The Alliance faces complex and growing security challenges. Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and full-scale invasion of Ukraine have changed the strategic landscape. The Alliance is also concerned by China’s rapid military build-up, including its nuclear capabilities. And we are worried about the deepening strategic partnership between Iran and North Korea, which poses significant risks to global peace and stability.
NATO’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes remains firm. However, if diplomatic efforts fail, the Alliance has the military capacity to undertake crisis-management operations. These could be undertaken under the collective defence clause in Article 5 of its founding treaty, alone or in conjunction with other countries and organisations.
Increasingly, the Alliance is also working to boost the resilience of all Allies. This means preparing, empowering and investing in the ability of societies to respond to, adapt to and recover from the full range of threats and hazards. This includes asymmetric threats like terrorism; cyber attacks; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents; natural disasters; and other emerging challenges.
The Alliance has strengthened its deterrence and defence in response to the changing security environment. This includes strengthening its conventional forces, boosting the Alliance’s exercises and intelligence and modernising its force posture. NATO’s defence production is being increased through a new defence industrial strategy, enhanced cooperation with Allies and partners and the establishment of a EUR 1 billion NATO Innovation Fund. It is also stepping up its research and development activities, as well as its work on emerging and disruptive technologies.
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