Yuriko Backes on European Defense and the Voice of Small States

What does European defense look like from a small state’s perspective? Yuriko Backes discusses Luxembourg’s growing capabilities, its commitment to NATO, and why all member states need a voice in decisions about European security. She reflects on growing up between Japan and Luxembourg, her commitment to diplomacy, and her contributions to European security and women’s rights, including establishing Luxembourg’s first National Center for Victims of Violence.

Yuriko Backes is Luxembourg's Minister of Defence, Minister for Mobility and Public Works, and Minister for Gender Equality and Diversity.

Dr Amanda Sloat is Professor of Practice in the School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs at IE University in Madrid, Spain.

Dr Nathalie Tocci is Professor of the Practice at SAIS Europe in Bologna, Italy.

Power & Purpose is an IE Insights podcast.