North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

It is widely accepted that NATO is the premier security organization in Europe, but its overall purpose in a post-cold war world remains contested.

NATO has opened its doors to the east, inviting the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland to join while affirming that membership would remain open to all qualified European countries.

But its members have yet to agree on what the organization should do in the modern world. Should its primary purpose remain to defend the territory of its members against direct attack? Or should the Atlantic Alliance focus on security and stability, upholding the rule of law? An alternative would be for NATO extend its reach both geographically and functionally.

Focusing on three fundamental priorities to help safeguard European security will put NATO in a better position to tackle the many other challenges it faces.

There was no invitation for Kyiv to join the alliance. But there was agreement on what Ukraine needs now to ensure Russia’s war fails.

NATO’s Washington summit takes place amid growing uncertainty about US leadership, and sustained Russian missile attacks on Ukraine’s cities.

Even as Russia bombs Ukrainian cities with murderous effect, Moscow is on the diplomatic offensive. Putin hopes to exploit division among Kyiv’s allies – but is also fearful of a Trump presidency.

A shrinking army risks the UK’s ability to fulfil its roles within the alliance. Boosting spending on recruitment, retention and upgrading capabilities is essential to maintaining a leadership role.

Explainers

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Russia’s policies for the polar regions overlap and are increasingly becoming militarized, as the perception of threats to Russian national interests grows.

Exploring key questions around Putin issuing what was interpreted as a threat to use nuclear weapons against NATO countries if they interfere in Ukraine.

Professor Andrew Dorman explores the reasons why Turkey might want to block Finland and Sweden from joining NATO.

Professor Andrew Dorman explores the impact of Finland and Sweden potentially joining the military alliance.

Examining the key questions around Russia’s strategy and military movements, and the likely developments in the next few weeks.

What is meant by deglobalization, what does it mean for efforts to address global challenges, and are there any benefits to having a less globalized world?

Keir Giles offers key principles and recommendations for effective deterrence against Russia’s actions.

Authors of a new research paper offer an overview of Russia’s modern military capabilities and advanced technologies in key sectors.

Short animation explaining the significance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Review Conference.

Russia’s military posture in the Arctic is informed by the changing geopolitical environment, and can no longer be considered in isolation from the country’s growing tensions with the West.

Keir Giles introduces his new book Moscow Rules: What Drives Russia to Confront the West.

As Russian forces leave Belarus, what are the main lessons to draw from the Zapad-2017 drills?

Latest content

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Open access

A selection of potted reviews from our sister journal International Affairs, by its book reviews editor Mariana Vieira.

Open access

Moscow’s agents are trying to destabilize Ukraine’s supporters – but while the Baltic states and Finland are boldly countering Russian espionage, others are more reticent, reports Helen Fitzwilliam.

While problems with procurement and recruitment may be being addressed, appointing external reviewers to the Strategic Defence Review is a creative way to overcome inter-service rivalry and build on deep experience.

Reconciling its transatlantic approach with EU defence initiatives could make Poland a leader on European defence.

Russia seeks to rebuild and modernize its armed forces, both to make up for combat losses in Ukraine and to apply lessons from that theatre. The outcome of this project matters deeply for Western security.

The NATO summit in Washington is an opportunity for Western leaders to push for innovative deterrence mechanisms against Russia’s war machine.

Procurement, security cooperation and international development policy require urgent attention.

The case of Britons allegedly working for Russian intelligence is just one example of how Moscow is actively disrupting normal life in Europe and the Baltic region.

Alliance countries need better understanding of the risks to their undersea infrastructure, and improved signalling to deter Russian sabotage and hybrid attacks.

As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary, the UK must overcome its capability gaps to boost the alliance’s deterrence power and account for threats like China.

The free to access issue includes a special section on NATO at 75, policy papers, book reviews and research articles on Russian foreign policy, Myanmar, global sovereign debt and more.

Containing Russia requires a holistic view of Black Sea security that considers how this is interlinked with the security of adjacent regions.

Watch the keynote address from our security and defence conference, delivered by the UK Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin.

Sweden’s membership will strengthen NATO, but the delays associated with its accession has revealed several concerns about the credibility and future of the alliance.

Failed tests may help the UK improve the reliability of its independent nuclear deterrent. But such events raise concerns about a lack of investment in non-nuclear defences.

The potential nuclear threats posed by Russia and China are complicated by the possibility of a second Trump presidency.

