World's most secretive society: Ex-NATO head takes charge of Bilderberg Group

The Bilderberg Group, an exclusive organization comprising influential figures from politics, industry, academia, and the military, has appointed former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg to chair its steering committee.

According to the article by The Daily Mail, this leadership transition occurs as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, signalling potential shifts in the global order, per Caliber.Az.

Founded in 1954, the Bilderberg Group has been known for its discreet meetings held at high-end venues, where attendees discuss topics such as international relations, economics, and security. The group has included prominent members like heads of intelligence agencies, such as the CIA and MI6, as well as influential political and business figures including Henry Kissinger, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, and Prince Charles.

Stoltenberg, who first attended a Bilderberg summit in 2002, was selected for his extensive experience in transatlantic relations. His tenure as NATO Secretary General, which focused heavily on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saw him lead efforts to reinforce NATO's defence capabilities, which many of his colleagues, including Trump ally Peter Thiel, have supported.

Trump, whose stance on NATO has been a point of contention in Europe, has indicated that he plans to reduce US contributions to NATO’s defence budget, focusing instead on an "America First" approach. Stoltenberg's new role places him at the centre of these evolving dynamics, especially as his leadership in NATO was marked by significant defence spending increases in response to regional security threats.

Thiel, a major supporter of Trump and the co-founder of Palantir Technologies, has become an influential figure within Bilderberg. His company’s technology has played a role in Ukraine's defence efforts, further highlighting the connection between the group and technological innovation in defence. Thiel's close ties to Trump and his supporters, including Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, suggest that his influence within Bilderberg will continue to shape the group’s focus on global security and defence.

Stoltenberg will co-chair the steering committee alongside Marie-Josée Kravis, a Canadian-American economist and philanthropist who is also a member of the board of Publicis, one of the world’s largest public relations firms. Kravis is married to Henry Kravis, the billionaire co-founder of investment firm KKR.

The next Bilderberg meeting, scheduled to take place in Sweden, will likely showcase the group's evolving approach, particularly regarding defence spending and transatlantic cooperation. With Stoltenberg at the helm and Thiel’s growing influence, the group’s priorities may increasingly centre on military strategy and geopolitical challenges as the global order continues to shift.

By Tamilla Hasanova