NATO is Not Yesterday’s News

Created in 1949, NATO was originally intended to be a cooperative alliance aimed at preventing another world war and stopping the spread of communism from the Eastern European block controlled by the Soviet Union. Since its inception, NATO has played an integral part in joint US/European ally military operations around the world.  Yet, in the last decade its power appears to have waned. Differing opinions between world leaders in the NATO ranks, economic crises, attention demanding domestic issues and a move away from interventionist policies have all contributed to the diminished capacity of the NATO alliance.

However, this year has seen a surge of activity demanding the attention of US and EU leaders, and the need for more comprehensive joint responses.

As European leaders grappled to confront the Ukraine/Russian crisis that fueled this past spring and summer, and the situation in the Middle East deteriorated causing more concern for Western interests, NATO leaders realized revitalization was needed. To that end, at the NATO Summit held last week in Wales a resurgence of agreements aimed at securing the original intent of the alliances reemerged.

Citing Russia and ISIS as the biggest threats facing the world right now, US President Barack Obama and UK Prime Minister David Cameron vowed NATO would “stand together and face the evolving challenges.”  Traditionally a defensive organization, a new plan sets the stage for immediate deployment of NATO forces (military members from 28 different countries) to regions deemed destabilized.  The goal is to be able to respond quickly, avert protracted engagements, and protect the interests of member nations.

As the fine print continues to be inked out, the effectiveness of the new NATO strategies remains to be seen.  But as the US President prepares to address the nation on the growing ISIS threat, and battles continue to flare in contested Ukrainian regions, the need for NATO is as urgent as it has ever been.

Images courtesy of Nato.int and AnswerCoalition.org