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On My Watch: Leading NATO in a Time of War
JENS STOLTENBERG OFFERS AN HONEST AND CANDID ACCOUNT OF A DRAMATIC DECADE AS THE LEADER OF NATO.
When Stoltenberg took office as Secretary General of NATO in 2014, the world was already changing. What followed was a decade marked by war, diplomatic crises, and decisions that helped shape our shared security.
This book takes readers behind closed doors and offers a rare insight into how the world’s most powerful military alliance handles crises. Stoltenberg describes the effort to keep NATO united, and addresses key issues such as the war in Ukraine, NATO’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, relations with Russia and China, and cooperation with world leaders like Angela Merkel, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
This is not a book about division. It is a story of unity, of friendship – and of why NATO still matters. Through reflections on disagreement and difficult dilemmas, Stoltenberg shows why openness is essential to preserve cohesion – and to face the challenges of tomorrow.
On My Watch offers a unique insight into the art of diplomacy and the hard choices that must be made when global peace is at stake.
When Stoltenberg took office as Secretary General of NATO in 2014, the world was already changing. What followed was a decade marked by war, diplomatic crises, and decisions that helped shape our shared security.
This book takes readers behind closed doors and offers a rare insight into how the world’s most powerful military alliance handles crises. Stoltenberg describes the effort to keep NATO united, and addresses key issues such as the war in Ukraine, NATO’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, relations with Russia and China, and cooperation with world leaders like Angela Merkel, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
This is not a book about division. It is a story of unity, of friendship – and of why NATO still matters. Through reflections on disagreement and difficult dilemmas, Stoltenberg shows why openness is essential to preserve cohesion – and to face the challenges of tomorrow.
On My Watch offers a unique insight into the art of diplomacy and the hard choices that must be made when global peace is at stake.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2025
190 people are currently reading
880 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 11, 2025
Knallsterk bok. Lett å lese samtidig som den gir masse dybde. Føles som om være i rommet når de største avgjørelsene blir tatt. Glimrende skrevet ass
December 23, 2025
This love letter to NATO is a fantastic inside view of the world’s most important military alliance. The author ran the organization from 2014-2024 and shows the balance of a fairly left wing politician (former Prime Minister of Norway) working intensely to find common ground and keep Trump from disengaging with the European leaders.
The personal stories, geopolitical events, complex diplomatic negotiations, and personalities that the author weaves throughout this book make for a compelling memoir.
Of course, one must remember—like with all such works—the author is telling his side of the stories and painting himself in a positive light.
All that being said, this book is a solid lesson in diplomacy, optimism, and recent events that shape the world of today.
The personal stories, geopolitical events, complex diplomatic negotiations, and personalities that the author weaves throughout this book make for a compelling memoir.
Of course, one must remember—like with all such works—the author is telling his side of the stories and painting himself in a positive light.
All that being said, this book is a solid lesson in diplomacy, optimism, and recent events that shape the world of today.
November 8, 2025
Det er fascinerende å følge Stoltenbergs reise i ti år som NATO-sjef. Som alltid i memoarer eller beretninger fra det diplomatiske liv, så er det nærmest skremmende hvor personlig diplomatiet er. Humøret til Trump eller kald krig psyken til Putin har en avgjørende effekt på europeisk sikkerhet.
Men, samfunnsøkonomen og statsmannen Stoltenberg gir et dyptgående innblikk i hans tjeneste for NATO. Han tillegger god tid til å bringe leseren inn i den vanskelige vektingen av argumenter, om det gjelder det transatlantiske forholdet, Afghanistan eller Ukraina.
Anbefales!
Men, samfunnsøkonomen og statsmannen Stoltenberg gir et dyptgående innblikk i hans tjeneste for NATO. Han tillegger god tid til å bringe leseren inn i den vanskelige vektingen av argumenter, om det gjelder det transatlantiske forholdet, Afghanistan eller Ukraina.
Anbefales!
October 24, 2025
Sammen står vi stærkere!
November 15, 2025
Amazing; well-written political memoir with a deep personal touch. Strong recommendation!
November 14, 2025
Przekaz z wnętrza NATO Norwega, który przeją przewodzenie Paktem w 2014 roku i piastował stanowisko Sekretarza Generalnego przez 10 lat.
Czasy bardzo ciekawe. Radykalizacja Putina i jego wojna przeciw ustalonemu porządkowi świata, przejęcie rządów w Stanach Zjednoczonych przez najbardziej nieprzewidywalnego Prezydenta w dziejach USA, tarcia na Bliskim Wschodzie, coraz potężniejsza pozycja Chin, wyjście Amerykanów z Afganistanu.