Donald Trump’s threats to NATO allies must unite European leaders in the defence of Europe.

Member content

The former top American general tells Lynne O’Donnell about the threat of China, how Ukraine has changed warfare and why the West must focus on Africa.

Russia is playing for time, hoping that support for Ukraine will weaken.

The new Polish government should now build a lasting security partnership with Ukraine.

As NATO defence ministers meet in Brussels, Zelenskyy makes a surprise visit to ensure focus remains on Ukraine.

In this research paper, Juliet Skingsley investigates democratic states’ strategies for balancing utility and risk in offensive cyber operations.

Open access

A small protest at a US airbase in Berkshire on September 5 1981 soon became a successful international campaign against nuclear missiles, writes Rebecca Johnson.

The Vilnius gathering failed to advance a convincing pathway to membership, but Ukraine is determined to bring relations with NATO to the next level.

Episode 34 of our weekly podcast discusses the fallout from the NATO summit in Vilnius.

The feeling in Kyiv may not be entirely positive, but the NATO alliance has been strengthened by the summit.

Episode 33 of our weekly podcast explores the Russian president’s weakening grip on power, two weeks on from the Wagner Group mutiny.

By putting in place climate change adaptation measures, NATO has an opportunity to both strengthen operational resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

This report makes the case for dramatically increased Western military assistance to Ukraine, and counsels against concessions to Russia.

Episode 31 of our weekly podcast explores the UK’s role in the defence of the Nordic region.

Latest event recordings

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How has the Russian invasion redefined security and geopolitics in the Black Sea region?

What are the security challenges facing the region?

How can a long and durable peace be found to safeguard Ukraine and Europe’s future? A networking reception will follow this event.

In conversation with Dr Colin H. Kahl, US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

Experts discuss how NATO can best prepare for climate-related security challenges.

This panel discusses the place for Ukraine in the European security framework and Europe’s preparedness to continue supporting Ukraine in a prolonged war.

This event explores aspects of the foreign policy of the administration of President Yoon Suk-yeol.

This conference takes a deep-dive into the implications of the war for the wider region.

In conversation with David Miliband, examining the risks and opportunities for the UK in a critical year ahead.

US senator Jeanne Shaheen examines the implications of new UK leadership, the war in Ukraine, and NATO expansion for the US–UK relationship.

Experts discuss a recent research paper which challenges a number of ideas about Russian military power and doctrine.

Officials and experts discuss the future of NATO ahead of the June summit in Madrid.

The UK’s shadow secretary of state for defence John Healey MP outlines the Labour Party’s vision for what is next with Britain’s defence strategy after the invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses what Ukraine needs from the West now.

This event explores how Ukraine and other states support the creation of a special tribunal and what alternatives may be available.

How has Britain positioned itself on the global stage a year after exiting the EU single market and the release of the UK government’s Integrated Review?

This event examines the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia in retaliation for its war in Ukraine.

Experts examine risks posed by nuclear weapons and reactors.

Andriy Yermak, head of the office of the president of Ukraine, updates on Ukraine’s fightback and its negotiating position, and talks about Russia’s objectives, Ukraine’s aims, and the responsibilities of democratic states.

The panel discusses the significance of the Russian invasion on Ukraine’s southern front and implications for the Black Sea region.

Experts analyse Russia’s tactics and Ukraine’s readiness in the attempted assault on Kyiv.

Discussion on the situation in Belarus, and what the future holds for a country often referred to as Europe’s last dictatorship.

This event explores the international implications of the US and NATO responses to the conflict in Ukraine.

High profile speakers launch a declaration to encourage the creation of a special criminal tribunal.

Chatham House experts examine the latest developments as Russia declares war with Ukraine and conducts large-scale military operations against the country.

An analysis of Russian aggression towards Ukraine and the likelihood and dynamics of conflict in Eastern Europe.

Tracing the history of global North attempts to transform fragile states into liberal democracies, and what this means for the future.

This event explores what lessons can be taken from past responses to Russian hostile actions and suggests recommendations for effective deterrence.

This briefing addresses the geopolitical context behind Zapad-2021 and explains Russian training and large-scale drills across Russia and Belarus.

Assessing the current security risks in the Black Sea region and discussing the strategies of the littoral states, in particular Ukraine and Turkey.

Upcoming events

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The tenth annual conference explores new ideas on how European countries can best respond to their challenges in security and defence, competitiveness and trade, technology and global influence.