The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members are celebrating its 75th anniversary, with a historic summit in Washington D.C. This summit is being held at a very critical time with Zelensky trying to gather international community support for Ukraine and the US Presidential elections just around the corner. While the alliance has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping post-war European security, this summit raises critical questions about NATO's future relevance and effectiveness.
NATO's accomplishments are undeniable. It was Formed in 1949 to deter Soviet aggression, and it successfully prevented a major war in Europe throughout the Cold War. After the collapse of the Soviet Union it moved eastwards and integrated the Warsaw Pact countries and instilling a sense of protection and security towards them. NATO has also engaged in peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and Afghanistan.
But the 2024 summit brought to light several issues that pose a danger to NATO's survival. Russia's return as an imminent threat to security is the primary fear. In 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and it’s current war with Ukraine expose the weak-links in NATO’s eastern frontier. On the other hand, as the alliances responsed with increased troop deployments and military exercises, it has led to strained relations with Russia and and sparked concerns about NATO's ability to successfully dissuade a more aggressive Moscow.
Beyond the external threat, internal divisions within the alliance pose significant challenges. All NATO members are supposed to give 2% of their GDP on defence spending to ensure the organization is always ready to combat security issues. The United States, despite calls for increased contributions from European allies, still shoulders a disproportionate share of military spending. It leads to resentment and raises doubts about America's long-term commitment to European security.
Furthermore, different member states have their own approaches for the same situation. For Eastern European nations, their priority is having a collective defence against Russia but for Western European members they look to ‘balance deterrence with dialogue.’ In a high-risk global scenario with a war raging in Europe, such difference in priorities can be a hindrance in finding a streamlined, singular response to security issues.
The 2024 summit also underscored the rise of new players and the changing global security architecture. While NATO traditionally focused on Euro-Atlantic threats, the summit included partners like Japan, South Korea, and Australia, reflecting concerns about China's growing military power and its assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.
However, this eastward shift raises further questions like can NATO effectively manage two potential adversaries on opposite sides of the Eurasian landmass? Additionally, limitations in NATO's ability to address emerging security threats like cyberwarfare and disinformation campaigns have also been exposed.
The 2024 summit serves as a wake-up call for NATO. The alliance needs to undergo significant reforms to remain relevant in the 21st century.
NATO needs to put more focus on increasing it’s eastern frontier’s military capacities and strengthening deterrence.
The burden of NATO’s budget is falling heavy on the US and a better approach to have equitable share of the burden and increasing funds is also required.
The kind of threats that existed in Cold War era is very different than the challenges nations face today: cyberwarfare, nuclear threats, advanced military machinary, drones and so much more. Warfare is constantly evolving and the ways to combat it need to evolve too.
Unified approach to dialogue and finding common ground when there are different priorities between members.
Its eastward expansion can be labeled a strategic move but they have to be very careful with each step. If focus is not central and resources are being overextended the organization is not going to be wholly complete either of its aims. Fostering a strong dialogue with India and its neighboring nations on China and also China as country is important in trying to manage a multipolar world.
NATO at 75 finds itself at a crossroads. The 2024 summit exposed internal divisions while highlighting the need for adaptation in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. However, one thing is clear: a strong and united NATO remains essential for maintaining a stable and secure Europe. If the alliance can reform, share burdens more equitably, and adapt to new threats, it might continue to be a relevant conglomeration for global security for years to come.
Authored By
Ms. Devanshi Thakore
Senior Researcher at The Geojuristoday
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