I wyważony, ostrożny Norweg, którego „wybrał” Barack Obama wraz z Angelą Merkel jako najlepszą alternatywę na te niespokojne czasy.
Co było jego największym wyzwaniem?
Prawdopodobnie ta dziwaczna mieszanka człowieka wyważonego w wypracowywaniu decyzji, a jednocześnie przejawiającego niechęć do niekończących się, do niczego nie zmierzających ustaleń, uratowała Pakt Północnoatlantycki przed jego rozpadem.
Zdecydowanie najgroźniejszym wydarzeniem dla Sojuszu były zapędy Donalda Trampa, żeby wypowiedzieć umowę w sytuacji, gdy większość europejskich partnerów traktuje armię amerykańską jako starszego brata, który ponosi niemal wyłączną odpowiedzialność za bezpieczeństwo w Europie.
Trump przedstawiany był najczęściej w krajach europejskich jako gangster przychodzący po haracz. Często stosowana była narracja, że uzależnia użycie słynnego Art. 5. od tego, czy dany kraj „zapłaci za ochronę”, czy nie.
Jakkolwiekby go nie oceniać, rok 2022 i inwazja Rosji na Ukrainę pokazały, że taki „gangster” był Europie bardzo potrzebny.
W czasie, gdy USA przeznaczały na zbrojenia 4% swego PKB, takie kraje, jak Niemcy nie osiągały nawet procenta, a zadowolona z siebie Angela Merkel z uśmiechem deklarowała, że do roku 2030 postara się osiągnąć... może 1,5% na zbrojenia z budżetu Niemiec i roszczeniowo oczekiwała potwierdzenia, że Art. 5 Paktu będzie przestrzegany zawsze, wszędzie i niezależnie od czegokolwiek.
Patrząc na to oczyma Amerykanów, wnerwienie - tak po ludzku - da się zrozumieć.
Mocną stroną książki są kulisy funkcjonowania NATO, pokazanie sposobów rozwiązywania problemów wewnątrz Sojuszu, czy mechanizmów godzenia nieraz sprzecznych interesów państw członkowskich.
Poznajemy też kulisy wielu incydentów, na które Pakt musiał reagować, jak na przykład zestrzelenie rosyjskiego samolotu, który w czasie działań w Syrii naruszył przestrzeń powietrzną Turcji.
Co ciekawe - Putin się nauczył, żeby w tym rejonie świata tego już nie robić.
Jens Stottenberg opowiada też o przyłączeniu Finlandii i Szwecji do sojuszu oraz o wszystkich perturbacjach z tym związanych, o niechęci Turcji, o niespodziewanych ruchach Węgrów.
Może nie czyta się tego, jak typową powieść, choć ogrom zdarzeń z tych ostatnich 10 lat na pewno mógłby posłużyć za niezłą fabułę, ale - jest to bardzo wartościowy fragment biografii ciekawego człowieka w bardzo ciekawych czasach, naszpikowany arcyciekawymi opowieściami, w których niewielu ludzi ma okazję uczestniczyć.
Dzięki codziennym przyzwyczajeniom Norwega, nie są to przetarte zębem czasu wspominki, lecz w miarę rzetelnie odtworzone wydarzenia i rozmowy. Stottenberg miał w zwyczaju robić częste notatki, a tam, gdzie ich nie było, sięgał po stenogramy natowskie, nagrania, wywiady.
Kilka wstawek z życia prywatnego, parę przemyśleń własnych, trochę sentymentów.
Bardzo rzetelny rys historyczny ostatniej dekady NATO. Fajnie się to czyta.
Czasy bardzo ciekawe. Radykalizacja Putina i jego wojna przeciw ustalonemu porządkowi świata, przejęcie rządów w Stanach Zjednoczonych przez najbardziej nieprzewidywalnego Prezydenta w dziejach USA, tarcia na Bliskim Wschodzie, coraz potężniejsza pozycja Chin, wyjście Amerykanów z Afganistanu.
I wyważony, ostrożny Norweg, którego „wybrał” Barack Obama wraz z Angelą Merkel jako najlepszą alternatywę na te niespokojne czasy.
Co było jego największym wyzwaniem?
Prawdopodobnie ta dziwaczna mieszanka człowieka wyważonego w wypracowywaniu decyzji, a jednocześnie przejawiającego niechęć do niekończących się, do niczego nie zmierzających ustaleń, uratowała Pakt Północnoatlantycki przed jego rozpadem.
