Date/Time
Date(s) - Friday - Sep 27, 2024
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Categories
Date: 27 September 2024 (Friday)
Time: 6:00 pm Beijing | 12:00 pm CEST Berlin |8:00 pm Guahan | 3:30 pm IST | 6:00 pm Manila | 6:00 pm Perth | 7:00 pm Seoul
Organizers: Asia Europe Peoples Forum (AEPF) and the International Peace Bureau (IPB)
Registration: https://bit.ly/globalnatopart2
Overview:
NATO has been extending its influence into the Asia-Pacific through political and military partnerships. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted that Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand share security threats that could affect Europe. Despite their recent involvement, these nations have historically had little connection to NATO’s traditional security agenda.
NATO’s growing presence in the region is intensifying military tensions and reshaping security dynamics. By positioning China as a major threat and targeting North Korea for its ties with Russia, NATO and the US are inserting themselves into regional conflicts previously managed bilaterally. This includes providing Australia with nuclear submarines, establishing US bases in the Philippines, and involving Japanese and Australian troops.
NATO’s $1.34 trillion military expansion last year resulted in 233 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions, worsening the climate crisis. The Transnational Institute (TNI) warns that this spending increases emissions, diverts funds from climate action, and fuels instability. Despite the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s call for a 43% emissions reduction by 2030, NATO’s emissions rose by 15% in 2023 and is expected to continue this trend.
This webinar aims to deepen the analysis of NATO’s presence in the region, explore the intersectionality of military security, geopolitics, peace, and environment, and provide insights into alternative approaches to security in the Asia-Pacific. The event will last for 1.5 to 2 hours and is part of the Global Week of Action for Peace and Climate Justice.
Program:
- Overview of NATO Presence in Asia-Pacific by Cora Fabros, IPB
- Panel Discussants:
- Australia – Annette Brownlie, Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN)
- Philippines – Ms. Djoanna Janier, Stop the War Coalition Philippines
- South Korea – Francis Daehoon Lee, PEACEMOMO
- Western Pacific (Guahan, Marianas, and Palau) – Theresa Arriola, Our Common Wealth
- Alternatives to NATO by Prof. Anu Chenoy, Asia Europe Peoples Forum
- QnA
Moderators: Gene Gesite Jr and Michelle Clemente