Analysis: A smart idea that will consolidate security around the globe

We understand the future that could have befallen not only Europe, but the entire world, if the US had not helped Europe in its hour of need. And we know that those landings created a unique bond between our continents.

That bond remains vital for the preservation of our values and our security. But, after the Cold War, many assumed that its institutional embodiment – the North Atlantic Treaty Organsation – would fade away. It did not, because our bond is based not just on common threats, but on shared ideals. Nato needed no external reasons to exist. Yet history would provide them soon enough.

In Bosnia and Kosovo, Nato intervened to stop massive human-rights violations. In Libya, we enforced a United Nations Security Council resolution to protect civilians. And in Afghanistan, we are denying a safe haven to extremists.

The alliance has evolved into a true security-management organisation that is flexible, efficient, and cost-effective But security is like health – you never notice it until it takes a turn for the worse. Nato is the most solid security insurance that the world has. This weekend in Chicago, representatives of roughly 60 member states, partner countries, and international organisations will assemble for Nato’s latest summit, the largest in the alliance’s history, to tackle some of the biggest security questions of our time.

Our discussions will focus on three issues: the transition to full Afghan security responsibility, the continued development of Allied military capabilities, and Nato’s global network of partnerships.

By working together to maximize our assets and resources, we can do more . This is the essence of “Smart Defence.” In Chicago, the Allies will commit to this approach as a long-term strategy for improving NATO’s capabilities.

• Anders Fogh Rasmussen has been secretary-general of Nato since 2009. He was previously prime minister of Denmark.