Zdecydowanie najgroźniejszym wydarzeniem dla Sojuszu były zapędy Donalda Trampa, żeby wypowiedzieć umowę w sytuacji, gdy większość europejskich partnerów traktuje armię amerykańską jako starszego brata, który ponosi niemal wyłączną odpowiedzialność za bezpieczeństwo w Europie.
Trump przedstawiany był najczęściej w krajach europejskich jako gangster przychodzący po haracz. Często stosowana była narracja, że uzależnia użycie słynnego Art. 5. od tego, czy dany kraj „zapłaci za ochronę”, czy nie.
Jakkolwiekby go nie oceniać, rok 2022 i inwazja Rosji na Ukrainę pokazały, że taki „gangster” był Europie bardzo potrzebny.
W czasie, gdy USA przeznaczały na zbrojenia 4% swego PKB, takie kraje, jak Niemcy nie osiągały nawet procenta, a zadowolona z siebie Angela Merkel z uśmiechem deklarowała, że do roku 2030 postara się osiągnąć... może 1,5% na zbrojenia z budżetu Niemiec i roszczeniowo oczekiwała potwierdzenia, że Art. 5 Paktu będzie przestrzegany zawsze, wszędzie i niezależnie od czegokolwiek.
Patrząc na to oczyma Amerykanów, wnerwienie - tak po ludzku - da się zrozumieć.
Mocną stroną książki są kulisy funkcjonowania NATO, pokazanie sposobów rozwiązywania problemów wewnątrz Sojuszu, czy mechanizmów godzenia nieraz sprzecznych interesów państw członkowskich.
Poznajemy też kulisy wielu incydentów, na które Pakt musiał reagować, jak na przykład zestrzelenie rosyjskiego samolotu, który w czasie działań w Syrii naruszył przestrzeń powietrzną Turcji.
Co ciekawe - Putin się nauczył, żeby w tym rejonie świata tego już nie robić.
Jens Stottenberg opowiada też o przyłączeniu Finlandii i Szwecji do sojuszu oraz o wszystkich perturbacjach z tym związanych, o niechęci Turcji, o niespodziewanych ruchach Węgrów.
Może nie czyta się tego, jak typową powieść, choć ogrom zdarzeń z tych ostatnich 10 lat na pewno mógłby posłużyć za niezłą fabułę, ale - jest to bardzo wartościowy fragment biografii ciekawego człowieka w bardzo ciekawych czasach, naszpikowany arcyciekawymi opowieściami, w których niewielu ludzi ma okazję uczestniczyć.
Dzięki codziennym przyzwyczajeniom Norwega, nie są to przetarte zębem czasu wspominki, lecz w miarę rzetelnie odtworzone wydarzenia i rozmowy. Stottenberg miał w zwyczaju robić częste notatki, a tam, gdzie ich nie było, sięgał po stenogramy natowskie, nagrania, wywiady.
Kilka wstawek z życia prywatnego, parę przemyśleń własnych, trochę sentymentów.
Bardzo rzetelny rys historyczny ostatniej dekady NATO. Fajnie się to czyta.
November 21, 2025
Jens Stoltenberg (b. 1959) is Norwegian politician whose impressive résumé includes stints as the Prime Minister of Norway (2000-2001, 2005-2013) and Secretary General (aka the highest-ranking appointed member and most public-facing diplomat) of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) from 2014-2024, a decade marked by increasing turbulence between Russia and Ukraine as well as a global pandemic. I listened to the English audiobook translation of his 2025 memoir On My Watch, which originally published in Norwegian as "På min vakt - å lede Nato i krigstid" earlier in 2025. It's a very self-congratulatory memoir, highlighting all the highs of Stoltenberg's career and rarely offering reflections on instances where he could have acted differently. However, this work does offer an entertaining running commentary of Stoltenberg's interactions with a certain American president who did a great deal of blustering about the unfairness of the US' financial position within NATO. I also noted that the narration ends abruptly right around the start of the COVID pandemic, though Stoltenberg continued to serve in this role until 2024; perhaps a follow-up book is in the works.
