The Problem: Support in the West for this former Soviet republic to become a full-fledged member of NATO and the transatlantic alliance was not very strong, and its bid was considered to be a long shot. A decade after the fall of the Soviet Union, concern remained that the country – while having made great strides in its market and democratic development – had not matured institutionally to the standard required of NATO members. Additionally, many of the foreign policy elite were concerned about the implications this could have on U.S.-Russian relations.
Strategic Recommendation: With its bipartisan depth in Washington and extensive reach among NATO allies in Europe, Dutko Global Advisors was uniquely positioned to help the country achieve its goals. Dutko Global Advisors identified an approach that focused on garnering vital support among champions within the U.S. government, NATO Headquarters, and other key NATO allies.
Program Elements: Dutko Global Advisors conducted an extensive and coordinated lobby effort in Washington and NATO capitals abroad. Dutko worked directly with key decision makers on Capitol Hill, the White House, NATO Headquarters, and member governments to educate them on the country’s vital contributions to the transatlantic alliance.
Results: The country was invited to join NATO at the 2002 Prague Summit and later completed accession negations to join the European Union in 2004. Under the President’s strong moral leadership, the country has emerged as a beacon of democracy and has proven itself a steadfast ally of the United States and transatlantic community. Although Dutko was initially engaged by the country’s leadership to support its bid to join NATO, Dutko Global Advisors has continued to serve in an advisory role, both formal and informal, to the country’s President, Prime Minister, and Cabinet. Throughout its transition, Dutko Global Advisors has maintained a strong relationship with the Government and its leaders. In its evolving advisory role, Dutko Global Advisors has identified and helped secure foreign investment to boost its reformed market economy, and continues to advise the Government informally on matters of foreign policy.
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