The Chicago Council on Global Affairs Invites You to a Conversation on NATO's Future with Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ambassador Matthew G. Whitaker

Hybrid
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, US Permanent Representative to NATO Ambassador Matthew G. Whitaker, and Leslie Vinjamuri convene in Iowa to discuss the future of the alliance and what it means for Americans at home.
Two men walk past the NATO logo during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7, 2026.
Sep
22
Hussein Malla / AP
Speakers
Mark Rutte
Matthew G. Whitaker
Leslie Vinjamuri
Date and Time
Doors Open: 5:00 pm
Location
The Tea Room, 713 Walnut St, Des Moines, Iowa; or via YouTube
Who Can Attend

REGISTRATION

This event is open to the public. Space is limited. Advanced registration and a photo ID are required for admittance.
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About This Event

As the United States’ international security and defense commitments come under increasing scrutiny and European allies take on a more central role in Europe’s conventional defense, what is at stake for America and for Americans? Join NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Des Moines, Iowa, for remarks followed by a conversation with Ambassador Matthew G. Whitaker, US permanent representative to NATO. Moderated by Chicago Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri, the discussion will explore the alliance, its future, and why it matters.

This program is generously presented by Motorola Solutions.

About the Speakers
Mark Rutte
Secretary General of NATO
Headshot of Mark Rutte.
Mark Rutte became the 14th secretary general of NATO on October 1, 2024. Prior to joining NATO, he served as prime minister of the Netherlands from 2010 to 2024, making him the longest-serving Dutch prime minister to date.
Headshot of Mark Rutte.
Matthew G. Whitaker
United States Permanent Representative to NATO
Headshot of Matthew Whitaker.
Matthew G. Whitaker has served as US permanent representative to NATO since April 2025. He previously served as acting attorney general of the United States from 2018 to 2019, after serving as chief of staff to Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Headshot of Matthew Whitaker.
Leslie Vinjamuri
President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Leslie Vinjamuri headshot
Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri joined the Council in 2025 as the president and chief executive officer, after previously serving as director of the US and the Americas program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, in London. She is Professor of Practice in International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London.
Leslie Vinjamuri headshot

Media Inquiries

Contact
communications@globalaffairs.org
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Issues Global Politics US Foreign Policy
Regions Global
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