Putin's Challenge to NATO and to the Global Enterprise.

• Author: Albright, Madeleine K.
• Position: Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Atlantic Treaty Organization

American Diplomacy

May 1, 2022

www.americandiplomacy.org

Title: Putin's Challenge to NATO and to the Global Enterprise

Author: Madeleine K. Albright

Text:

Editor's Note:

As we remember and honor Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in these times of renewed challenge in Europe, her 1997 speech to the people of the Czech Republic still resonates today. Following the July 1997 NATO summit in Madrid where NATO took the decision to invite Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary to become NATO's newest members, Albright traveled to Prague to mark the historic invitation. Her remarks to an overflowing audience at the Obecni Dum (People's House) recall her own life experiences and that era's optimism for peace in Europe, whole and free, a goal bitterly challenged again as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, an independent nation, continues unabated.

Her words might be repeated to Ukrainians today. As she reminded Czechs that day, the optimism of Woodrow Wilson's aspirations for universal democracy soon gave way to a second World War. Once again in 2022, despite the significant progress achieved since that time, the West faces a bitter reminder that the hopes Albright expressed for Europe remain illusory for many and still require a sustained common effort.

Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright Address to the People of Prague, Obecni Dum "A Moment of Celebration and of Dedication" Prague, Czech Republic, July 14, 1997 A Moment of Celebration and of Dedication

President Havel, Prime Minister Klaus, Mayor Koukal, Senators and Parliamentarians, Excellencies, distinguished guests, thank you so much for your warm and unforgettable welcome. Let me begin by expressing my sadness at the devastation that has been caused by the flooding over the last week. Our thoughts and prayers today are with those who have lost their loved ones and their homes. I know that there are many mayors here from regions affected by the flood. The solidarity and dedication that you and the Czech people have shown in this tragedy is inspiring.

This week, as I traveled from Madrid to central Europe, I could not help but think about the three journeys that have framed my life, and my life's work:

I have been thinking about the memories and the meaning of my own family's journey through the war and the turbulence of post-war Europe to the freedom and security of the United States.

I have been thinking as well about Europe's journey from total war to absolute division to the promise of enduring unity and peace.

And of course, I have been thinking about the journey of the Czech nation from the day in 1918 when its independence was proclaimed on this very spot, to the day in 1948 when its liberty was extinguished, to this day, when you take your rightful place in the family of European democracies--fully, finally and forever.

T.S. Eliot wrote:

We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. Today, you know me in a new way, in my new role. And I see you in a new way as well--not only as the friend of the United States, but also as our next ally. Truth does conquer, after all. President Havel, Truth and love conquer, after all.

I have been here many times since the Velvet Revolution. And I am filled with pride every time I hear the playing of my country's national...