Further reading: international diplomacy
Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy and How to Make It Work for You by Capricia Penavic Marshall
No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington by Condoleezza Rice
My statistics:
Book 344 for 2025
Book 2270 cumulatively
Further reading: international diplomacy
Protocol: The Power of Diplomacy and How to Make It Work for You by Capricia Penavic Marshall
No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington by Condoleezza Rice
My statistics:
Book 344 for 2025
Book 2270 cumulatively
November 2, 2025
Finns mycket att gilla här. Tempot är bra och det personliga och politiska blandas på ett snyggt sätt. Det märks på ett positivt sätt att memoaren är delvis spökskriven av en professionell författare. Det faktumet känns också mindre störande när man vet att de referat av olika händelser som beskrivs också backas upp av att Stoltenberg tagit anteckningar under hela sin tid i NATO, just för att kunna publicera den här boken.
Bokens svaghet är kanske att den är författad av en person som fortfarande har en aktiv karriär. Det här är inte en "tell it all"-bok. Stoltenberg undviker tydligt att stöta sig med alla han omnämner, vilket skapar en märklig spänning i boken. Å ena sidan är den väldigt inbjudande. Hans omfattande anteckningar gör att vi kan få veta ord för ord hur viktiga ordväxlingar i slutna rum har låtit. Å andra sidan är det hela tiden tydligt att detta är en noggrant kurerad berättelse. I sak är det sällan jag känner att information kommer fram som inte redan presenterats i andra forum.
Bäst är boken när Stoltenberg är personlig. Berättelserna om NATO-motståndet i ungdomen ger liv i boken. Eller när han vågar öppna upp och reflektera över att han själv observerat Bidens minskande kognitiva förmåga. Stoltenberg skiver i slutet av boken att han hoppas att den ska fylla en funktion både för en bred allmänhet och för en mer nischad grupp av experter och historiker. Den breda allmänheten kan nog få ut mycket av boken, om NATO om säkerhetspolitik och om nutidshistoria. För personer som redan följer dessa frågor mer noggrant är boken tyvärr mindre relevant. Kanske får vi veta i framtiden vad Stoltenberg verkligen tänkte och kände om olika personer under sin tid i NATO, men detta är inte boken där vi får reda på det.
Bokens svaghet är kanske att den är författad av en person som fortfarande har en aktiv karriär. Det här är inte en "tell it all"-bok. Stoltenberg undviker tydligt att stöta sig med alla han omnämner, vilket skapar en märklig spänning i boken. Å ena sidan är den väldigt inbjudande. Hans omfattande anteckningar gör att vi kan få veta ord för ord hur viktiga ordväxlingar i slutna rum har låtit. Å andra sidan är det hela tiden tydligt att detta är en noggrant kurerad berättelse. I sak är det sällan jag känner att information kommer fram som inte redan presenterats i andra forum.
Bäst är boken när Stoltenberg är personlig. Berättelserna om NATO-motståndet i ungdomen ger liv i boken. Eller när han vågar öppna upp och reflektera över att han själv observerat Bidens minskande kognitiva förmåga. Stoltenberg skiver i slutet av boken att han hoppas att den ska fylla en funktion både för en bred allmänhet och för en mer nischad grupp av experter och historiker. Den breda allmänheten kan nog få ut mycket av boken, om NATO om säkerhetspolitik och om nutidshistoria. För personer som redan följer dessa frågor mer noggrant är boken tyvärr mindre relevant. Kanske får vi veta i framtiden vad Stoltenberg verkligen tänkte och kände om olika personer under sin tid i NATO, men detta är inte boken där vi får reda på det.
October 26, 2025
On My Watch is an excellent book about contemporary politics.
Obviously written to make the author himself shine, the book still has lots of unique and interesting contents on at least six important subjects in today's politics. Those 6 are Nato's engagement in Afghanistan, the Ukraine War, President Trump, Sweden and Finland joining NATO, President Erdogan and President Biden. The author said he, during his 10 years as General Secretary of NATO starting 2014, deliberately took more notes than he used to. Those notes have made this book a superb book, bound to be quoted by historians on the subjects mentioned earlier. The first 2/3 of the book are of such quality it is in the classic category. The editing and the work on the text suffers a bit in the final 1/3 but it is still an excellent read.
Taking the 7 hours or so it takes to read On My Watch is recommendend to anyone with even the slightest interest in contemporary politics. It is also recommended for anyone in the future wanting a look back at what happened in NATO aorund year 2020.
Obviously written to make the author himself shine, the book still has lots of unique and interesting contents on at least six important subjects in today's politics. Those 6 are Nato's engagement in Afghanistan, the Ukraine War, President Trump, Sweden and Finland joining NATO, President Erdogan and President Biden. The author said he, during his 10 years as General Secretary of NATO starting 2014, deliberately took more notes than he used to. Those notes have made this book a superb book, bound to be quoted by historians on the subjects mentioned earlier. The first 2/3 of the book are of such quality it is in the classic category. The editing and the work on the text suffers a bit in the final 1/3 but it is still an excellent read.
