A two-year-old NATO promotional film has erupted into a fresh controversy on social media, with critics noting how contrary to the diversity that is promoted by the mainstream narrative, an ad can show only white faces when the subject turns to combat.

The clip, originally released in July 2024 to mark NATO’s 75th anniversary, features soldiers in camouflage, pilots and civilians reciting lines such as “NATO means our future,” “supporting our Ukrainian friends” and “protecting the ones I love.” Combat and training sequences exclusively white Caucasian personnel and briefly just one non-white.

(Diversity is good, but -apparently- only in peacetime)

Many accounts and commentators across Europe and North America seized on the footage this week. They argued that Western advertising routinely highlights ethnic diversity in consumer and public-service campaigns, yet that emphasis vanishes when armies seek recruits for high-risk roles. “When it is time for the meat grinder, there is no multiculturalism,” one widely shared post declared. Similar remarks circulated the internet, framing the video as evidence of double standards.

The row arrives as several European governments discuss higher defence spending and possible conscription amid the war in Ukraine. Recruitment shortfalls are already a concern for several NATO members. Through this video the current political grievances about illegal immigration, population replacement, European identity and who bears the burden of collective defence are being indirectly highlighted.

NATO has not issued a fresh statement on the latest wave of posts. The episode nonetheless underscores a persistent tension; how an alliance of 32 nations presents itself to young citizens who will be asked, if necessary, to fight. But even more so, it uncovers the woke agenda‘s hypocrisy.