At the helm of NATO, the Dutchman will lead a risk-averse civilian bureaucracy, where real power ultimately lies in the hands of NATO countries, especially the United States.
Like Stoltenberg, Rutte is a northern European prime minister, middle-aged and genial, his features a striking match.
Although the position seems like something very powerful, in reality, the Secretary-General only leads the civilian bureaucracy, which includes about 1,500 employees.
Military power is concentrated in the alliance’s member states, primarily in the hands of an American general as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.
All decisions in NATO must be approved by all member countries, which is why the Secretary-General limits himself to the point where his allies, especially the United States, are willing to go.