Taking the 7 hours or so it takes to read On My Watch is recommendend to anyone with even the slightest interest in contemporary politics. It is also recommended for anyone in the future wanting a look back at what happened in NATO aorund year 2020.
November 1, 2025
Йенс Столтенберґ —норвезький політик, колишній Прем’єр-міністр Норвегії, з 2014 по 2024 рік був Генеральним секретарем НАТО. У книзі він викладає свій погляд на керівництво Альянсом у період як зовнішніх загроз (агресія Росії, зіткнення з Китаєм), так і внутрішньої напруги серед союзників. Книга —не мемуари політичного лідера, а спроба поглянути «за лаштунки» прийняття рішень, компромісів та збереження солідарності в кризові моменти. А ще - це спроба зберегти обличчя. Бо це ж просто посміховисько
October 22, 2025
jensssss
November 11, 2025
Absurd, factless and mostly clickbait. What a scene of a modern writing..
October 21, 2025
Intressant att få en inblick i Nato och samtalen med världsledarna
November 23, 2025
An excellent autobiography of Jens Stoltenberg's time as NATO General Secretary from 2014 to 2024. Political autobiographies are often ghost written and generic/polemical, lacking in depth. This book has depth, nuance, and even offers snippets of deeper historical context throughout. While the author had help putting this together in writing, the book draws on contemporary notes and audio and therefore gives a clear episode by episode picture of events as they happened. The author covers Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Trump in depth, as well as Biden, the accession of Finland and Sweden, and other events. He also provides illuminating anecdotes around the personalities involved in his story. I was surprised, for example, to find out how genuinely warm and hospitable Erdogan could be with Stoltenberg and other world leaders.
"On My Watch" argues that the world has become more dangerous but that NATO is also stronger than it was. NATO has reformed, has ensured unity in the face of difficult internal and external challenges, and has strengthened through the increased defense spending of its members. At the same time, the distance between strength and weakness may not be as far as one would like - as evidenced by the continued grappling with Trump's mercuriality in 2025. Yet, as the author argues in an Afterword written after Trump's re-election, relations with the United States "can be managed. How the relationship develops will depend not only on what happens in Washington, but also on us Europeans and our ability to act in concert and with composure." Fortunately, Mark Rutte appears to be a worthy successor to Stoltenberg and able to work well with Trump. The future of Ukraine, Europe, the United States, and NATO yet remains to be written, but this book will give you as good of a perspective as any on recent and contemporary events.
"On My Watch" argues that the world has become more dangerous but that NATO is also stronger than it was. NATO has reformed, has ensured unity in the face of difficult internal and external challenges, and has strengthened through the increased defense spending of its members. At the same time, the distance between strength and weakness may not be as far as one would like - as evidenced by the continued grappling with Trump's mercuriality in 2025. Yet, as the author argues in an Afterword written after Trump's re-election, relations with the United States "can be managed. How the relationship develops will depend not only on what happens in Washington, but also on us Europeans and our ability to act in concert and with composure." Fortunately, Mark Rutte appears to be a worthy successor to Stoltenberg and able to work well with Trump. The future of Ukraine, Europe, the United States, and NATO yet remains to be written, but this book will give you as good of a perspective as any on recent and contemporary events.
November 28, 2025
The author calls this book a love letter to NATO, and it really does offer a fascinating look into the inner workings of the organisation that has kept us safe for decades. Written by NATO’s Secretary General from 2014–2024, it’s steady, diplomatic and remarkably calm — especially considering the cast of global figures he had to deal with during his tenure.
He moves from the calm authority of Obama to the chaos of Trump — who, as we know, is little more than a useful idiot for Putin — and then to the terrifying unpredictability of Putin himself. Add in the often obstructive Erdoğan from Turkey, and it’s astonishing how measured and unflappable Stoltenberg manages to remain. The author is polite throughout; my own reactions, far less so.
What stayed with me most was the immense weight of responsibility he carried. His decision not to close Ukraine’s airspace — knowing it would effectively mean preparing NATO for war with Russia — is explained with sobering clarity. We’ve all seen how prematurely aged Zelenskyy looks since the war began, and the pressure on Ukraine echoes through the Ukraine chapters. NATO’s constant balancing act between supporting Ukraine and avoiding direct escalation with Russia is always front and centre.
