Announcements: Name Change and NATO Trip
We've got a couple announcements related to the Substack that we are excited to share with you all.
Name change
As of today, we're renaming the publication 'Between the Lines by Preston Stewart.' This change is mainly because we are a growing team, and we want a name that reflects the work everyone is doing. You may see some minor branding changes in the coming weeks, but the name change is the main thing.
Preston is going to Brussels
Second, Preston is heading to NATO HQ this week and has many meetings with top officials scheduled between April 2nd and 5th. This trip comes as NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary, and the organization is doing an outreach program for global creators. Preston was fortunate enough to be included.
Preston will ask questions submitted by our subscribers, giving you a unique chance to be heard by some of NATO's top leaders. Please submit these questions in the comment section below. Although anyone may submit, we will prioritize questions from our paid subscribers.
During the visit, Preston will attend meetings/sessions with:
-Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
-US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken
-US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith
-Chair of the Military Committee Admiral Rob Bauer
-NATO-Ukraine Council
-Spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah
-Deputy Assistant Secretary-General for Operations Burcu San
Not a sponsorship deal
We want to be clear that this is not a sponsorship deal. Aside from lodgings and transportation to and from Brussels, NATO will not compensate Preston in any way. NATO has no say in what we post now or in the future, and the organization does not require that we post anything as a condition of the trip. Instead, the trip offers us and other creators a chance to share information we believe is important and genuinely believe. We know many big brands give creators detailed talking points or require final review over any content that references them: this is not that sort of arrangement.
Submit your questions ASAP!
Once Preston returns, he will produce some long-form video rollups from the trip, with at least one video dedicated to answering subscribers' questions. We look forward to seeing your questions in the coming days!
Hi Preston,
During a 2014 summit NATO member countries agreed to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense spending by 2025. As of 2021 only 10 member states have met that threshold with the United States the second highest in GDP spending (Poland in the top spot). Based on GDP the United States defense spending dwarfs all other NATO member states but the most immediate threat, given the proximity of aggressor states, is to Western Europe.
How does NATO plan to address the original agreement of a minimum 2% defense spending for the other member states? Additionally, how does NATO plan to focus their resources to bolster defense in member nations while also anticipating and addressing potential future threats based on current events (i.e. continual ammunition supply to Ukrain, air defenses, etc.)?
Preston, how do citizens of member countries get more involved in NATO? Do they have internships, programs, etc. that people can get involved in? If so, what does that process look like?