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Julianne Smith
Former U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO
Julianne Smith
Former U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO
Biography
Ambassador Julianne Smith is a distinguished national security expert with over two decades of experience in U.S. and European defense policy, transatlantic relations and geostrategic risk. She has held senior leadership positions at the White House, the Department of Defense and the Department of State, where she has shaped NATO’s response to the Ukraine war, advanced U.S.-European economic and military partnerships and addressed global security challenges stemming from China, North Korea, Iran and Russia.
Most recently, Smith served as the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO (2021–2024), where she played a pivotal role in securing Allied support for Ukraine, coordinating intelligence sharing with Allies and finalizing Finland and Sweden’s accession to the Alliance. She also led efforts to integrate China into NATO’s Strategic Concept.
During the Obama administration, Smith served as Acting National Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor to Vice President Joseph Biden. Prior to that role, she served as the Principal Director for European and NATO Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Her career spans influential roles at think tanks such as the German Marshall Fund, the Center for a New American Security and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where she published extensively on grand strategy, Russia, counter-terrorism and China’s deepening relationships in Europe.
Smith has been honored with multiple awards, including the Order of the Polar Star of Sweden, the U.S. Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award, the Sue M. Cobb Award for Diplomatic Excellence and the Cross of the Order of Merit of Germany. Fluent in French and German, she has conducted extensive research in Europe, including fellowships at the Robert Bosch Academy and the American Academy in Berlin.
Speaker Videos
“Immense Sense of Pride and Accomplishment” – Ambassador Julianne Smith on her historic NATO tenure
Preserving Peace and Stability
Speech Topics
What’s Ahead: NATO, US-Europe Relations & the Impact on Global Business
For businesses operating in an increasingly interconnected world, understanding the future of transatlantic relations is paramount. The dynamics of the NATO alliance, particularly the evolving relationship between the U.S. and its European allies, have significant implications for global trade, investment and security. No one knows better than former U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, Ambassador Julianne Smith. In this informative and timely keynote, Ambassador Smith reflects on her tenure as the U.S. permanent representative to the world's most important alliance during the war in Ukraine and shares her perspective on America’s future relationship with NATO at a time when the Trump Administration is openly questioning its value. Ambassador Smith reflects on the security challenges that are a top priority for NATO and offers insight into the alliance's response to new emerging threats, defense spending and its policies toward Russia. As one of the most influential voices in international diplomacy, Ambassador Smith will share lessons learned and predictions on where the transatlantic relationship is headed.
You will learn:
- The emerging security threats facing the transatlantic community and how these may impact your business operations, supply chains and market access.
- How and why Europeans are spending much more on defense and how that may affect Europe’s relationship with the United States.
- The future trajectory of NATO and transatlantic relations so you can make informed strategic decisions regarding international partnerships, investment strategies and risk mitigation.
- The differences in approach between previous and current U.S. administrations and what this means for businesses.
Why Alliances Matter
In an increasingly complex and competitive world, strong alliances are not a luxury but a necessity. Join Julianne Smith, former U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, as she unpacks why these partnerships are critical for global security, economic prosperity and the defense of democratic values, as well as why strong relationships are necessary even at work, school and home.
Julianne customizes her content for specific audiences, including:
- Business: Learn how the principles of international alliances apply to building powerful business relationships and why they are so critical to future success.
- Leadership: Uncover the communication and problem-solving skills used in international diplomacy that are directly transferable to the workplace—helping you build effective teams and tackle challenges head-on.
- College: Discover how to build strategic relationships in the workplace and why they are essential for navigating your professional journey.
- Education: Learn how collaboration, communication and critical thinking—key elements of international alliances—are essential for students, administrators and teachers.
Redefining Women in Leadership
Whenever Julianne Smith, former U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, is asked how to navigate a career as a woman in national security, she says to “work hard, dream big and be true to yourself.” But there is so much more. In this talk, Julianne shares her own journey of navigating a career in national security, where the majority of people in the room were predominately male. She’ll discuss some of the unique challenges women experience in the workplace and how to overcome them. Through her inspiring words, Julianne will empower attendees to embrace their roles as change-makers, sparking a collective commitment to reshape the narrative of women in leadership and create a more equitable future for all. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of purpose, actionable insights and the courage to forge ahead in their journeys.
Navigating the New World Order: Geopolitics, Economics & Your Business
In a world of rapid and sudden geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty, understanding the global landscape is critical for business success. Join Julianne Smith, former U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, as she unpacks the key trends shaping our world today. From evolving security challenges to the intricacies of international trade, she'll provide actionable insights on how these forces are impacting businesses and what strategies are essential for navigating the future.
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