There are also thoughtful reflections on how Russia once helped defeat the Nazis, and how quickly the historical pendulum can swing in the opposite direction.
Heartbreaking and frightening in equal measure, yet threaded with a faint note of optimism, this is a powerful and absorbing read.
He moves from the calm authority of Obama to the chaos of Trump — who, as we know, is little more than a useful idiot for Putin — and then to the terrifying unpredictability of Putin himself. Add in the often obstructive Erdoğan from Turkey, and it’s astonishing how measured and unflappable Stoltenberg manages to remain. The author is polite throughout; my own reactions, far less so.
What stayed with me most was the immense weight of responsibility he carried. His decision not to close Ukraine’s airspace — knowing it would effectively mean preparing NATO for war with Russia — is explained with sobering clarity. We’ve all seen how prematurely aged Zelenskyy looks since the war began, and the pressure on Ukraine echoes through the Ukraine chapters. NATO’s constant balancing act between supporting Ukraine and avoiding direct escalation with Russia is always front and centre.
There are also thoughtful reflections on how Russia once helped defeat the Nazis, and how quickly the historical pendulum can swing in the opposite direction.
Heartbreaking and frightening in equal measure, yet threaded with a faint note of optimism, this is a powerful and absorbing read.
October 6, 2025
En oikein tiedä mitä odotin henkilöltä, joka on ollut 10 mullistavan vuoden ajan länsimaisen politiikan ytimessä. En ainakaan odottanut tätä maanläheistä, itsereflektiivistä kirjaa, joka jollain tapaa - en edes käsitä miten - onnistuu kuvaamaan Stoltenbergin uran Natossa suunnilleen yhtä arkisena kun keski-ikäisen virkamiehen työelämän vantaalaisessa virastossa. Elämä, jonka olen kuvitellut yhdeksi Euroopan salamyhkäisimmistä litistyy kertomukseksi kuivettuneista kanapee-leivistä ja kiukuttelevista valtionjohtajista (okei nyt kärjistän hieman). En osaa päättää, luetaanko tämä kirjan ansioksi vai puutteeksi. Joka tapauksessa se on osittain ahdistavaa ja osittain kiehtovaa. Ahdistavaa, koska se alleviivaa sitä, kuinka ohuen ja rispaantuneen langan varassa tuntemamme maailmanjärjestys on, toisaalta on kiehtova ajatus, että maailman asioista päättävät lopulta ihan tavalliset ihmiset.
Hankalat ja arkaluontoiset asiat käsitellään kirjassa silkkihansikkain ja lööpin aiheita on turha etsiä. Tämä on selvää, sillä aikalaismuistelmien kirjoittaminen puolustusliitosta edelyttää väistämättä suurta itsesensuuria. Teoksesta olisi saanut mielenkiintoisemman panttaamalla sitä kaksikymmentä vuotta ja kertomalla sitten, mitä mieltä Stoltenberg asioista oikeasti oli. Tällaisenaan kuin nyt tämä taas täytyy lukea sinä mitä se on, eli pamflettina Naton sisäpoliittisen oikeutuksen puolesta.
Hankalat ja arkaluontoiset asiat käsitellään kirjassa silkkihansikkain ja lööpin aiheita on turha etsiä. Tämä on selvää, sillä aikalaismuistelmien kirjoittaminen puolustusliitosta edelyttää väistämättä suurta itsesensuuria. Teoksesta olisi saanut mielenkiintoisemman panttaamalla sitä kaksikymmentä vuotta ja kertomalla sitten, mitä mieltä Stoltenberg asioista oikeasti oli. Tällaisenaan kuin nyt tämä taas täytyy lukea sinä mitä se on, eli pamflettina Naton sisäpoliittisen oikeutuksen puolesta.
November 19, 2025
Super interesting book about Stoltenberg‘s time as the NATO secretary general with lots of behind-the-scene insights about working with people like Trump, Erdogan, Merkel and Macron, dealing with the wars in Ukraine & Afghanistan and negotiating the NATO membership of Sweden & Finland.
Throughout the book, Stoltenberg explains the impact of various discussions & events on the European defense strategy and how, for example, the idea of a European (or EU) army stands in conflict with the structure and purpose of NATO.
The book is based on extensive notes from the time, making the it easy to read and the storytelling vivid. While the anecdotes are obviously told from his own perspective, Stoltenberg is fairly self-critical and balances the positive impact he‘s had with honest reviews of mistakes that happened along the way.
