A decade ago, Former Vice president of the US, Michael Pence said, “ I think we would send a very strong message to Putin and to Russia that NATO countries and the United States are going to respond by growing stronger economically and strategically”. Today, amid the complexities of global politics, this sentiment finds it’s answer.
Founded in the year 1949, The North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO) celebrates it’s 75th Anniversary today. Committed to collective defence, peace and safeguarding member states from external threats, NATO stands as the world’s oldest military alliance of democratic nations
NATO: A shield against Russian Expansionism
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was formed in 1949 by the countries supporting the Western bloc under the USA to counter the growing Soviet expansion. Over the years, the bloc has expanded it’s membership, with countries like Turkey, Greece and North Macedonia joining it’s ranks.
The recent completion of Finland’s accelerated accession process and the inclusion of Sweden in 2024 further strengthened NATO’s unity in the face of external threats, particularly Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Evolution of Europe
In 1990, Europe stood at crossroads following the fall of Berlin Wall, marking the end of decades of division between East and West. The Soviet Union, once a dominant force, encompassed territories including Ukraine and the Baltic states. Meanwhile, the Warsaw Pact under Russian influence, controlled six satellite states.
Fast forward 32 years, Europe has transformed drastically. Germany’s reunification and independence of former Soviet republics have reshaped geopolitical dynamics. All former Warsaw Pact countries have solidified commitment to Western security alliances.
Invasion of Ukraine, who is to blame?
Despite warnings from both Western pundits and Russian leaders, NATO’s expansion towards Russia’s border has become a contentious issue. Critics cautioned that such expansion could lead to a new Cold war, or worse a hot one.
George Kennan, the intellectual architect of the USA’s containment policy during the Cold War, foresaw the repercussions, labelling it the start of a new cold war and predicting adverse reactions from Russia. However, US and European officials disregarded these warnings.
Even back in 2008, George W. Bush treated Georgia and Ukraine as it’s political and military allies. The recent Ukraine crisis raises questions about the wisdom of NATO’s expansion and the consequences of ignoring early red flags.
Putin's bold annexation of Crimea in response to perceived provocations from neighbouring countries was just the beginning. As tensions escalated, economic sanctions rained down on Russia like thunderbolts. But did the West back off ? No. Instead, they doubled down, flooding Ukraine with weapons and goading NATO into joint military exercises.
Kremlin demanded security guarantees, drawing a line in the sand, “No NATO troops or weapons on Ukrainian soil”.
Moscow's response was undeniably disproportionate, but one mustn't overlook the West's contribution to the escalating tensions. Pushing NATO towards Russia's borders only heightened the risk of conflict.
If the roles were reversed and Russia was cozying up to countries near the US, like Canada, it's certain the US would react strongly. Yet, everyone seemed to expect Russia to remain passive as they encroached on their territory. In the end, both sides share the blame for this mess. It's like a game of chicken where nobody wants to blink first, but everyone ends up getting hurt.
NATO Re-energized amidst Ukraine crisis
Following the invasion of Ukraine, NATO has experienced a resurgence, with increased member participation and a renewed focus on countering its old adversary, Moscow. The alliance, once questioned after the Cold War, now finds itself with a clear sense of purpose.
According to James Black of RAND Corporation, NATO has expanded both in size and ambition over the past two years, particularly in Eastern Europe. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's leader, highlighted that 18 member states are expected to meet the 2% GDP spending target on defence this year.
While billions have been pledged for defence spending and procurement, many initiatives are long-term, requiring time for implementation. European diplomats stress the need not only to replenish depleted stocks but also to build new capacities for the future.
Stoltenberg emphasized NATO's commitment to supporting Ukraine, advocating for more coordinated assistance and reduced reliance on voluntary contributions. However, challenges remain, with concerns over the time it takes for new funding to translate into tangible capabilities, especially amidst uncertainties like the potential for a future shift in US policy towards Europe.
As NATO looks towards the future, it’s jubilee slogan, “All for one and one for all” must speak for it’s firm unity and solidarity in confronting near evolving security threats.
Follow us
