernizing military forces, developing interoperable defense capabilities, and building stronger partnerships with other international actors. The goal was to ensure that the community could respond effectively to a wide range of security challenges, from conventional military threats to hybrid warfare and cyber attacks.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the importance of fostering greater cooperation and solidarity within the Euro-Atlantic community. This involved strengthening the transatlantic bond between North America and Europe, as well as deepening collaboration on political, economic, and security issues. By working together, the community could leverage its combined resources and expertise to address common challenges and promote stability and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.

In conclusion, Lord Robertson's quote encapsulates the imperative for the Euro-Atlantic community to confront the tough challenges it faced at the dawn of the 21st century. By enhancing its capability, strengthening its partnerships, and adapting to a rapidly changing security environment, the community could position itself to effectively address the complex and evolving threats of the modern era. As the Euro-Atlantic community continues to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, Lord Robertson's message remains a poignant reminder of the need for resilience, adaptability, and unity in the face of adversity.