Also really liked how he used historical context from the last century to explain & emphasize patterns and relationships that we observe today.
Highly recommend :)
Throughout the book, Stoltenberg explains the impact of various discussions & events on the European defense strategy and how, for example, the idea of a European (or EU) army stands in conflict with the structure and purpose of NATO.
The book is based on extensive notes from the time, making the it easy to read and the storytelling vivid. While the anecdotes are obviously told from his own perspective, Stoltenberg is fairly self-critical and balances the positive impact he‘s had with honest reviews of mistakes that happened along the way.
Also really liked how he used historical context from the last century to explain & emphasize patterns and relationships that we observe today.
Highly recommend :)
December 27, 2025
VOTO: 4+
PRO: scorrevole, conversazioni dietro le quinte
CONTRO: alcune parti superficiali
Uno sguardo privilegiato alle dinamiche di potere dietro i principali conflitti e avvenimenti dell'ultimo decennio, dalla presidenza Trump all'invasione russa dell'Ucraina. Grande assente la guerra a Gaza, seppur scoppiata quando il mandato di segretario era ormai in scadenza.
Grazie alle note raccolte nel corso del tempo, vengono documentate tante conversazioni del segretario NATO con i principali leader mondiali, che gettano una luce particolare sui tanti conflitti e attriti scoppiati sotto il suo comando.
A margine viene da riflettere sulla (scarsa) qualità dell'informazione generalista, che spesso si limita a riportare fatti e opinioni senza fornire un adeguato contesto, esponendo così il fianco alla strumentalizzazione da parte di chi cerca innanzitutto di portare acqua al proprio mulino.
PRO: scorrevole, conversazioni dietro le quinte
CONTRO: alcune parti superficiali
Uno sguardo privilegiato alle dinamiche di potere dietro i principali conflitti e avvenimenti dell'ultimo decennio, dalla presidenza Trump all'invasione russa dell'Ucraina. Grande assente la guerra a Gaza, seppur scoppiata quando il mandato di segretario era ormai in scadenza.
Grazie alle note raccolte nel corso del tempo, vengono documentate tante conversazioni del segretario NATO con i principali leader mondiali, che gettano una luce particolare sui tanti conflitti e attriti scoppiati sotto il suo comando.
A margine viene da riflettere sulla (scarsa) qualità dell'informazione generalista, che spesso si limita a riportare fatti e opinioni senza fornire un adeguato contesto, esponendo così il fianco alla strumentalizzazione da parte di chi cerca innanzitutto di portare acqua al proprio mulino.
November 14, 2025
It’s a little strange to find yourself on the other side of events, to feel as though you’ve been handed a backstage pass to some of the most important moments of the last decade. But that’s precisely what this book does, and it does it remarkably well.
In this memoir, Jens Stoltenberg reflects on his ten years at the helm of NATO. But he goes far beyond institutional recollection: he talks about people, values, politics, and history, both his own and the one we all share. Rather than simply recounting events, Stoltenberg genuinely wants to make us understand. Understand how delicate it is to mediate when so much is at stake; how crucial it is to stay open-minded in a rapidly changing world; how his own journey shaped the leadership he brought to NATO.
Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of the book is the perspective it offers on the defining events of the past decade. Stoltenberg walks us through developments from intelligence briefings to discussions with heads of state to the realities on the ground. It truly feels as though we’re being ushered behind the scenes, gaining a clearer understanding of the moments that shaped today’s security landscape.
In this memoir, Jens Stoltenberg reflects on his ten years at the helm of NATO. But he goes far beyond institutional recollection: he talks about people, values, politics, and history, both his own and the one we all share. Rather than simply recounting events, Stoltenberg genuinely wants to make us understand. Understand how delicate it is to mediate when so much is at stake; how crucial it is to stay open-minded in a rapidly changing world; how his own journey shaped the leadership he brought to NATO.
Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of the book is the perspective it offers on the defining events of the past decade. Stoltenberg walks us through developments from intelligence briefings to discussions with heads of state to the realities on the ground. It truly feels as though we’re being ushered behind the scenes, gaining a clearer understanding of the moments that shaped today’s security landscape.
November 16, 2025
This is a very interesting read providing well balanced insights from and access to world leaders like never before. This includes Putin, Trump, Obama, Merkel, Macron and others. You learn about NATO, but also the reasons behind the decisions nations have made. Many decisions were not agreed with by other world leaders and this book will not try convince you the decisions were wrong or right. Rather you will understand the decision even if you don’t agree with it.
“The fundamental ideas and attitudes of two parties can be broadly aligned, and yet in challenging individual cases, those same two parties can end up taking oppositions.”
One of the best books I have read that provides an objective and global perspective of major world events.
“The fundamental ideas and attitudes of two parties can be broadly aligned, and yet in challenging individual cases, those same two parties can end up taking oppositions.”
One of the best books I have read that provides an objective and global perspective of major world events.
October 30, 2025
Overall it is a great account of the crisis NATO went and is going through.
On a more personal note, when it comes to the way Turkey is handled, the west is the bad guys. They always confess their double standards so shamelessly and blame Turkey. It is impossible for a turk to feel anything other than pure hatred in the face of this attitude. No turkish soldier should ever die for n*to and Turkey should betray n*to at its most critical moment. Erdogan looks like the good guy compared to these *****. Even Stoletenberg openly accepts they support terrorists against a critical n*to ally they desperately need.
On a more personal note, when it comes to the way Turkey is handled, the west is the bad guys. They always confess their double standards so shamelessly and blame Turkey. It is impossible for a turk to feel anything other than pure hatred in the face of this attitude. No turkish soldier should ever die for n*to and Turkey should betray n*to at its most critical moment. Erdogan looks like the good guy compared to these *****. Even Stoletenberg openly accepts they support terrorists against a critical n*to ally they desperately need.
December 22, 2025
Nerded out reading this memoir. It’s helped me to better understand the fine line leaders within NATO have had to walk between holding countries accountable to international law while also maintaining some semblance of peace. The historical background to the discussions and crises Stolenberg encountered was helpful for context and was eye-opening for current events in Europe. He recounts dealings with Presidents Obama, Biden, and Trump, along with prominent figures like Mattis, Merkel, Logvinov, Zelenskyy, and many more.
November 1, 2025
Otroligt otroligt imponerad över Stoltenbergs sätt att leda NATO genom dessa svåra tider men även hur han hanterade Trump. Han visar statsmannamässiga egenskaper när han förstår och redogör för varför han byter åsikt. När det någon gång i framtiden blir aktuellt med samtal med Ryssland hoppas jag att han har en framträdande position i de förhandlingar om fred som då sker. För första gången känner jag att betygsskalan inte räcker till! Boken borde haft sex stjärnor i betyg!
December 16, 2025
Geen literair meesterwerk. Zeer simpel en chronologisch geschreven als het eindwerk van een middelbare scholier.
Wel een interessante inside view vanuit een van de machtigste geopolitieke posities ter wereld. Opvallend lief voor Trump en consoorten en dat is waarschijnlijk ook de zwakte van het boek. De auteur lijkt niet bereid om eender welke politieke brug op te blazen waardoor ik hier en daar wel wat scherpte miste.
Wel een interessante inside view vanuit een van de machtigste geopolitieke posities ter wereld. Opvallend lief voor Trump en consoorten en dat is waarschijnlijk ook de zwakte van het boek. De auteur lijkt niet bereid om eender welke politieke brug op te blazen waardoor ik hier en daar wel wat scherpte miste.
December 17, 2025
Þetta er hreinskilin, opinská og vel skrifuð bók, en en ég verð að segja 3,5 því hún hefur engan endi. En hún veitir og góða innsýn inn í starf framkvæmdastjóra NATO á þessum tíma og þá atburði sem áttu sér stað á tímabilinu frá 2014-2020, auki þess sem Stoltenberg deilir ýmsu úr sínu persónulega lífi, sem gerir bókina trúverðugari. Kannski er verið að skrifa framhald, en ég er ekki sáttur við þegar endinn vantar.
November 21, 2025
Läsvärd bok som ger ett inifrånperspektiv utifrån Stoltenbergs arbete i Nato. En exposé över 10 års ordförandeskap. Välskriven och lättläst och viss diskussion kring diverse konflikter och situationer och så klart även Nato. Diskussionerna kommer sällan så djupt som de hade kunnat (potential finns).
December 17, 2025
Fyra stjärnor, inte för litteraturen som sådan utan för att det är en oerhört intressant inblick i vår tids viktigaste frågor, och personliga bilder av de allra högsta makthavarna. En hel del man nog helst inte skulle ha velat veta
October 16, 2025
Läsfest! Perfekt balans.
October 25, 2025
Väldigt intressant bok där Stoltenberg kombinerar tio år av nutidshistoria med Natos historia och sin egen bakgrund. Stark fyra.
November 8, 2025
Litt for mange ord
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